Better Late that never......

I know you have all been antipating info about the rest of our vacation. Day 4 had us traveling. We left Defiance and headed for Branson. Planned on stopping about halfway. We spent the morning checking out all of Steve's old haunts. Got to go into his school. It was awesome. No pics of inside--on Andrea's camera.

Also the kids were amazed with how green every thing was. Here's my own children of the corn.

On our journey through Illinois I used my great navigation skills to lead the family on a off the beaten path side trip to find Lincoln's Log Home(according to the map I bought at Wall's for a dollar).It looked like it was 14 miles of highway, but an hour later and many miles of corn and of the lady in the box(gps) saying Turn Right. We arrived. yeah to find out no tours but we were able to walk around. Would love to go back to get the whole story.

From what I read this is the farm that Abraham Lincoln bought for his mom and stepfather for $200. It was very well preserved, and seemed to be a working farm. I bet field trips would be great there!

We were worried about beating the rain and getting to Effingham so it was a rushed trip but some of my best memories. On the way back to the interstate we found the church were Lincoln's parents were buried. It looked like the original headstone but a sign said it was the second because tourist had come and chipped off pieces for souveniors. I could have looked at all the old headstones for ever but the children were restless!!

The iron work around the site was made by a company in Ohio.

The church was beautiful as well.

After leaving the cemetary we drove trying to beat the rain. I would say no luck but it was so great to see rain.After getting to motel we went and ate at the restaurant next door. Kids were disappointed because pool was closed. It was here where we saw complete double rainbows. What a blessing!
The next day was on to Branson. I will be back to tell more.
Smiles-Kathy