Full Steam Ahead!

"Full Steam Ahead!" Unfortunately those were some of the last words spoken aboard the Steamboat Arabia on September 5, 1856. That and probably "Uh-oh!" We had an educational experience in KC today learning about the Steamboat Arabia and its fateful sinking just north of KC along the Missouri River. Miraculously over hundreds of tons of cargo was preserved for over 132 below a cornfield. Once excavated in 1988, the largest pre-Civil War steamboat cargo collection was put on display. Absolutely fascinating! Not only was the museum incredible, but they had a on-site lab where they're still restoring and cleaning the collection. They taught Tyson how to clean a copper penny with an eraser and our pennies at home have never been shinier! Oh ... and we had some good authentic KC BBQ at Winslows. Some of us will be having bbq sauce on our turkey tomorrow too.

Thanksgiving Haikus

It's a few days early, but we wanted to share with you a few haikus (poems based on a 5-7-5 syllable format) in the spirit of Thanksgiving. To all our friends, neighbors, loved ones, and acquaintances, we wanted to let you know that we appreciate all of you and are grateful for the relationships that we share. We hope you and your families all have a great Thanksgiving holiday.

Indian Summer Canoe

It's not every day during the month of November that the temperature soars into the upper 70's. It's so hard to write an essay for school when it's 75°. It's hard to fulfill your family's commitment to clean the church when it's 76°. It's even hard to watch a little college football when it's 77°. Yes, it's hard to do a lot of things when an Indian Summer has its grasp on the area. So what's a boy and his dad to do? Head to the lake for a little late summer canoeing action (and a little quite time for the misses in the house). Ah ... the serenity of the lake when the sun is setting. This kind of a fall can hang on as long as it wants to.