Visit to Springfield, Illinois 2009

It 's always great to take a trip with other people. First off, you never know what you might encounter. For instance, finding the right seat belt for everyone. Since there were ten of us going to Springfield, Illinois, it was so funny just making sure everyone was belted in. We laughted so much! You would have had to been there to experience that laughter. After what seemed like about a half an hour we were able to leave the parking lot of Heritage Baptist Church. Of course you have to take in account that this is the Senior Saints going on this trip. Ages ranging from about sixty-two to ninety one. With such difficutly in getting belted in we began writing a poem. Started with "We are the Senior Clickers. The mighty mighty clickers.

With Bill Lawson at the helm, we headed to Lincoln's Home. After seeing a movie about Lincoln's home, we had a guided tour in his home and the homes surrounding it.

The next morning we went to the Abraham Lincoln & Presidential Library & Museum. That is so AWSOME to see! "Blending scholarship and showmanship, this expansive 200,000 square-foot complex brings together a culmination of Lincoln history, lore and legend to one state-of-the-art facility. You'll discover more than 40,000 square feet of galleries, theaters and historic displays. Above you see a photo of our group with the Lincoln's family. Yes,those are just statues...but they look like real people.

Here we see another great statue of young Abe with OLD Gary! We could have spent more time here, but we needed to head to New Salem before heading home. We didn't even have time to see Lincoln's tomb.

We ate lunch at the New Salem Village. We saw a sign that said the best burgers in town. I tried one...they were okay, but I'm thinking to myself I've had better.

In this photo we have Les Kramer listening to a man explain how they made buckets, tubs, and barrels at the Henry Onstot Cooper Shop. This shop is the only building left from the original New Salem.

Clair Dietz, ninety-one and Gary listened while this lady at the Martin Waddell Residence explained how different hats were made. And as always time just flies by as you visit all the different homes in the village.

We all wanted to let Bill know that we appreciated his driving and took up a small collection to give him . He didn't want it but Lucy forced him to take it. We were thinking he could buy supper for himself. Knowing Bill he probably put in the offering the next Sunday. But I on the other hand, hope he used it for supper.

Here we have Les and Freida Kramer checking out the map for our return trip home.

If anyone knows me very much, I like funny photos. So after everyone had taken photos of the group, I told them I wanted them to be silly...AND THE ABOVE PHOTO IS WHAT I GOT! Gary jumped in front of everyone and I just took the photo! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

We had a great time getting to know each other a little more and so very thankful to arrive home safely.