Our Cross Country Trip

Wow...what a busy summer and so many fun things that we have done. We had such a good time to all the places and people that we saw. It was even funner when Joe was able to join us a week later. The kids and I left Georgia for a 3 week trip to Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, Illinois, Missouri and back home to Georgia. Now it only took me two whole long long days to Utah. Yah I was amazed too!! The kids where so good and Olivia surprised me on how patient she was to sit in that car seat for that long. Thank you kiddies!!
Our first stop to Grandma's and Grandpas house. My grandma from Argentina was there and it was so good to see her. It has been a long time since I've seen her. Wow, my spanish wasen't that great but I sure got a lot of practice.
Thank you Mom and Dad for putting up with us and our mess, we really had a great time. On the fourth we went to the parade with my parents, and connor and amara. Later that evening we where able to go and see the other cottrell clans, matt & sue and Brian & Sarah. It was good to see them all and to see all the cousins hang out.
We then left to Mount Rushmore in south Dakota. Joe and I never thought that we would ever get to see the faces on mount rushmore and was finally able to experience it.
Our next stop was Nauvoo. What a beautiful and amazing place that was and such wonderful weather. All the history there was amazing. One of the parts that I liked about Nauvoo was the walk to the river(we didn't walk, we rode in our car. Had two kids sleeping) and on the side of the road are these plaques with written inserts of pioneers diary. That was a touching moment to be able to read a little of what they went through. The temple was so beautiful sitting on top of the hill. Wished we could of gone through it but we were so tired from driving all night that we would for sure fall asleep in there. For sure next time! We then headed to carthage Jail. Wow, is about as much as I can say! To be in the same room that Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were was a privilage. It's is an experience me and my family hold dear to our hearts. To be able to listen to my boys and how they felt the spirit there was so wonderful.
We then headed home, but made one last stop in St. Louis Missouri. On our way to Utah we drove through St. Louis and when the boys saw the arch, they asked if they could go on it. I am so scared of heights that I told them on our way home they can ride it with Dad. Well on our way home they knew that we were close to St. Louis and kept on asking to go. I had no problem stopping and letting them have that experience. When we got there they begged me to go on it. I didn't want to, but I did and was terrified. I seriously froze up there and when Parker kept getting close to the window, I didn't let go of his shirt. I planted my feet on the floor and didn't move until it was time to go to the elevator.
Over all it was a great family vacation and cant wait to go cross country again. Next trip up the east coast.

This is my grandma Barcena and all of us

Olivia loved grandpa!



So sweet...Grandma and Parker!


I love this picture at temple square. If you look close you can see the the boys at both ends where not very happy. They did not want to be in the picture.


Us at Temple Square




We all hicked up to the Y, even little Parker hicked 80% of it.


Sooooo tired! My niece Natasha went with us. The next day they were all sore.


Mount Rushmore




NAUVOO


Carthage Jail in the back

St. Louis Arch