I feel like I have to explain why in the world a family would plan a trip to Ft. Leonard Wood (aka Ft. Lost in the Woods) Missouri for 10 whole days. This is how it happened in a nutshell, well, a big nutshell!
I having one of the almost daily calls with my little sister Sam, who lives on an army base in the middle of nowhere Missouri and I heard some music playing in the background. She explained that they have music blaring on loud speakers (the same loud speakers also used for tornado sirens) at certain parts of the day - like wake-up, lunch, dinner, bed-time. I was amazed. Then she also explained at the 5pm music, the whole base pauses. If you're outside, you stop whatever you're doing (even driving) and stand at attention if you're a soldier (f you're in uniform I think you have to salute) or hand over your heart for civilians. I had no idea about this part of military base living. From there, our conversation turned into "Mandy, you would love it, you need to come out and see what it's like living on the base." Well, she thinks she appealed to my very patriotic side, but really she appealed to my even stronger family side, because my brother and his family live on her same street - but the base was definitely an added bonus though.
Sam started looking up flights, I asked Jason what he thought, and he is ALWAYS game for a new adventure, and the rest is history. We found some very cheap flights and off we went a month later. Thank goodness Sam's house was a duplex, that had been converted to a single family house (nice to be an officer) so there was plenty of room for our "little" family of almost 7.
This is how this trip all started. Here's the 5pm call to attention. Jack and Ashton saluting (Jack was working on his balance too). My brother Ben is doing his soldierly duty. I must admit, it is pretty cool to see everyone do this. Definitely makes me proud of our soldiers, especially my family members who do this!
Kimball and Ashton were very happy to have each other to play with.
One of the first days there, we all went to a park that had some of these evergreen trees. They are a climbers delight and off went Kimball, Ashton, and Jack to see who could get the highest. I think Ashton may have won.
Cousins bonding. James and Danny are just a month or two apart.
Jet lag, or maybe just lots of fresh air!
Kimball and Kate enjoying a sandy beach down by a river and building a beautiful castle.
This pic of Danny just explains what I did this whole trip. My sister Sam and her husband David fed us very well (cinnamon rolls, chicken piccata, pulgogi meat and lots more)! And then, my brother Ben and his wife Emily definitely added to the food intake with birthday parties (with the most delicious cream filled cup-cakes) and a night out to a delicious restaurant. Thanks to all that added to my pregnancy weight gain!!!
On post there is a Army Engineer museum and this was one of the cool statues outside, with the cousins.
A portion of the Berlin Wall. My kids have no idea what it is, even for me it's a vague memory. But they'll learn about it in history books and will be able to say they've touched it.
Cousins playing at Ben and Emily's. My kids couldn't believe the yards with no fences. I was lucky not to lose any of my kids to the woods.
I guess lack of sleep made church the ideal place for Jack and Tod to crash.
These two just being silly.
Bowling on base! Jack loved it.
This is a "proof picture." To prove that yes, I was actually there too. Pregnant belly and all.
Kimball had a great time too.
Danny enjoyed the arcade more than bowling.
Ashton and Jack looking like they're up to no good!
Danny and Mallie enjoying the toys.
Proof pictures so I can say they've actually been on an airplane.
Danny did great running between Jason and I's seats.
Kimball loved the treats for the plane ride.
"We get to ride a train too?" We love the LAS airport.
And finally, one last adventure climbing on the turtle before we go find grandpa to give us a ride home.
It was an amazing 10 days with my sister and her fam, and my brother and his fam. We had so much fun playing games at night, eating way more than we should have, going to Sandy Hollow, swimming, bowling, and just lounging and cooking. One of the best vacations/adventures we've taken. It's always very fun to watch my kids play with their cousins and build those relationships, and for me to enjoy the late night chats with my family! Thanks for having us! Hope it's not too long before we can do it again.
