July 21, 2006 11:30 PM

Hey guys...so how have you all been. I’m doing pretty good just heading home...and ready to be there...lol. Anyway, I am having a good time today we saw Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse...both structures in the mountains...pretty neat stuff. So yesterday we went and visited my good friend Allison...we all had such a good time!!! After we ate Allison and I took of and she showed me the town. It reminded me a little bit of home...it was nice to sit in another car and get out for awhile...hehehe!!! Anyway, it was fun to catch up with all of them and get to enjoy a REAL house again...I can’t wait to sleep on a REAL bed too lol. Besides that not a whole lot. We get to go to Yellow Stone one more water park and a few other little things and then home. I don’t know that I can get any more pics up for a little while...sorry!!! Talk to you all...actually...see you all soon!!!

Love ya lots
Allie Joy

July 19, 2006 7:52 AM

Hey there, so we have spent the last three days at the Mall of America. Wow that place is truly amazing...three stories with a movie theater on its own four floor and an underground aquarium in the basement...holy cow so it is really more like five floors!!! But nothing to big...I mean I live in Albany and you know we do have a huge mall so this was no biggie...JUST KIDDING!!! So we all had a blast on the 2nd days the boys bought a roller coaster bracelet so they could ride all the rides that they want, and on the third day they dropped us off and went to another Cabelas, which they enjoyed. The girls on the other hand covered the WHOLE mall, yes the whole mall, surprising I know. We had so much fun, and we pretty much shopped til we dropped...no joke. We all got some pretty neat stuff teat I am very excited to show everyone when I get back...in 9 days....holy cow did that go fast or is it just me?!? After shopping there it kinda makes Albany’s mall look like a dump..oh wait any other mall does that...lol. So I know I have been complaining a lot about wanting to come home, and I do but here’s the thing...if someone this whole trip offered to just fly me home I wouldn’t...I want to be on this trip and finish it. So you see even though I am a big fat complainer...I’m having fun on this trip and I wouldn’t want to miss this. Anyway, so today we are on our way to North Dakota to visit some more friends. It is my uncle’s sister so not related to us but I grew up with their daughter Allison, and I have not seen her in forever so I am pretty excited to see her today!!! When I was younger Allison was my best friend...we have the same cousins and family lived all around us so we were always together. Then her dad’s work moved then all away and I moved to Oregon. It was so hard to be without her at first because we were always together...playing dress up, or house...hehehe. Well I better get going, I am typing in the car and that will make me really sick if I don’t stop soon...lol.

Love ya lots
Allie Joy

July 16, 2006 11:54 PM

The Mall of America is AMAZING!!! We only covered the first floor today and we still get two more days there...YAY!!! Lets just say after four short hours there and I am pretty much broke...NOT JOKING!!! I am a girl...did you really expect anything different?!? So we drove for just a little bit and then we got to shop!!! I LOVE TO SHOP!!! So the BEST thing that I have bought (so far) is my new prom dress...for only $20. Ya, I told you that mall is amazing...it was $120. I love it...by the way, I am pretty much obsessed with prom dresses (I already have 4 or 5 I think this might make 6.) Both of the girl got to go to this store kind of like build a bear and got to build their own doll and dress it and stuff...pretty exciting for them. Well we get to spend the next two days there so I am sure I will have more stories about everything there!!! Have to get to sleep for some more SHOP TILL YOU DROP days!!! =) = ) = )

Love ya lots
Allie Joy

July 15 8:23 AM

Wow it has been a long time since I have updated you, but that’s ok because I have been pretty darn busy. So on the 13th we drove and visited a Cabela’s. Now for those of you who don’t know what that is I’ll explain...it is a huge outdoor store that sell all kinds of things for the outdoors. It also has a huge magazine that you can order from. My dad thought it would be neat to stop there because him and some of the guys he works with order from there, but you see there is no store close to us. So we went just to say we have been there. The girls were pretty (NOT) thrilled to go. We ended up staying an hour and a half there. It was the neatest place. Tons of shopping and the coolest wildlife displays. They have tons of stuffed animals...they put the m into their own environment and put them on display. It is like a museum. We all liked it there. Then we had to get going because we had to go to Longaberger (which is a basket company that my mom likes) to make our own family basket...yes make our own. It was the neatest thing to do. We all got to help weave it and tack it together and stuff. Then you can choose your own tack covers so ours says SMITH on two sides and the other sides have three hearts on them. We all lone our basket and it is so cute...but the best thing is that we made it. After that a little bit of shopping and back into the car. We were on oue way to visit Mom’s friend from her childhood that she has not seen in 13 years...Val C. Oh, we had such a blast. We ate dinner and desert and just basically sat around and talked. Mom and Val shared stories about them growing up and all the trouble they got into. We pretty much just laughed the night away and before we knew it, it was time to go to bed. We had to get an early start to get to Cedar Point the next morning and Val and Don both had to work. So we said our goodbyes and went to bed. The next morning...of course...we went in to say our final goodbyes and headed off to Cedar Point. This is on the 14th. It was about a three hour drive and it opened at ten...we got there just a little after opening. Sop you do the math on what time we woke up. All I know is, is it should be illegal...hehehe. So pretty much I just napped the whole drive to try and catch up on my sleep. So Cedar Point is the nation’s voted best theme park in the nation...and it was FUN!!! As we pulled into the park you can see on the horizon all the huge rides and roller coasters. It is located on it’s own peninsula so it is so pretty. We got in to the park and of course split up the girls and the boys...I know you would think that I went with the boys, but I don’t really do roller coasters so I just stayed with the girls. It was fun and they have the neatest rides so it was fun...until the thunderstorm hit. It was right after mom made me go with the boys onto their biggest wood roller coaster..I thought that I had done a pretty big wood coaster at Hurricane Harbor...but oh how wrong I was!!! It was so rocky and fast...and seemed like never ending...but don’t worry it did and I am still alive...hehehe. So anyway, back to the thunderstorm. Yes we got caught in yet another HUGE thunderstorm..it seem to last forever, but we were under cover so it was ok. As soon as it stopped we were back to riding rides. We went on the Gemini...which has a 119 ft. drop. My stomach pretty much turned on that one, but then my dad made me go on the Millennium Force with Grady. 310 ft. drop...lets just say I blacked out after that drop and Grady had to grab my hand to get me to come back to reality...SCARY!!! I mean what if he didn’t...AHHH I could be dead...well not really but maybe close...lol. In the end I’m glad that dad made me go on it..even though when I walked away to go get on the ride he turned to my mom and said “She’s going to die, she’s going to die!” How rude = ). Well it was fun and everyone enjoyed their time there. That is the kind of stuff that really makes me not want to go home so bad...having fun!!! Which I am...I guess it is just hard to see at times, but I am, I REALLY AM!!! So today is just another one of those boring days...13 ½ hours in the car today...no joke!!! Ya that is ALL day by the way because I know you are pondering that one...hahaha!!! Well I better get going for now...few short hours tomorrow and we’ll be at the Mall of America...yay!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!

Love ya Lots
Allie Joy

July 12, 2006 7:58 PM

15 days to go...I’M READY TO COME HOME!!! Today that’s basically all we did was drive closer to home. I love that feeling...lol. So ya that is all we really did today drive...sorry no exciting stories. We drove all the way from Niagara Falls to West Virginia...which is where we are now. For the next two days though we will be pretty bust with activities...visiting friends and more theme parks. We are going to Cedar Point which is like the nations Best theme park. We are all pretty excited about that... I can finally drive other people so besides that I have so many things planned with friends when I get home...I think that’s why I’m ready. Well more on the positive side...we still have a lot more to do and a lot of “family memories” to make...lol I better get going for now, family movie night!!!

Love ya lots
Allie Joy

July 11, 2006 11:17 PM

Hey guys...only 16 days left!!! So lets see what did we do today...oh that’s right I remember, we drove. For what seemed like forever...literally. But you know, I’m ok with driving now. That just means we are getting closer to home and heading west. So tonight we got to go see Niagara Falls. Oh my goodness, it is probably my favorite thing. We went at night so the falls were lit up by different colored lights and it was very pretty. Honestly it was just amazing!!! So then after we visited that we “made a wrong turn” and had to go into Canada...lets...um...just leave that as a mistake...of something you don’t want to do without proof or paperwork...hehehe. That was quite the adventure I must say. So now we are back at the campsite getting ready for bed and all that good stuff. So I just have to say that I am so ready to come home...I’m having a great time and learning a ton but REALLY missing everyone and ready to see you all again. I keep getting text and comments and I feel like I am missing so much back at home...well nothing to big just your everyday highschool drama. Nothing most people care about...lol. Well I better get going for now... I will try to get more pics on soon.

Love ya lots
Allie Joy

July 10, 2006 5:22 PM

So today, besides driving, touching the Atlantic Ocean, and visiting the Maine coast, we spent a lot of the time swatting the biggest flies you have ever seen off of us. They are huge ugly and BITE!!! I’m not talking annoying biting...it hurt like a sting. Anyway, so yes we did touch the Atlantic Ocean...for the first time...and played on beach in Maine. It was a ton of fun!!! And today was are turning around point so I think it is one of my favorite days...hehehe. I just have to say to all of you thank you for all of the comments that you leave me...I absolutely love it an dit means so much to me...truly. Anyway, so on the 9th we drove through a few states and went to the movies to see Pirates of the Carribean 2. We finally had a down day so that is what we decided to do. You see we are a movie going family and with this vacation we are missing six weeks of movies...amazing!!! Anyway, so after playing in the Atlantic we drove for a few more hours headed WEST...that means on our way home...HOW EXCITING!!!...I know. Well I better get some sleep. Night.

Love ya lots
Allie Joy

July 8, 2006 5:53 PM

We’re in New York and have been for the last two days...as much fun as it is here...it is so dirty crowded and busy! I love it but could never live here...I don’t know how people do...lol. Anyway, I just want to sat that I am so sorry to be this behind on pics and updates...I HONESTLY HAVE NOT HADE INTERNET FOR DAYS!!! I have gotten more phone calls and comments about wanting more pics and stories...BUT I DON’T HAVE INTERNET!!! I’m very sorry!!! So in New York we have seen the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Time Square, Fire Stations, and a few other interesting things. We also went shopping which we all love...well some of us, and the others can stand it...well I think they learn to anyway hehehe. At the Statue of Liberty we got to go up all the way to the base which has a very pretty view of everything around her. Like amazing...actually. So also we went to ground zero and that was just so sad to actually be there...standing where thousands lost their lives. Ya thinkn about it that way...sad huh?!? But, onto better stories. Shopping was so much fun and so was actually walking on time square...again...lol. People are just everywhere constantly on the move going everywhere. But it’s not something you see every day so it’s pretty exciting to small town people like us...lol. Anyway, I better get going for now...I’ll try to get the internet SOON...REALLY SOON!!! Love you all and can’t wait to see you in 20 days!!!...not that I’m counting!!!

Love ya lots
Allie Joy

July 6, 2006 9:15 PM

So right now I am so stressed out over pretty much nothing...but it’s something to me. I can’t and won’t get the internet for days so no pics and stories for awhile...SORRY!!! We have to get up early tomorrow to go see nothing exciting and something that I have already seen and the rest of them will get to see on their 8th grade trip. It’s the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall and stuff. I am really starting to not have that great of a time...I WANT TO GO HOME!!! I miss everybody and everything back at home. The next few days are going to be stressful too because we are going to be in New York...you know how busy it is there. Anyway, so today we went and saw Amish people and villages. We also took a tour. We all had a great time and thought it was very interesting. We bought a very cute little quilt and a few other things...very cool!!! We also ate freshly made pretzels and drank home made root beer. Very tasty and we all enjoyed it! Then we headed off to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania...close to where we are right now. We are actually staying in New Jersey. Philadelphia is absolutely crazy. The streets are three inches wide and have the sidewalks FILLED with people. I think that is mainly why I don’t want to go back there tomorrow. It is so busy...I honestly hate it. Living here would give me an ulcer!!! Just driving here has I think made me start to get one...lol. WOW I think that I am way to stressed out. We are half way over with this trip...22 days to go. I REALLY WANT TO COME HOME THOUGH!!! Again I am really sorry about being so behind...I am trying so hard to catch up on everything. I just have so much going on these last few days all the way until we get to Maine...which I am excited about. When we get there we will have time to rest and enjoy God’s creation around us. Well I better get some sleep for that early wake up tomorrow.

Love ya lots
Allie Joy

July 5, 2006 9:31 PM

WE LOVE CHOCOLATE!!! Today we visited Hershey, Pennsylvania. It was so much fun. We took a little ride on tour of the factory and then got to shop. We love shopping too. We also got to stop at Gettysburg too. It is not the best place to visit, but Dad and Grady enjoyed it. Hershey was fun. The smell all around you is amazing and the fresh chocolate is even better. Other then that we didn’t do a whole lot. Tomorrow we are going to visit an Amish town which should be pretty neat. Well I have to get going...night.

Love ya lots
Allie Joy

July 4, 2006 (well actually the 5th) 12:10 AM

WOW...can I say HOT and HUMID!!! That’s all that D.C. is HOT and HUMID!!! Ok so there’s a little more then just that. We spent the day in D.C. yesterday and today. There is just so much to see you need at least a week there. Everything is just amazing!!! Yesterday we saw some of the Smithsonians and the Lincoln Memorial. Let me tell you the story on the Lincoln Memorial...we took a metro to the place (well what we thought was the closest to the place) and had to walk about a mile to get there. In the hot, humid weather, up and down hills on tiny crowed sidewalks. Well to get there we pretty much power walked...which is really fast for my family...lol. Anyway, so we were on our way there and we realized if we didn’t hurry we wouldn’t make it to the metro in time for the last train...which would be bad because we have ABSOLUTELY no other way home from downtown D.C.... crazy. So we saw the monument...ya di da da da...took pics smiled here and there the whole thing. Then we were off! Me carrying the 12 pound backpack that we brought to carry water and stuff like that. No joke we took off...we pretty much ran that whole thing...ya that’s right the mile...lol. So I know you are wondering, and YES we did make it in time, but let me tell you this...we were hot , tired, and had sweat dripping!!! Oh, family memories!!! I was tired but just think of it as the cardio workout that I have been missing...lol. So today was a much peaceful day...oh ya except the nice (not really) THUNDERSTORM we got caught in...that was FUN!!! So the one time we have ever split up...the boys went and saw some monument while the girl stayed behind to save a seat for the fireworks. A huge thunder and lightning storm rolls in and gets us ( the girls ) SOAKED. We tried to go to shelter, but mat I remind you we are in the middle of D.C. we have no clue as to where we are and we don’t have the boys with us. It was a nightmare!!! Again to family memories...lol...gota love ‘em all!!! So then some how by the grace of God we found each other again...so we had a little help from the walkie-talkies we had but still. So we met the boys and they were not wet at all in any way shape or form. Some guard at the monument that they were at told them to get out of there and where to go for shelter. Lucky dogs!!! Anyway, so we met up ate hot dogs off a street corner for dinner and watching an amazing firework display...WE STILL MISS GRANDMA’S FIREWORKS THOUGH, DON’T WORRY!!! We caught the metro to get back to the trailer where I am now ready to go to bed. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania tomorrow...how exciting, more war things (not my favorite if you can’t tell.) Well I better get going for now...got to get to sleep for more driving tomorrow...hehehe!!!

Love ya lots
Allie Joy

July 2, 2006 9:29 PM

So I am going to be a little behind for the last couple of days and possible the next couple of days with updates and pics...due to the fact that I don't and probably won't have internet...SORRY. So let see the last few days...well we stayed and Gloria and Debbie's house until around noon. They have a golf cart and four wheeler. Eddy (on the four wheeler) showed us (on the golf cart...me driving) the back trails in the forest...it was so much fun and we all had a great time!!! You see I haven't gotten to drive and won't get to drive for weeks so any driving I can get in will make me happy...lol. So after we left there we drove for a LONG time...9 hours with the occasional gas and food stops. Now that is a long time. So we stopped in who knows where, Virginia...lol. Right by a Krispy Kreme dougnut shop...so guess what we had for breakfast...that's right FRESH NEWLY cooked doughnuts. They were YUMMUY!!! Today we had to make it to a campsite somewhere right out of Washington D.C. so we can tour the sites for the next few days. Today we started a new adventure by riding the Metro...wo ho fun!!! It's a whole new experience let me tell you. We went and saw Arlington Cemetery with the changing of the guards and tomb of the unknown solider. It wasn't the most exciting thing but defiantly not something I am going to see back home you know. Then we had to drive about an hour to go to my mom's friend's house for dinner and stuff. So now we are just sitting here talking and having a good time...you know whenever we get to talk to people I have a great time and don't miss home as much...which is a good thing because I'll tell you something...I WANT TO COME HOME!!! I an having a good time but I miss everybody and everything!!! It's ok only 26 days left...don't worry or miss me too much, because I know that you all do...lol well I better get going so I can get back out there and start talking again.

Love ya lots
Allie Joy



P.S.
Rob - I sure hope that they do like me like you said they would. Me and Grady are pretty bummed out that we are going to be like the last ones to meet them, and you know we are pretty important to the youth group!!! Hope that they are liking the church so far...and I am praying for you all. Have fun at Row & Grow ( but no to much fun because that is hard to do without me I know) and be safe with all the other youth activities you guys have going on throughout the summer. Love you all!!!