ray reunion - day 2

we met brad, grandpa, and glen for breakfast downstairs at the mariemont restaurant thursday morning (aug 1). it was delicious and we had a nice, leisurely visit.

delaney enjoyed unloading and loading the mini jellies and jams.

the moose and deer were favorites of addie. there was also a bison above the front door that moved his head, ears, and eyes. she loved that.

very cool hotel. mariemont is a whole community that was one of, if not the first planned community in the country and it was all planned by a woman. yup!

 

ma' girl amd i!

we are very regal people.

we had packed an overnight hotel bag, but with 7 people it is still like we move in where ever we go.

as we were getting cars organized and packed and directions all planned out, the girls climbed on a wall and started modeling. cause that's what we do.

little sister works hard to be a big girl!

and work it!

own it!

make me believe it!

i just love my little models1

frankie is still working on a hands on hip that doesn't look painfully awkward.

and then we were off! 

half way through the day matt switched over again.

 

and then my navigator done went and took a nap. some company!

along with everyone else.

we ate lunch at a steak and shake in galesburg where my good friend joy used to live. we were 2 hours away from nauvoo and we were all soooo ready to be there!

and yay! 

our hotel at last! we stayed in fort madison, iowa, just across the mississippi river from nauvoo.

 this chic never stops posing.

we met up with mike, cami, and cosette, who gave the kids these cool origami folded $20 bill hearts.

 very sweet!

then half the group headed out to nauvoo to see dan and chantell's crew perform in the pageant and half of us stayed at the hotel. chris was the only one from our family to go. then the little girls took a bath in the living room.

oh yes, in the living room. it was the weirdest thing i've ever seen! but actually very convenient for watching babies.

we were pooped! so we bathed and got to bed early so we could be ready for a full and fun day on friday!