Day 10- July 9th
Saturday morning, we woke up and packed up our things. (Last night, Grant and Dan had one last swim... at midnight! They are crazy! But had fun being crazy together.) We all really enjoyed the house we rented together. Each group of friends had their own room to themselves downstairs. Plus each set of parents had their own room upstairs. We also had a washer/dryer, full kitchen, etc. (It is actually some one's house, that they rent out to people.) The girls enjoyed playing pretend with the snack bar downstairs. And of course, we enjoyed the pool and the amazing view of the Mississippi River. It was a much cozier feel than a hotel and yet very similar in price, when split between us. So we left the "Hilltop Retreat" and headed into Missouri, adding yet another state to our adventures. Dan (and many road signs) told us to keep our eyes out for Amish buggies. It would've been very interesting to see one... but we never did. We did see some other interesting vehicles on the road though. First, we stopped at Adam-Ondi-Ahman. (Dan said it has been quite developed since the last time he visited this spot- it used to be just a field but now it has signs and such.) It was interesting to drive around and see the site. It was pretty. Then we went to Far West, where 4 cornerstones were laid for a temple. However, the temple was never finished. It was really interesting to see that each of the 4 corners stood for something. (One was laid in representation of the lower priesthood and the opposite one was laid in representation of the higher priesthood. One is laid in representation of the First Presidency and the opposite corner is for the High Council Quorum of the Twelve.) While we were there, Grant had the opportunity to talk to two men, who had recently converted from the Reorganized Church, to our church. It was so interesting to hear about it. I guess the Reorganized Church has changed their name to the Community of Christ and they now deny that Joseph Smith was a prophet (along with a few other changes in their doctrine, so they can "fit in" with the mainstream "Christian" churches.) They have also given gays/lesbians and women the priesthood. Because of these changes, I believe the man said that about 1/3 of their membership has left their church, including these two men obviously, and also about 100-300 direct descendants of Joseph Smith (we had actually heard that last part from a worker at the Nauvoo Temple, as well.) I find it very interesting that they are changing their "doctrine" to fit in. A couple of quotes come to mind for me: "Popularity is pleasing people, but greatness is pleasing God" and "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it." It isn't easy to follow God. It isn't easy to not fit in with the crowd, but it is always worth it to follow God and to follow what you know to be the truth. Okay, enough on that tangent. After seeing Far West, we headed to Kansas City, Missouri, to go to the American Girl doll store! (Our girls had been earning money, and looking forward to this store, the entire trip!! Plus they had saved some other money, like birthday money and such.) You can only imagine the excitement in the air when we walked into this store with 10 little girls!! They all had perm-a-grins!! :) They all wanted to get their picture taken with the doll of the year, Kanani. Even the boys were excited to get a picture- LOL!! Those two are hilarious! Sariah got to pick out her look-a-like doll for her 10th birthday present. She was so excited to pick it out in person. Also, while we were there, I ran into my friend, Erika, from back in Washington, that I grew up with!! (She is such a sweetheart, so genuine!) I couldn't believe it!! What are the chances?? (Grant was in the parking lot and saw someone with a Washington license plate. He said, "Oh, you are from Washington too, huh?" And she said, "Aren't you Angela's husband?" So funny!!!) Anyway, she was moving across the country with her girls, where her husband and son would meet them. Her husband was at officer training and her son was at Scout Camp. It was even funnier when we realized that we were all staying in the same hotel-- the Spring Hill Marriott, and were able to talk and go swimming together, later that night. (Grant was excited to tell the workers, here and in Provo, about why it was named Spring Hill, after Adam-Ondi-Ahman. They thought it was pretty cool to know that.) So the girls had a blast just being in the store, but especially getting to pick something out. In addition to Sariah's look-a-like doll, (Riana already has a look-a-like, as well) Riana and Sariah combined their money and bought Kanani and her pajamas. Riana also bought a brush for her dolls because we learned that you aren't suppose to brush their hair, except with a special American Doll brush. (We didn't know this and pretty much ruined Riana's doll's hair- hopefully we can send her to the "doll hospital" and get it fixed.) Tierra picked out a little husky dog. (Ella also chose a dog and they had fun playing with them together.) Karina picked out a wedding dress for the doll she will eventually get. (I think I will try to find a doll at Target or something for Tierra and her to play with in the meantime.) Aurora chose a ballet outfit for herself. It was super cute! After everyone chose something, Sariah took her doll to get her ears pierced. Then we left, with a bunch of really happy girls!! That night, we had fun at the hotel- swimming, talking, and playing with dolls, of course!! :)
