My grandfather, Milton John Hess, has always emphasized the motto “No Empty Chairs!”  It’s his hope that each of his posterity will live his/her life in such a way to merit the blessings of heaven when this life is through, and as a result, when we are all gathered around the big dinner table in heaven, no one will be missing.

A few weeks ago, the Tolbert clan made the trek to Armington, Illinois for a family reunion, and except for Uncle Matthew who is serving his country in Afghanistan, there were “no empty chairs.”  Even Bryan’s grandfather (“Papa”) had his first plane trip and was with us.  Although I had a few apprehensions about the event (driving 13+ hours with 2 kids, staying with 30 people in one house in the middle of nothing but corn fields for a week), I must say that the gathering was as close to heaven as you can get here on earth.

Jeremy and Julie were awesome hosts.  They achieved the perfect balance of scheduled activities and relaxing down time.

Friday–Departed from Frisco.  Drove many hours to a small town near Branson, MO where we stayed the night.

Saturday–More driving.  Stopped at a fun antique store in Illinois where purchased our first “vintage” Nancy Drew book ($2).  A little further up the road, we stopped in Springfield, IL and toured the home where Abraham Lincoln resided prior to his presidency.  I wish that we’d had a little more time to spend in the area.  Finished driving to Jeremy and Julie’s.

Sunday–Church together and then to a beautiful park for a picnic.

Monday–Private swimming and pizza party at a local small-town pool.

Tuesday–Guys took the kids to a movie while the gals went shopping.  Fishing and s’mores at a neighbor’s pond.  I caught a fish!

Wednesday–Boating (tubing, water skiing) at a nearby lake.  The water was very warm thanks to a nearby nuclear power plant.  I’m assured that it is 100% safe.  I was more afraid of the VERY LARGE fish that boldly swam close to shore.

Thursday–Carthage jail and Nauvoo.

Friday–Water sliding in the river.  Started the long trip home.  Stayed the night in the nastiest hotel room EVER–Travelodge in Blytheville, AR.  I reported them to the health department upon my return to Frisco.

Saturday–Bopped around Little Rock, AR where Ariana and I went to the Discovery’s Museum and saw a fascinating Bubble Magic show.  I’d love to go back to Little Rock and spend more time exploring.  Drove to Hot Springs, AR.  Ariana and I did a little ceramic painting, and then we all went to The Bath House variety show.  Very fun!

Sunday–Church in Hot Springs and visited Mr. and Mrs. Baber–mentors from my high school days.  Seeing them was a highlight of the trip for me.  Safely arrived home to find all well.  What a blessing to have traveled so many miles (2,700 in all) with no mishap.

I am grateful to have married into such a WONDERFUL family who loves being together!

I’ve posted a sizeable photo album of trip photos for your enjoyment: http://www.tolberts.org/lori/photo-albums/album/72157600568629727/Tolbert_Family_ReunionJune_2007.html