Sights of Missouri #2-Insects

We found out very quickly living here that bugs love living in Missouri! Thankfully it is a little colder now so many of them are dead or in hiding. We discovered a new insect this year that we had never heard of before, Chiggers. Anyone who knows what those are is probably shuddering just seeing the name. Chiggers are microscopic bugs (hence no picture). They wander around on your body until they hit an elastic band or tight part of your clothes. When they can't go any further, they stop and inject their saliva into you. It creates a bite almost like a mosquito bite, but 10 times worse. The bite itches so bad and lasts anywhere from 2-4 weeks. And it's rarely just one bite, we would sometimes wake up with 9-10 new bites in the morning-miserable. I'm so thankful for the cold weather that has now killed all of them!

Sights of Missouri #1 - Reptiles

An Apple A Day....

This weekend we picked apples at Alldredge Farms! It was a beautiful farm with lots of fruit trees, animals, a bakery with yummy homeade goodies, and amazing old barns turned into stores and reception centers. It had just rained and was very cold, but it was so fun. I was so proud of Tucker who learned really quick how to use an apple picker (I've realized since being married that guys love to learn how to use new tools).

Wedding Day Highlights!!!

If anyone is interested in seeing some of our fun wedding day pictures and videos, my sister Maleah has compiled her top 10 favorite wedding moments on her blog: www.justinandmaleah.blogspot.com. Check it out!

Tribute to J-Dawg

I'm sad to announce that our fish, J-Dawg, died sometime between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. He was 2 weeks away from his 5th birthday. He had 2 very close calls earlier in his life which included jumping out of his bowl and being found seconds before it was too late, and almost choking on a large rock that he had inhaled. He was a big time traveler and enjoyed his time in the car. He has traveled throughout most of Utah and he especially enjoyed his recent 17 hour car ride to Kansas City, Missouri. He was much loved by his family and little admirers (my nieces and nephews). Tucker and I had a small funeral for him and many tears were shed. He will be greatly missed!!!

Who Knew This Would Be The Start of OUR Happily Ever After???

Tucker and I (mostly me) have been reminiscing these past couple of days about where we were 1 year ago and how our lives have completely changed. The state of Missouri obviously doesn't celebrate Pioneer Day, but I couldn't help but getting a little misty eyed in church today when we talked about the pioneers and sang Come, Come Ye Saints in Sacrament Meeting. It was exactly one year ago that Tucker and I were on a pioneer trek with our singles ward (The 37th ward). Yesterday we celebrated it being the anniversary of Tucker scratching my back around the campfire and then we came back and the next day went together to the Spanish Fork Rodeo with some friends. And as they say....the rest is history. Pioneer treks will always hold a special place in my heart not only because I love the pioneers and I'm so grateful for their sacrifice, but also because that is where love blossomed for us. And now look at where we are!!!

Having A BERRY Good Time!!!

I should be writing my church talk right now, but I just have to blog about our most recent adventure here in Missouri. In case you didn't know, Missouri is a great place for growing blueberries. Who knew? We went to The Berry Patch last night and the following pictures will tell the rest of the story. The only thing I have left to say is YUMMY!!!

A Little Taste of Home

Our good friend from Utah, Cat Drake, was in town a week and a half ago visiting her sister. We were so happy to steal her away from her family for 1 night and eat dinner and ice cream cones with her. We laughed and talked and laughed and talked some more! I think Tucker was exhausted by the end of the night after listening to all of our girl chat and trying to keep up with the wide variety of subjects we covered. It was so fun being with a good friend from home-Thanks Cat!!!

Homeade Bread!!!

Who knew that I could ever make homeade wheat bread! I always thought you had to mix it, then knead it, then mix it some more, then knead it again and again and again. Nope...homeade bread is so easy! Especially with this cute bright yellow kitchen aid from Tucker's aunts. And here's the pictures to prove it. It was so yummy!

What's Under That Kilt?

We went to the 33rd Annual Kansas City Scottish Highland Games ad Celtic Festival this weekend. It was a day full of kilts, bagpipers, dancers, sword fighting, Highland oxen, Scottish games, yummy homeade pot pies, Gaelic ensembles, lots of rain, and people dressed in crazy outfits!

Memorial Day

We had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend spent at the World War I museum in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. It was fascinating to see live video from the war, weapons and uniforms used, and to read the personal stories of soldiers who fought. Here are some of our favorite pictures of the trip. It was a great way to remember those who have fought and are still fighting for our country!



Harley Davidson Motorcycle










Example of a crater made by a mortar round (whatever that means)






A Tank (Tucker was like a boy in a candy shop when he saw all of these cool weapons)






Sample Tunnel