We went up to Chicago the 11th to meet with some of our staff. We got to stay at the AWAWA's headquarters where Luke dropped the car keys down the elevator shaft. Fortunately Dad brought the extra set. After finishing our business in Chicago we started on back south towards Peoria for the Peoria Homeschool convention. There we met up with the Novaks! I got to see Eric again! It was awesome! I think the convention ended the 14th. So, we left Peoria thinking that we would stop by the Dixons before home. But then Dad got a call.... and it changed all the plans. We had to get home so that we could hook the trailer up and be in Louisville, KY, the next day to pick up some racks (newsstands) for our magazines. We drove straight home and the next morning Dad and Luke went and got them. We were so bummed because we were really looking forward to seeing the Dixons. While Dad and Luke were getting the racks, Mom emailed the Dixons and told them that we would be in Cincinnati the next day and that we'd love to stop by their place then. They emailed back saying that, that would be fine! So we were all excited again. The next morning my mom calls and says that we wouldn't after all be able to make it. Awwww, I was so disappointed. But we loaded up the van and started on our way. BTW, this trip was to pick up even more racks. So, we're driving along and on our way up there we decided that we would actually be able to stop by. LOL! This time it was for sure! After getting the racks we got back on the road and drove and drove and drove. We got there at around 1am! But we were so exited to be there! I got up at 7am to help Amanda and Jocelyn with the animals (not like I did much). :-) After we... or actually they, finished cleaning the horses and milking the goats we went back into the house where Luke already had the chess set out. He was determined to beat Jocelyn at chess (and he did)! But then she beat me... which doesn't make sense 'cause I can cream Luke.

Needless to say, we had a wonderful time at their house and I hope we can go back soon!

Oh! And I got to hold their little newborn!

She is so cute!

Here are a few pictures:

Here are some pictures of all of us kids.
 

Both Amanda and Jocelyn posted about it. And since they’re both better writers than I am you may want to check out there blog.

  ;)

Oh! And it seems that Rachel posted about our stay as well!

P.S. I will respond to Joe’s comment soon …I hope (I haven’t forgotten about it).