July 7, 8, 9,, 10, 11, 12 2017 Travels with Ash and Zade (Williams Farm RV Park, Iberia, MO) (Hidden Valley Outfitters, Lebanon MO)

Friday - Saturday- Sunday
Friday morning we picked up Ashlynn and Zade then traveled to my sister Jan and hubby Bruce's farm near Iberia, MO.

We received an invitation to cousin Mattie's 12th birthday party at the pool at Eldon MO.  We visited with family including my brother Mark, Mattie's mother and dad Matthew and Teresa, sister Jan and Bruce. niece-in-law Abbie and children Addison and Cash.

The pool facilities were great, including a slide, dive board, fountains, etc.  The kids had a great time.

Saturday while Glen and I attended a memorial service for the last aunt (on Glen's mother's side) at the local family cemetery Ashlynn and Zade went home with Abbie, Mitchell, Cash, and Addison.

Addison and Ashlynn are in the same grade but about 9 months apart in age.  They love each other, look like each other, and love spending time with each other.  Zade is older than Cash by three grades but play together well.

Glen's cousin Catherine, daughters Melody and Karla, and sister Carolyn hosted a luncheon for the (total) 30 family members in attendance at the memorial service.  It was wonderful seeing cousins and catching up on family activities.

Sunday Ashlynn and Zade again went with Addison and Cash to spend time together and play in the backyard pool.

Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday
Leaving Iberia Monday morning we traveled to near Lebanon MO, RV Park "Hidden Valley Outfitters).  This park is about three years old, full service hook ups, but located in a field with no shade!  Trees are planted, but about 5-8 years from providing any shade.

The RV park is up the hill from the Niangua River, and across the street from Bennett Springs State Park.

The river is cold--spring water--, and slow.  Trisha, Jeff, Tanner, and Natalie rented a raft yesterday and floated downstream 8.5 miles which took 9 hours.  They said it was the "slowest" float they had ever been on.

**(c)=cousin
BTW, Trisha, Jeff, Tanner, and Natalie arrived Monday also.  Kerry (c) and Lolly and grandson Kort;
Joseph (c), Michelle, and son Turner are also here. (c) Mike and Deb from Ohio also arrived yesterday.  More cousins and family are expected tonight and tomorrow.

This week has been as hot as I can remember for a family reunion/campout.  I am either staying in the air conditioning or in the shade along the river.!