Omaha Trip

On Thursday October 20th I flew out to Omaha. David and the boys took me to the airport. I was excited to go, but sad to leave my boys behind. I'd only spent 1 day away from William ( I don't count the time I was in the hospital having Henry because I still saw him multiple times a day) and I'd never been away from Henry. As I said goodbye to David and my boys I definitely got choked up! I knew my boys were in the best hands with their daddy. He had work and school off so I had no concerns. I just knew I'd miss them all like crazy! But I had a promise to keep so I needed to go.
I met Mindy in Primary when I moved to Nebraska when I was 8.  We didn't really become friends at first. But starting in junior high we gradually became better friends. Since high school we've been best friends. We're there for each other through thick and thin. We would visit each other either in Omaha or here.  She came out to be with me for the week or so before I was married. I promised her at some point that I would be there with her when her time came to be endowed.

(Mindy is the one on my left)
Mindy received her endowments the night of Thursday the 20th.  It was amazing to be with her and to be her escort. It is an experience I'll always treasure.  I'm so grateful that everything worked out so I could be there with her.

During my trip I stayed with Becky and her family. Being with them definitely eased my loneliness.

On Friday we went to Vala's Pumpkin Patch. Becky and her family LOVE this place, so of course they had to take me!

Becky and Matt

Josie, Anthony, Makayla, and Zachary

We first went through a storybook village.
They had some fun displays of various nursery rhymes and fairy tales.
My favorite was the 3 billy goats gruff - especially since a goat was going over the bridge and the troll right as I took the picture!

We also went to some pig races. While waiting for the races to start I saw and visited with my 7th grade social studies teacher. That was a strange but fun experience.  

Back to the races. This was the first race. 

The second race. 

The third race.
They were all pretty fun and the kids loved it!

We also went through some haunted houses and rode the train.
We had a great time!

On Saturday morning we went to the zoo. 

Aren't they adorable?

We went through my favorite - the jungle!!!
The monkeys were really active and very noisy while we were in the jungle. 

One of my favorites - the sloth! 

A pretty peacock-like bird was walking around our feet.

A friendly orangutan.

Zach really enjoyed his chocolate animal cracker.

Saturday afternoon Becky and I played skipbo while we watched the Husker. I spent that evening with Mindy. We saw the new Footloose movie.

Becky and I woke up very early Sunday morning to make it to the airport on time. My flight left at 6:20 am.  It was sad saying goodbye - just because I wish Becky and I lived closer to each other.
But it was so good to get back to my boys. I sure missed them!