Omaha Zoo; BYU vs. Kansas; Mormon Trail Center at Winter Quarters

On Saturday morning Jacob's family picked Glen up to go to the BYU football game in Lawrence, Kansas.

Sarah's family had arrived in town after making the long drive from Kaysville, Utah to Omaha, and was staying at Jacob's home. 

I drove the car to Jacob's so I could spend the day with the Excells at the zoo. 

It is such a beautiful zoo with lots of animals to see. 

Some animals even posed for photos with us.

There was a little area where children could pet some animals.

The monkeys on the island tree were very entertaining.

Rain was in the forecast for that day. Sarah had determined we would do the zoo, rain or shine. By afternoon, the rain had started to fall. 

The boys loved using their umbrellas, and I was glad I had brought mine. 

Laurie had instructed us to bypass the buildings at the beginning and do all of the outdoor areas first. Then we would have the buildings to go in when it was raining. Her plan worked great for us. There were a lot of things for us to see inside.

I sure know I really enjoyed my day with the Excells at the zoo. I was glad they had decided to make the trek to Omaha so I had someone to spend the day with.

The boys had all been so good at the zoo. It looks like they gave their experience a thumbs up!

We had an early dinner at Olive Garden. 

One might think I would not have been too thrilled with their choice of restaurant since I had just been there the night before, but I ordered something different and enjoyed it a lot better than my meal the previous night. 

Once back at Jacob's home, Carson had made friends with Ollie, and he was willing to take the dog out for a walk. 

That evening, Luke went with Sarah's family to get some ice cream.

Meanwhile...in Kansas...the ball gamers ate lunch at McDonald's.

They always love to get to the games super early so they can participate in all the tailgate party pre-game activities. 

Look who joined them there for that. Abe's family had arrived in time for the pre-game hoopla as well.

Glen was thrilled to get a free clear stadium bag. It reminded him of the bags we use at the prison. 

Abe's family was staying in our hotel, so they brought Glen home very late after the drive back from the football game. I was already snug as a bug in a rug in the hotel room getting a lot more sleep than the football fans.

This little family group greeted us in the morning. 

We joined Newland for breakfast at his table.

It was Sunday morning and we headed over to Jacob's church. It was a great day because it was the primary program in sacrament meeting. Claire was participating from Jacob's family. Wynne was also willing to participate, knowing all the songs and even did a speaking part of a child who didn't show up.

After church, we had lunch at Jacob and Laurie's home. Then we had a family activity going to the Mormon Trail Center at Winter Quarters. 

At first, the grandchildren didn't think they wanted to be there, thinking that it would be dumb. Carson's expression captured it well.

But, once the tour began, they got a little more interested in what was going on there.

These windows look out over the Winter Quarters cemetery where hundreds of the early Saints were buried.

The grandchildren each got a chance to pull a handcart.

After the tour, we went across the street to the cemetery. The Winter Quarters Temple is located adjacent to the cemetery.

Abe served his mission in the Omaha Nebraska Mission 20 years ago. He had fond memories of the times he went to the Trail Center while on his mission. 

Now here he was back again all these years later with his wife and family. That was pretty sweet.

Jacob and Laurie fed us a delicious roast beef dinner that evening complete with homemade apple pie. YUM!!!!!!

What a great Sabbath Day from start to finish!