A Final Trip to Missouri

So we've finally returned to St. Cloud from our most recent two week travels. After spending some time in the Twin Cities for Raymond's baptism and then seeing the Palmer family for a few days, we drove 10 hours down to Springfield, MO to see the Welters' clan. Aaron and Jayme flew in from CA and Matt, Erin and Raymond flew down from MN. We had a blast!


The first bit of exciting news is the Aaron and Jayme got engaged! After 8 long years Aaron finally popped the question whilst on a mountain ledge overlooking the ocean in CA. The ring is beautiful and personally designed by Aaron. Congratulations!

So after everybody arrived in MO, we loaded up three cars and drove to Tan-Tara resort in Lake of the Ozarks. We had our own little house to ourselves that was away from the rest of the resort. We had a lot of fun swimming, taking a boat ride, playing tennis, going horseback riding, playing 500, and spending time with the family for 4 lovely days. It is a beautiful area of the country and I very much reccommend anyone going to check it out.


After we got back from Tan-Tara Matt, Erin and Raymond left and it was just the twins, the girls and the Parents' Welters'. The kids spent the days reading and studying and Andy and I bought a years' worth of books to read while in China. There was much movie watching, 500 playing and quality family time done.


So we said goodbye to the Parents' Welters and then dropped Aaron and Jayme off at the airport and then started our long trek back to MN. Along the way we made a pitstop in Fairbault to see John, which was quite necessary since we had been freaking and stressing out about China for the last week or so. It's so great that John is helping us out! Thank goodness he hasn't gotten annoyed with our many questions! (Or at least he hasn't gotten too annoyed, afterall, he does have to spend the next year with us!)


So now we're back and we still have lots to do. The house is 60% packed and there is garbage EVERYWHERE! The Palmer Clan is coming on Sunday to help move the big furniture and to take some things that Brother Eric and Sister Terra need for their new apartment. Our good friend Connie is coming up for one last Hurrah tomorrow night and we are super excited to see her! (and her new car!) So that's the update from Clan Marew, more to come when we have our departure date set and our tickets bought!