Life after Vacation

We spent last week in Joplin, Missouri with my aunt and uncle. My parents went along as well. It was wonderful waking up each morning looking out to the woods and creek. We took McKenna fishing for the first time down at the springs, the only thing she caught was a stick, but that trilled her to death anyway. Paul, my dad and uncle went fishing the next day and caught a lot of catfish, needless to say, we had dinner for the night, there is just nothing like fresh fish. My mom, aunt and I took McKenna to the Precious Moments museum. This is the original place where precious moments was started. She was in "awe" of the amount of dolls, characters and memorabilia. It was amazing to see. It took her what seemed like all day to pick her favorite doll, which of course Grandma bought. She is at the perfect age to appreciate a place like precious moments. If you ever get the chance to go through it, it is quite amazing, there is even a chapel where you can write your prayer requests in a book and is kept there in a safe place. One of the nights we were having a hard time figuring out where to go for dinner, now for those of you that have never been to Joplin, it is a nice size city, but is also a hub for truckers to stop, refuel and continue traveling. Of all places, we ended up at the Iron Skillet, which is a truck stop restaurant. According to McKenna it was "the best restaurant in the whole world", the world through the eyes of a 5 year old is precious. The only thing she knew was that the chicken and macaroni and cheese was delicious. I have always heard that the truck stops have good food, but news to me that it is the "best in the world". We are back to the heat of Texas, 107 today, and counting down until I have to go back to work. Looking forward to starting a new school year, but going to miss the down time with the kids each day. Not looking forward to sending McKenna to kindergarten, she is growing up TOO fast.......