Our Western Trip - 2015

Instead of going to Maine this year, we decided to drive across America and visit the people and places we've always wanted to see. Our first stop was in Dallas City, Illinois to visit our friends Jess and Doris, who live on a huge farm.

No, I didn't take a picture of the farm, but this is their pretty house on the farm.

They took us on a tour of Navoo, where the Mormon Church started. The Mormons restored Navoo, and offer a really nice, interesting tour of their town.

The Mormon Church visitor's center in Navoo.

Navoo is such a pretty little town. This was Bringham Young's home.

Our friends are bike riders, big time bike riders, and are involved in bike races, etc. in Illinois. They've told us about a hill that bikers ride during the bike races, and said it's a huge challenge. Illinois is a fairly flat state, but these hills are like Pennsylvania hills! They go UP! The picture above is in Burlington, Iowa, and it's called Cobblestone Alley. I can't imagine riding a bike up that!

This is a very poor picture of Snake Alley, which is also in Burlington. It's paved in brick, and it's a smaller version of Lombard Street. No, I won't ride my bike up Snake Alley either!

We went to Springfield, to see Harry and Dixie's farm. Dixie is an artist and she also has a green thumb. Just look at those beautiful zinnias!

Dixie painted the flag and Lincoln on their barn, and I really think we should invite Dixie to our farm and put a tall ladder against the barn so she can paint something on our barn too! Zoom in to see Lincoln, he's so cute! That's Bob, Jess, and Harry discussing the likelihood of that happening. Ha!

While we were in Springfield we ate this delicious dish. It's called a Pony Shoe, and it's the most delicious artery clogging food you'd ever want to eat. Imagine a slice of bread (or toast?) with your choice of meat on top (I chose gyro meat), covered with fries, and a delicious cheese sauce on top! Sooo good! If you're really hungry you can order a Horse Shoe, and I'd hate to see how big a Horse Shoe is!

Bob really like Jess's huge tractor and combine, and Jess left him sit in the driver's seat for a virtual drive through the fields. Bob's dream is to go back during harvest and ride in that monster with Jess.

Before we left Illinois Doris and Jess took us to their favorite pizza restaurant for a BLT pizza. It was outstanding, and I hope I can soon order one at Zeiderelli's at home!

Thanks for the tour of Illinois, Jess, Doris, Harry, and Dixie. We even got to see Jerry and Ann while we were there, and we had a grand time visiting with all of you!

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Greater Blain Jingle Bell Jog 2015

The 14th Annual Jingle Bell Jog is in the books, and it's time to see pictures of the fun. We've run in rain and snow, and pretty cold temps, but this was our first 65 degree Jog!

Sydney, Quinn, and I didn't run. We just stayed home and watched the fun. Thanks Sydney for helping to watch Quinn. She loves you as much as I do, and I think you're her new best friend.

Beth made sure that everyone knew where we run and had their numbers and bells on before they jingled all the way to the starting line.

Ron's our Official Starter.

And they're off!!

Ronnie and Andrew went out in front and set a fast pace for the 65 degree weather.

Rob's trying to beat Ronnie. Really Rob??

Bob's bringing up the rear. Someone's got to do it!

These guys are really moving fast, with no sign of Rob.

Here he is! Go Rob!

Clay's moving out too, but Erin and Beth are coming right behind!

Beth and Erin used to run together in high school to get ready for field hockey. I liked seeing them run together again. It's been a few years!

Let's go Tom!

Robin's relaxed. She's run this block many, many times.

Here come Taylor and Cameron, our soccer players.

Paige looks happy to see her dear old dad, our photographer.

Brent! You left Wilma behind! Don't worry, she'll catch up.

Alyssa and Rae look like they're having fun.

Liz is having a fun time running as Wilma Flintstone. Don't worry, Fred is just ahead!

Meanwhile, back at the farm, the faithful family and friends wait.

Here comes Andrew!

Ronnie is so fast. You should really skip baseball this year and run track. Ha!

Rob worked hard, but just couldn't catch fast, young Ronnie. Good job Rob!

Rob is getting his Finisher's Medal from the Official Time Keepers, Hope and Rick.

Beth stopped to give Quinn a high five. Quinn was very excited to "See Mommy Run!"

She's my grand baby, and I can't resist posting of picture of our future Jingle Bell Jogger crossing the finish line.

Clay can do it easily.

Go Tom!

Erin almost caught Tom!

Go Robin!

Here comes Paige!

I told you that Wilma would catch Fred! I bet it was hot running in those cute costumes!

Our little soccer players!

Yea, Alyssa!

Alyssa cheered her friend Rae in!

And along came Bob. So everyone's finished and it's time for the Official Group Photo!!

Here it is. Everyone's here except for Rob, who hustled home to get his delicious sticky buns to share with us.

This photo includes all the runners and officials, except for Dan, our Official Photographer. Thanks everybody, for helping with the Jog.

Bob awarded the winners their prizes.

Then it was time to eat!

Thanks for coming everybody. We had a fun time and hope you did too. See you all December 24, same time, same place for the 15th annual Jingle Bell Jog!

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