"Grizmobile" Vacation trip

Here it is, our famous Grizmobile van camper. We took this on a very long vacation. We distributed our Government rebate check all across the country. From west to south east and back again. First stop was at our oldest daughter and family.



After a five day visit, we left for WV.
We drove through big city's!

Over big rivers such as Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio rivers.

Through curvy mountain roads. Our little camper, the Grizmobile was our home away from home. We camped in it and ate all our meals in it.

Hey, we just had to make this stop for a Biscuit sandwich. We had never seen a Biscuit World before. It was very good too!
We traveled past coal mines!
We had to stop at this pile of coal to pick up a few samples, SOUVENIRS!
Here we are driving up the Hollow in Mayburry where my husband used to live when he was a child.

Now we are coming out of the Hollow. Their house used to set on the steep hillside just to the left, it burnt down several years ago and you can see how the vines and bushes have just taken over.


We traveled over big fancy bridges! and over very small old one lane bridges.

You can see this bridge is in need of repair! I wanted my husband to stop the van on this bridge for a photo but he felt it might not be the smartest thing to do!


Here we are at his sisters home. Our van stands out next to all his families cute shinny newer vehicles! Below it stands out at the park where we had a fun family picnic.


On the way home we st oped at a town named Santa Claus. Also a town called Dale which is my brothers name. I didn't get a picture of that one though!



More hills, curves and mountain roads.





Toll roads! Not bad, only $3.75 total toll!




we st oped at fun interesting sights and parks. Here we are having a noon picnic.

We camped in beautiful hard wood forests and state parks.

But as we traveled back to our daughters , our fun Grizmobile camper started having a few problems. The last 100 miles were slow due to a power loss but we limped it to our daughters drive way.

Despite my husbands mechanical skills and the help from our Son-in-law, The Grizmobile would not start. We had to call a garage and tow truck. We were happy this happened when we were with our family and could spent the extra week enjoying the company of our children and 4 grand children.

Here it is ready for the trip to the Garage for repair.

Bye Bye Grizmobile!

We got the van back Wednesday at noon. One last picture with our Grandchildren before heading home. We drove all the way not wanting to take a chance on another break down.

A beautiful sun set greeted us to our home state of South Dakota. The scenery is a lot different then the high mountains we had driven through! We are thankful to God for his guidence, protection and care during our long 3000 mile trip! God has spread His beauty though all the world. What a wonderful Creator we have! Praise Ye The LORD! Alleluia!

Hills Alive 2008

Last weekend was the big Hills Alive free summer music festival. I did go for a few hours each day. The weather was nice, in 80's, not like most previous years at 110 degrees. There were thunderstorms around but they split and went around the festival.
It was huge! Over 20.000 people for almost every Christian band or speaker. This picture is from Greg Laurie giving a wonderful message of Gods love and forgiveness.
Other groups were Mandisa, Brandon Heath, Tree 63, Toby Mac and many more.

You can see the big stage, even had a big screen up this year so those far away could see. I know they didn't have any problem hearing, LOT'S of big power full speakers!
Many blue balloons were released, one for each child that was sponsored for Mission of Mercy.

This is in our big city park, many stand up close to the front but most bring their lawn chairs, blankets and even awnings , coolers with water and snacks etc.
It is amazing how many people come. They have 4 big stages with different groups, bands, speakers and the Kids stage had a lot of fun things going on. Even a Christian illusionist.

There was also many Merchandise and food Vendors. One was called the Manna Hut.
There was soda, Ice cream, hot dogs and much more. A lot of free Christian flyer's and merchandise was given out. We hope that some who just came out of curiosity had the opportunity to learn of Our Great Loving Saviour.

Favorite Places (My Cat)

We have a 15 yr old cat. Can you spot him at one of his favorite places?

Up high where he can watch the world. I think it makes him feel big and important.

Oh No! He spotted me and now he needs to beg for food, attention or a treat!

He also likes to catch the early morning sun rays by laying on top the roof of our house.

He loves to lay on our patio chair half under our patio table.

The front step to the south side of our house is another favorite spot.
Now he is upset, "there she is with that camera again, can't I rest in peace?"
Unfortunately, he doesn't always stay in our yard.
I am always amazed to see him walk the top of our chain link fence. He dose a very good job! Especially for being 15 yrs old.

See, I told you, that cat has some other favorite places besides in our yard.

He loves laying in tall grass!
He loves to roll in the tall cool grass.
He can look so Innocent and sweet!
Here he is sitting on the banister of our patio. He dose this mostly at night.
And for some reason, he loves to lay under the Christmas tree like he is one special gift.

He also loves to be on my lap but only when he thinks it's his idea. He is a very independent cat. His name is Sammy Silas, named by our youngest daughter when she brought him home as a orphan kitten over 15 years ago.