Missouri fun

Whoever dubbed Missouri 'Misery' must've been there in late August. So much heat and humidity and bugs, it's unbelievable. But absolutely gorgeous! Green and lush and spacious. The cicadas at night are so loud - it's really a cool sound. And my dad swears that it's only that hot the last 2 weeks of August (of course, he'll say practically anything to get us all to move out there). There are tons of gorgeous houses out there too. I love old houses, at least when they're kept up, and Missouri was full of them in all different styles. Of course it was also full of trailers (or "Missouri bungalows" as my dad calls them). Not so pretty, but I guess you live how you can.

After the wedding we spent time hanging out, playing games, riding the 4-wheeler, playing with puppies and riding the horses. We had such a fun time! Could that be partly because I didn't have all my kids with me??? Maybe. But I did miss them and was glad to know they were having tons of fun with Grandma Bevans. Here are some pictures of our Missouri fun:

The Mighty Mississippi River covered in lily padsThere's lots of bugs, but at least some are pretty

This was a model house we used for our luncheon after the wedding (Jaren's family had connections, we didn't just walk in and make ourselves comfortable)

And this, unbelievably enough, was the sign for those houses (West coaster's won't believe the prices!)Riding the 4-wheeler with Claire (take a deep breath all you panicky mothers, she was tied on tight to me and we took it pretty slow)

Meg had a litter of puppies at her house she was supposed to sell for the breeder. Claire loved them!

So did I, I almost bought one on the spot. These ones are puggles, mix of a pug and a beagle. (I'm holding out for the next litter of these which is supposed to be even smaller and cuter!)Meg gave me some riding lessons. My bum was a little sore, but it was worth it!

Shanna's little Tommy, Pook's baby Andy, and Claire. Aren't they too cute!