Whitewater Trip June 2009

We had a great time on the Snake River. This year we were joined by grandson, Thatcher; Pat's sister Sandy and niece Tracy. We had a super time and the weather was good when we needed it most - between putting up camp and taking it down.

Here is Grandpa and Thatcher resting up for the arduous trip down the river.



Miss Tracy in camp.



It takes a little man and woman power to move the rafts on each run.



Grandpa and Thatcher getting ready for the first run.



The four rafters. Patty wasn't able to go down this year due to potential back concerns.



But she did work hard on transportation, being the offical photographer, chief cook and bottle washer.



A couple great shots of Mt Moran and Oxbow Bend.




It was an obsolutely beautiful day in the Grand Teton National Park.




A shot from the back of Tammie's old place of employment - Jackson Lake Lodge.




Hidden Falls was beautiful (and really roaring).




This is a clip of our first, and probably best run through Lunch Counter rapids. We really got slammed right at the tail end. One of our key riders, Christi, got tossed out up in front and Grandpa Jay had to lend a hand to pull her back in.




We really wanted everyone to see a moose. On the way to Teton Village we found a couple! A baby with her "mother". (hint: there is a joke about this if you pay attention.)

"Keaton"

On June 17, 2009, Elizabeth and Jason welcomed Keaton Richard Andersen to the family at 4:10 AM (This also happens to be Jason's birthday). The cute little guy weighed in at 6 lbs. 13 oz. Height 18". Congratulations!

Air Show on D-Day

On Saturday, June 6 2009, Patty and I joined 200,000+ of our closest friends to watch the Air Force Show at Hill Air Force Base. This is also the 65th anniversary of D-Day. It is was of the few activities on earth that I would allow myself to get caught up with this many people.

This pilots are incredibly skilled at flying these amazing machines. We were at the show for 8+ hours (my fried face will attest to that). The weather turned out great with temperature at around 75 degrees and beautiful skies (see pictures).

Here are the Thunderbird F-16 jets waiting for their turn.



During the day there were numerous stunt planes with incredible pilots.



Grandma Pat and friends



The Air Force parachuters.



F-16 in brilliant skies.



Another stunt plane



Grandpa standing by a F-16 that he would love to fly in.



An incredibly large C-4 (I think that is correct). Makes a person seem small.



Amongst the crowd. We enjoyed talking to our new friends that we sat by all day.



Even though these were taken with a small digital camera, they turned out fairly well. We thought the grandkids would like to see them. (Thunderbirds)

The Last Chapter - Nauvoo, Cathage, & N. Missouri

Carthage is a somber place. Again, the Church has done a nice job of restoring this sad but historic spot in Church history.



I'm not much of a photographer, but this one turned out OK. I took this picture through the bullet hole in the door where the Prophet and others were staying. In the background is the window that Joseph went out of.



Outside the jail by the well where the Prophet laid.



This is the tomb back in Nauvoo where Joseph, Hyrum and Emma are buried. Their old homestead is in the background (now owned by the Community of Christ Church).



On our way back to Kansas City, we spent a night in Jamesport, MO, the largest settlement of Amish west of the Mississippi. We enjoyed visiting with them and seeing their skills with wood, quilting, etc. This picture is of a community phone booth that they use.



The Amish do not like their pictures taken, but we did take one of their mode of transportation.



We stayed in a B&B in Jamesport and really enjoyed ourselves. We stayed in the Blue Room (named for obvious reasons).



Adam-Ondi-Ahman is fairly close to Jamesport. When we went there we were literally the only people around so it was pretty inspirational to think of all that took place and will take place in the future.





I won't bore you with all of the details regarding Spring Hill, Tower Hill, etc., but I encourage you to read the references in the D&C. I did want to see and stand on Preacher's Rock at Tower Hill. The Prophet preached here many times as well as ancient prophets, no doubt. When we got to the turn-off for Tower Hill the gate was still locked. So, being my son's father, I jumped the fence and ran the mile or so up Tower Hill. I was not about to go this far and be denied. My self-timer shot turned out OK. With the birds singing, the flowers coming out and the incredible reverence in the area, it was awesome to be there and ponder.



Our last official tourist act was to visit President Truman's Library and his private residence. Suffice it to say that it was a terrific place to visit. We spent about 3 hours in the library and could have spent twice that. We had our own private tour of his home.

All in all . . . a truly remarkable trip.

Nauvoo the Beautiful

OK, so we have been home from our trip for a month, but hopefully you all aren't bored. Nauvoo is an amazing place. The Church has done a great job of making this a significant and fun place for the whole family.

This picture is from the first night we were in Nauvoo. The home that we stayed in was a couple miles north of the town. We were coming back at night to see the play "Rendevous at Old Nauvoo" and when we came around the corner the moon was coming up over the temple on a beautiful clear night. My little digital camera wouldn't do it justice, but your older sister, Tammie, was able to get this great shot.



Sunset over the Mississippi river in front of home where we stayed. (picture also taken by Tammie)



We had a great rope swing for the kids to play on (kids of all ages).



The kids waiting to get "shod" at the blacksmith shop.



A great statue of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young depicting the revelation that the saints would be heading to the Rocky Mountains.



The temple is a beautiful sight.



A wonderful statue of Joseph and Hyrum depicting there last chance to see the temple and Nauvoo before they were taken to Carthage.



We all had a great time in the Family Living Center learning about rope making, bread making, candles, etc.



The Springer family by the Mississippi.



Rebecca "dolled" grandpa up. She is so proud that she inherited the Stewart trait of being able to touch her nose with her tongue!

Birthday, Baptism, and other assorted Beauties

Here is cute Rylee in one of her more angelic moments.



Kiara getting smooches from Aunt Elizabeth.



The birthday boy, Bridger T. Bailey, one year old, with his big brother, Thatcher.



You've never seen a boy who likes balls more that Bridger.



A pretty cute cake made by his mom.



Pictures of all the relatives supporting Kailee at her baptism.