Mark Twain Cave Family Trip

On our way from Branson to Nauvoo after the family reunion, we stopped at the Mark Twain Cave in northern Missouri. I thought the kids might enjoy seeing a big cave and I can't recall being in one myself ever even though I may have when I was really young. It was about a 45 minutes tour through the cave and I thought it was really cool. This is the actual cave that Mark Twain played in in his childhood. It inspired the cave settings that a present in Tom Sawyer and a few of his other books I believe. Even though it was about 85 degrees outside it was only 60 degrees in the cave and I guess it stays that way all year long. We were able to see all the markings people have left in the caves since the early 1840's and see different kinds of cave formations. This particular cave doesn't have very many bats so that was good. Wynn was super worried about their being bats inside the cave. We had fun doing this new little excursion for our family and it was good stop along our long drive to Nauvoo.

Table Rock Lake Pack Reunion 2016

Our 2016 family reunion was at Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri. We all got to stay in a big house together and everyone was able to come even Great Granmda Alida from Guatemala. It was so good to be with everyone and get reacquainted. Wynn and Abby hadn't even met their cousins from Paul and Sarah's family since they were living in  Puerto Rico while we lived in Alaska. We had a ton of fun playing in the lake. The kids were able to kayak all on their own for the first time and were very proud of themselves. Even Wynn did awesome steering himself around. Abby was a bit wary of the water at first, but it was so warm and calm that after a few days she warmed right up. Now that we are back in Oregon I think that has helped her get used to the lakes here and she will swim in them even though it is a LOT more cold in the lakes here. 

One of the highlights of the trip was the Superhero Audition party put on by Ironman (Paul) and Pepper Potts (Sarah). I learned that I may not have very good fighting skills but I am good at defending myself since I could get my whole body behind Captain America's Shield! Our family ended up taking second place and my kids had a ton fo fun. Andy dress up as the Punisher, I was Wonder Woman, Sydney Super Barbie, Wynn Thor and Abby was Super Baby.  Grandpa Pack was very generous and rented a boat one day so we could try it out on the lake. We had fun tubing. I was so impressed with Alida for getting out on the tube with Grandma Pack and Abby and I. She was so much fun and willing to do stuff with us every though she is 86! One evening Audrey and Bryant arranged a special performance for her where we snag a few songs in Spanish to her about being a Grandma and gave her pictures and letters from our families. It was very special to have her there with us and I think we all got closer to her and developed special memories. I have always been able to feel her love and care for me. She emanates love for her family and I was super glad she could come. Our other days were spent swimming in the pools and playing lots of games at the house. It was great week and memories me and my children will have for a long time. I'm very grateful we were able to go.