Day 7: Meeting Family Members

Today I got to meet another one of Jason's brothers for the first time! Despite all the driving and being in the car, it was a great day!

All the kiddos on the tramp

We got to visit with our friends in Kansas for a while. Carter loved playing with their kids and hated  it when we had to leave. I think the little man really hates being the only child sometimes. I don't blame him though, siblings always made life less boring.

After saying our goodbyes, we headed towards lamar Colorado. Jason did a little family history research before we left, and on our way we made a few stops at cemeteries to see the headstones of his family who has already passed on. It was a little funny that we were doing that, but the stops were nice. Nice to get out and stretch.

When we arrived in lamar, we met up with Jason's brother and his family. We had a lovely time talking, and it was hard to end our dinner so we could drive to Denver for the night. I'm so glad I've been able to meet both of Jason's brothers. It has always been a warm fuzzy feeling, and I hope we are able to see them both again soon!

Dinner with Jason's brother and his family

The drive to Denver felt way longer than it readout was. Tomorrow will be our longest drive, and our last. It feels so weird going back to Utah, but at the same time it feels like we are going home. Home to where our little baby Shanna was with us. Home to where neighbors aren't just friends, they are family. We've missed them so much! So here's until you hear from me again. Happy reading!

Day 6: Independence Missouri and Friends in Kansas

What a day! Lots of driving, but lots of site seeing and reminiscing with old friends. Tonight were staying on an army base, which is a first for me. Making this trip to see friends and family has made the long hours in the car totally worth it.

So today we got up pretty early to head from Omaha to Independence Missouri. It was a little bit of a long drive, but we did it with out too much stopping and complaints from the little man. Listening to The Book Thief on audible helped pass the time, and before too long we stopped at Hauns Mill. There wasn't too much to see there. Just a really cool rock and a muddy river bank. Our shoes were covered, but that's only because I explored a little more hoping to see a little more. Thank goodness for paper towels and wet ones.

Hauns Mill

Carter at Hauns Mill

Carter and daddy looking at the map

Muddy muddy muddy

After Hauns Mill, we made our way to Farr West. It was a quick stop with not much to see. In fact Carter fell asleep just before we pulled up. We let him sleep and took the opportunity to look around for a short while. When we walked back to the car, we heard music blaring and a sad lurks boy's face smashed up against the window. His door was child locked and he could get out. My heart sank when I saw him, and I felt like a terrible parent. Poor thing thought we had left him there for good. Once he calmed down, we took him to walk around for a little bit. He wasn't even mad at us, poor thing.

Farr West

Carter by one of the corner stone of the temple

Next we stopped at liberty jail. It was a lot different than I pictured it. The jail was in a visitors center, and was only a replica. As we listened to a presentation I thought about how much the prophet Joseph Smith had to suffer. Because of his suffering, we can find great words of comfort in the doctrine and covenants.

Outside the visitors center

Us in front of the jail

We were running out of time quickly. In order to be at our friends' house in time for dinner, we had about 20 minutes to see independent Missouri. There, there was a visitors center across the street from the community Christ temple. We rushed through a few exhibits air the history of independence, and hit the road again.

Inside the visitors center

The community of Christ temple

We made it to our destination at the army base only 40 minutes late, but there we got to visit with old friends and Carter got to play. By the time it was time for bed, Carter was not very happy. He wanted to play all night long. When we finally got him to calm down, we all climbed in bed. Did I ever mention how much I love sleep? Well...let's just say it's A LOT! Tomorrow holds more adventures. Good night!

Day 5: Winter Quarters and More Family

This trip haso been so great! We've spent plenty of time in the car to last us a while, but we've been able to see family, friends, and see amazing things! I'm so glad we didn't take the easy way out and fly home. Not getting nausea from the plane has been pretty great too.

Well today we had to say goodbye to Carter's new best friends. He loved playing with the forks while we were at Dave and Carrie's. The virus had school in the morning and so he only got a short time in with then. Although I'm pretty sure having cartoons on helped tremendously. Silly kid is addicted to all things TV.

Carter with the girls

We hung out for a little while after the girls left, and on our way out we visited an Amish furniture store. It was pretty interesting to meet the Amish man named Eli who owned the store. We learned he had 9 kids and he does all the finishing and staining for all of the furniture they had. While we were talking, my crazy little bit slipped and fell. After a screaming and crying episode and wanting his mommy, we notice he got a pretty deep cut on his ear. Poor little guy seems to always learn the hard way. After reviewing a cool key chain from Eli, it was all better.

Our next destination was about 2 hours away in Ohmaha Nebraska. Another church site, and we met a good old friend from our college days. She had the cutest little boy, and after taking a tour of the visitors center we took them out for ice cream. Winter quarters was anther wonderful story about great sacrifices and struggles that brought forth great blessings. We really enjoyed our time there.

Carter trying out a hand cart 

Us with our friend 

In front of winter quarters visitors center

After saying goodbye to our friend, we headed off to Humphrey Nebraska where we visited with another one of Jason's cousins. After visiting with her a while, the crowd trickled in, and before Carter knew it he had 2 new friends. He loved playing with them, and we loved sitting and visiting themy. By the time we had to leave it seemed like way too short of a visit. Hopefully next time we meet up, it will be for much longer.

Carter with one of his new friends 

We left Humphrey around 9 and after a few potty breaks we were snuggled in our hotel by midnight. Tomorrow will be another great day in Missouri and Kansas. I'm already getting sad that our trip is almost over. Until tomorrow, good night and happy reading!

Day 4: Nauvoo and visiting family

Today we had a pretty awesome fun filled day! We made our way from gloomy, rainy, chicago, to beautiful Nauvoo. It wasn't too bad of a drive, and we really enjoyed the time we had there.

Our first stop, checking out the oxen they had on site. We got to learn about how the pioneers crossed the Plains. We were pulled in a wagon that was the exact dimensions of what the pioneers used. The oxen moved so slowly. It was crazy to see that they moved slower than a man or women could walk. Carter liked being up in the front and called the cows yaks a few times. I think he enjoyed it.

Carter and daddy with the oxen

Carter loved riding in front

After that, we went to the bakery and learned about the bakery that was there in Nauvoo. They gave us gingerbread cookies as we exited the anak building. We were on a tight schedule to catch the next wagon ride with the horses.

Carter and daddy in front of the bakery

We were given a tour as we rode in the wagon, and learned about all the buildings in the city of Nauvoo. We were almost done with the ride when Carter had to go potty. They always pick the best times to pee, and so he and daddy had to get off the wagon early.

Carter face with the horses

The three of us after the wagon ride

Our next and last stop was the brick yard. A missionary talked to us about how the pioneers made brick to build all their buildings. Carter thought it was the coolest thing whether he was given a brick to take home. We wished weer could have seen more, but a 3 hour drive to get to Jason's cousin's house was waiting for us.

Seeing Dave, Carrie, and their girls was awesome. We loved every second of it. Cater especially enjoyed himself. The girls took care of him and when bed time came around, it was a huge fight. There were lots of toys, a ride on a tractor, and a delicious steak dinner. We were spoiled.

Carter in the tractor 

I'm so glad we were able to make the trip down to Iowa and see this great family. We sure love them, and love it when we get to visit!

Day 3: Happy birthday Carter!

Today, April 10, 2017 is my little boy's birthday! I can't believe that on this day years ago, Carter changed or lives forever. IHe has been my little side kick ever since. He has taught so much about love, patience, and how to be selfless. I love him with all of my heart!

Typical Carter picture. We love him!

Well, having a birthday on the road is not the greatest thing ever. Especially with limited space in a car and not very many gifts. We really tried to make the day all about him and spoiled him as much as we could. Our next destination being chicago, we got up really early and made our way over. Waking Carter up with happy birthday made him smile ear to ear. He has been taking about this day for the last 6 months or more.

When we got to Chicago, we took a little time to make daddy's day (he convinced Carter he wanted to do it too). We drove down town to check out Wrigley field on opening night. To say it was crazy is an understatement. It was insane! We wanted to stop and play at a park near by, but parking was ridiculous. People were charging $60 just to park near the stadium! So yep, we stayed in our car.

After the excitement of down town, we checked into our hotel and let Carter open the only gift we brought on our trip. When he opened it, I thought he'd be way more excited. Not sure if he was just in shock, or disappointed that it wasn't a toy. We got him his favorite movie Moana. Once he started watching it though, he didn't want to stop. We had to pull him away so we could meet up with some friends for Chicago deep dish pizza! I think he loved all the attention he got when the workers sang to him.

Just chilling in our hotel room

Carter with his birthday gift

Carter after opening Moana

Carter's awesome desert. He loved being sang to. 

After some yummy food, we hit up the hotel pool and had some fun swimming. We got Carter some toys and he loved squirting Jason and I. Of course he made a friend too and they had fun playing with each other for a while. Carter was really sad when it was time to say goodbye.

After showers and pajamas, bedtime! I think our little monkey had a pretty good day even though we were on the road for the majority of it. I can believe my little baby boy is 4!

Day 2 Kirtland Ohio

We had a pretty awesome day today! We started our day by getting ready to go to church in Ohio on the way to Kirtland. We attended a very interesting testimony meeting, and decided we are really going to miss the east simply for the wonderful and interesting church meetings we were able to attend. There is so much kindness and love for everyone no matter their past or present circumstances. It feels as if there is no judgement, just love. I'll miss it!

Our first stop before getting to Kirtland was the John Johnson home. It was a home where Joseph and Emma lived with the Johnson family, and finished translating the bible (corrected and added things that were lost). It was the very home where Joseph was dragged down the road and tarred and feathered. There is a special spirit where ever the prophet Joseph was. He sacrificed so much to do God's work and went through so much persecution.

A picture of our family in front of the John Johnson home (a senior sister missionary took it for us)

Next, we drove down the road a little ways to the city of Kirtland. We were able to take a tour with some sister missionaries from Utah, and learned about what happened there. It was amazing to see the places where the early Saints lived. We learned more of the great sacrifices to help build the kingdom of God on the earth. Everyone in our tour group loved watching Carter and interacting with him. Kirtland was a beautiful city.

Our tour of Kirtland went a little later, and we weren't sure if we would make it to the community of Christ visitors center for the Kirtland temple. We decided to go anyway to see some houses and walk the streets where leaders of the church walked. Our last stop was the community of Christ visitors center where a volunteer named Nancy was working on the grounds. After talking to her, she graciously offered to give us a quick private tour of the temple. She had been working since 7am, and with it being around 7pm we were so grateful to her and her willingness to work a little longer.

Us in front of the Newel Kirtland Whitney store

It was different seeing the temple and how neglected it seemed to be on the outside. The grounds looked a little rough and the spirit there was so different. In the inside it wasn't at all what I expected. It was more of a chapel where Sunday meetings were held, and where the saints went to learn about the gospel. The two stories were exactly the same, and the third floor was an office where we weren't able to go. Once we exited the temple, a couple of families had found their way over. We felt bad for Nancy, because that meant she wold stay longer for the families after us. I hope she didn't end up staying even longer.

The Kirtland temple 

Us in front of the temple

Our day ended in cleaveland where we made dinner and crashed in our hotel room. Tomorrow....more adventures!

Good bye north Carolina

Well, today came way too fast. It feels like just yesterday when wet got back from Washington DC. Now we are in Charleston West Virginia and on our journey back to Utah. Carter couldn't be happier about going back to see all his toys. I think once we get back, he'll realize he does miss it.

Yesterday was my birthday, and it was bitter sweet to go out to dinner with the great friends we made there. I love moving and visiting other places,  but saying goodbye to the wonderful people we meet is the hardest. Some day I hope our paths will cross again and that we stay in touch with each other.

Carter in the back seat with a box. Poor kid.

This morning was filled with all the last minute packing  and errands that we needed to run. In the middle of the morning while waiting for Jason to bring our new rental car, carter's little friend and his awesome mother came to say
goodbye and give Carter a little birthday present. Shortly after, the car was packed and we said goodbye to our little apartment, ready for our next adventure.

Carter and his good buddy saying good bye

This whole week we will be driving across country back to our Utah home. We plan on making lots of stops and making the most of our time. Today we stopped in Charleston West Virginia. After checking into our hotel, we were able to visit the Kahawana national forest and went for a little hike. It was a pretty neat little hike where we crossed little streams and climbed up a trail full of roots and rocks. We really had a good time. We were hoping to get some swimming in, but after eating dinner we were all exhausted. Carter is sleeping now,  and we'll start our day headed towards Kirtland in the morning.

Carter all snug and ready to go in the packed car.

Washington DC

Well, it has been another eventful weekend for the Osborn family. We finally made our way to the nation's capital! We had so much fun, and got so much walking in. We went out with a bang on our last weekend trip on the east coast. I hope some day we find ourselves back here.

Well,  to start off our adventure, Carter and I drove to Danville Virginia to pick Jason up at work. We started our journey with partly cloudy skies,  but shortly after Carter pointed to the sky and said, "mommy, are we driving into the dark over there?" I didn't think we were, but then the rain started pouring. It was as if we were driving through a water fall! I could not see hardly anything with the windshield wipers going full speed. There were multiple cars pulled over on the side of the road, and almost everyone on the road had their emergency flashers on! The roads were covered in water, and if we went more than 50 our car started to hydroplane! Talk about a white knuckle drive, it was awful. Cater screaming in the back seat because he was scared didn't help things either. I was so excited to finally pull into Jason's work. I was happy to pass the driving responsibilities to Jason when we saw him!

Eventually it stopped raining and we were happy to get to our hotel room. We were even more happy to find that it was a nice one with out any roaches.


Our day started out early, and we found ourselves parking and walking down the streets of Washington DC. Our first stop, the International Spy Museum. We were excited when we went to a briefing room, received secret identities, and then given missions. We were a little disappointed when we didn't even use our secret identities, and our secret missions were all the same. Carter loved seeing the awesome spy cars and enjoyed some of the museum. We were a little disappointed, but didn't let it get us down.

Carter in front of his favorite car 

Our next stop was the museum of natural history. We were told about a butterfly room that was a must see. After walking around for a while we found it, but it cost extra to go inside. We spent the rest of the time checking out all the animal exhibits.

Carter checking out the cool fish 

Our bellies were hungry for some lunch after a while, and so we checked out the lines of food trucks near the capital building. After eating some yummy food, we made our way to the Air and Space Museum. We found that that was our favorite museum of the day.  Carter ran around everywhere, excited to see all the rockets and Space ships. It was fun.

Where we ate our lunch

Air and Space

The walking didn't stop there. We started walking to the Lincoln Memorial. On our two mile journey, we sawill a kite festival around the Washington monument. We also walked passed the white house. I'm so glad we brought a stroller, or we would have had one unhappy little boy. When we finally made it back to our car and hotel, we were exhausted. It made for a very good night's rest.

We saw the white house

The Washington monument from Lincoln Memorial 

Carter loved being outside

                             

Washington monument again

                         .

Carter at the Lincoln Memorial

The monument was pretty cool

Sunday we journeyed over to Maryland where the Washington DC temple is located. We went into the beautiful visitors center, and ended up watching the Sunday morning session of conference. We were so excited to hear of 5 new temples and loved listening to the words of inspired men and women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The beautiful DC temple

I love my boys!

The rest of our day was spent in the car, driving back to our North Carolina apartment. This trip made me thankful for so many things. I'm not only thankful for my cute little family that I have to travel with, but also thankful for this beautiful world I get to be a part of. I'm so thankful for inspired leaders who made our country great and have their lives so that I could have the freedoms I enjoy. This will be our last week in North Carolina, and although it makes me so sad to leave, I'm thankful that we were able to have these experiences now. We head out on our cross country adventure Saturday morning. So, until then, happy reading!

Charelston South Carolina

This weekend was one of our best trips. We got to spend a day with family, visit more historical sites, and end our weekend with an afternoon at the beach. We fell even more in love with the east coast. The next two weeks are going to go fast and our trip back to Utah way too soon.

Friday night, Jason got off work a tiny bit early and we were off! The drive to Charleston went pretty quick with lots of bathroom trips and jamming out to the Moana sound track. We also got to plan our trip back to Utah, which made me a little bit more excited for going back. We finally pulled into our hotel at about 11:15pm. The place we pulled into was creepy and did not give us a good feeling. After finding out they did not have our reservation in their system, and seeing the last room they had left, we drove away on another destination to find a place to sleep. Our next stop sounded great, and when we pulled up it looked a lot better than our first choice. Upon arriving we checked in, got our room key, and headed upstairs to our room for the night. About 10 cockroaches and feeling unsure about the cleanliness later, we were on our way to another hotel. Three times must be the charm, because the next hotel was fantastic compared to the other two. We were finally going to bed at 1am!

We got up pretty early the next day to start on the adventures we had planned. After eating a good breakfast we zipped off to Charles towne Landing. It was a pretty neat state park, where we got to see animals, learn about the history of that exact place when the first settlers were there, and got a ton of walking it. It was so fun, and I must say…. I’m so glad we brought a stroller! We had lots of fun, and it was really neat to learn about the history of that place.

Daddy and his mini me.

We made an eagle friend, he was squawking at us.

Out cute little navigator.

A Cannon!!!

Carter is going to be just like his grandpa. He loves boats!

Next, we headed to downtown Charleston for some amazing BBQ. It was a bumping place, and driving down NARROW roads was nerve wracking! We were supposed to meet Jason’s brother there and eat together. We arrived about 45 min before they did, and Jason decided to order. The place (Nick’s BBQ) had you order first before you sit down (we were planning on getting a table and just waiting). After making a waitress a little upset with us and making us order, We found ourselves in a little bit of an awkward situation. When Scott showed up with his family, and half of our food was gone and the rest very cold. Once they got their food things seemed to be good and we had a really good time catching up.

Our next stop was Fort Sumter where the civil war began. We took a 30min Ferry ride to the fort located on a manmade island. It was so neat, and Carter absolutely loved riding on the ferry. He thought it was the coolest thing! Throw in his 9year old cousin Colton, and he was having the time of his life. He loved every second! As we were chugging along, we got to see dolphins jumping out of the water, and we saw some pelicans do some very impressive diving. It was a really neat ride.

Walking around the fort was pretty cool. Carter got to see more cannons, the adults got to run after the kiddos and miss most of the history of it all, but it was so good to be with family and so fun to be learning about American History. The hour we were allotted on the island seemed to go by very quickly, and before we knew it we were back on the boat headed to the mainland. I was a little sad about heading back too, because that meant we had to say goodbye to Scott, Kim, and Colton. We really liked spending the day with them.

Carter and Daddy checking out the sights.

Carter really likes cannons.

Carter and Colton. They were best buddies ,3

Getting ready to go back on the Ferry.

All of us at Fort Sumter <3

Once back on land, we visited for a little while. The boys played near a fountain and we tried to stretch our time for as long as we could. It seemed like seconds after however, we had to say our goodbyes and let them get back to their home in Florida. That’s when Carter, Jason, and I decided to go bowling. 

The boys at the fountain.

Now everyday Carter says, "should we go bowling>"

After having a fun time bowling the worst game in history for me, and splitting my thumb nail down the middle, we were on the search for some yummy ice cream. We settled with frosties and headed back to our hotel. Once there I was out within minutes and Jason watched Over the Hedge with Carter. Getting 15,000 steps really took it out of me.

Sunday was a fun day! We woke up, got dressed for church, eat breakfast, and headed to the Summerville South Carolina 1^st Ward services. Once Sacrament meeting was over, we jumped in the car yet again, and headed to Myrtle Beach South Carolina. It was a gorgeous day, and 80 degrees! There was so much to see and so much to do there. After parking and changing out clothes, we ate lunch at this yummy sub and pizza place, and then headed down to the beach. Carter absolutely loves the ocean, and Jason and I love to see him run and play. He tried to catch a whole bunch of seagulls and got soaking wet. Apparently the coldness of the water didn’t phase him one bit. There was a moment when I was so thankful for the beautiful world around me, and so thankful for my little family. I am truly blessed.

Myrtle beach

Carter loved being at the beach!

<3

My boys and the beach... is there anything better?

He's going to catch one, one of these days!

The ride home was pretty uneventful. I am going to miss coming home to this apartment here. I miss our little home in Spanish Fork so much, but this apartment has become a piece of us and it’ll be so hard to leave. We have 2 full weeks left here, and sadly I think they are going to go by extremely fast. Until next time, Happy Reading!