Bolivar Missouri

  Until a year ago I didn't know this town existed, but now I am so grateful this  quaint town called Bolivar Missouri exists. Sheldon and I arrived in Springfield about 40 minutes from Bolivar on Thursday afternoon. Springfield has the largest Bass Pro Shop, so we stopped to visit it. It was easy to get lost in there and we had a lot of fun lookin around and seeing things our kids love. Loryn was a little annoyed we kept sending her text that made her "jealous" that she wasn't with us. She told me on Saturday it's like a slap in the face everytime you send me another text, because I really want to be there. So I decided I wouldn't send her anymore (a little late at that point).

 

If you look closely this duck has a blue bill --

it was a very entertaining duck that didn't hold still for pictures

After we enjoyed the turtles, Alligator Gar, Dutch Ovens, Guns, Scuba Show, and Unique Candy at Bass Pro, we decided we should find our favorite Mid-West Restaurant – Steak and Shake and ohwere we lucky it was just right up the street. We were reminded why this was our favorite, McDonald Prices with better food and service (in our opinions – some locals don’t agree with us, but we sure enjoyed). Again all of our kids who have been wanted us to bring them chicken fingers and shakes. We tried their holiday shake peppermint and chocolate (I know it doesn’t sound appetizing to my mom, but it was good)

Next we headed to Bolivar where we were greeted by Marcia who was busy fixing us a delicious lasagna dinner.  We waited for Larry to come home and then we ate.  They were the most gracious host and made us feel so comfortable and welcome in their home.  Luckily we agreed on politics and sports and enjoyed discussing those topics along with stereo speakers, travels and a few other fun topics.  Marcia was so accommodating and was amazing still recovering from a broken elbow and wrist.  

We were going to wait and watch the beautiful video our photographer put together when Christiana and Corey got there, but then Chrisitana called and said they lost their luggage.  Corey’s dad, Randy was picking them up.  Southwest ask them to wait a half hour for the next flight to come from Denver to see if their luggage was on it.  YAY it was, but that put them getting to Bolivar after midnight so we watched the video without them at first.   We really appreciated Randy for picking Corey and Christiana up and it was nice to meet him.

Corey and his brother Chris

This was an interesting vacation.  Usually Sheldon and I quickly adjust to the time change because we throw ourselves into a full schedule, but we were just  here for the open house and had nothing else planned.  We couldn’t believe on Friday morning when we looked at the clock and  it was almost 9:00.  Neither of us remembered the last time we slept until 9, even when we’ve travelled.  We enjoyed a great breakfast and just a relaxing day touring  Bolivar, watching a movie and going to the local Wal-Mart.



This is Khloe, who I easily won her love, once I helped her convince her mom that Cupcakes come before dinner

She was working on Smiles




Larry's dad Sid and Step Mom Mary




Cousins, brother and girlfriend (Elizabeth)



Saturday was really nice too. We helped get ready for the guest, making cupcakes, scallop potatoes(cheesy potatoes), ham, baked beans and stuffing. Marcia had the house cleaned and ready and we put up a few decorations. They had so many nice friends and family come and many stayed and visited to several hours. I did my best at remembering names, even those I didn’t remember I really enjoyed visiting. So many were so kind and brought gifts for Christiana and Corey. Sherry, Randy’s girlfriend loves to make quilts and she made Christiana and Corey a beautiful quilt for their bed. I told her thank you, it helps relieve the pressure of me wanting to create a beautiful quilt like my mother and grandmother did for me.


I feel so thankful Christiana has such wonderful in-laws who love her and have raised an incredible husband for her.