We made it home, safe and sound, and thankful for many good adventures and memories.

We visited 13 states and traveled 4,556 miles in the car. We saw license plates from 48 states, never seeing Hawaii or Rhode Island. Aside from sniffly noses, everyone was healthy.

Along the way we stopped at four major sites along Lewis and Clark’s route, visited four places related to US presidents, traveled to three areas important to Native Americans, toured two Christian college campuses, drove through two national parks, and saw one zoo, one theatrical performance, and one site associated with Little House on the Prairie. We enjoyed time with many family members and dear friends. We never ran out of gas, never visited a medical doctor, and hardly rested. We listened to the Blackgard Chronicles, The Ambition, and Dominion. We worked on memorizing Colossians 3 but were less successful in applying it. It was a great trip and we have much to be thankful for. Thanks for “coming along” with us!

Today we drove to Branson to see the presentation of Joseph at the Sight & Sound Theater. This was a first-rate musical about the life of Joseph and his brothers that was powerful, instructive, and faithful to Scripture. I feared that I might find so many mistakes that it would take away from my enjoyment. Instead, the performance inspired me to study and teach the book of Genesis. (OK, I was already motivated, but this only pushed me more.)

Afterwards we went to dinner and had an extended discussion about the biblical story and what we learned.

Kids at the Sight & Sound Theater

I took a lot of photos today and I’m just not going to be able to share everything. We had a full day of American history and ended it with some fun time with friends.

We started off at Fort Dubois, the winter campground for the Corps of Discovery before Lewis and Clark began their journey. While we have seen many forts, sites, and boats related to their travels, I think they were spaced out enough and had sufficient variety that no one grew bored with them.

Katie with Lewis and Clark

The camp of Lewis and Clark, along with the city of St. Louis, sits near the junction of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. A viewing tower was recently constructed so visitors could see where the two famous rivers meet.

Overlooking the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers

Not too far from here are the Cahokia Mounds, the largest Native American settlement north of Mexico prior to the arrival of Columbus. We visited the museum which told the story of the Mississippian culture in the prehistoric years.

Cahokia Mounds Museum

Then we climbed the largest of the 80 preserved mounds, “Monks Mound.” A temple once was located on the summit.

Mark gives Jonathan a ride to the top

Finally we headed to downtown St. Louis. I’ve seen the Gateway Arch many times over the years, but always from a window driving by on the Interstate. The structure is much more impressive in person. Below the arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion tells more of the story of Lewis and Clark. They also somehow manage to get trams to the top of the arch, and Kelli took the older boys on that ride.

The family with Gateway Arch

Across the street from the arch is the St. Louis Historical Old State Courthouse where the famous Dred Scott case was heard. This visit provided us with the opportunity to review one of the most infamous decisions in U.S. history. I might just add here that American history is more glorious and noble the further you are away from it. Our preparation for the trip revealed some pretty ugly people and events.

Courtroom where the Dred Scott case was heard

Then we met up with Geoff and Elizabeth Kirkland, now planting a church in St. Louis. Geoff is a New Testament scholar, but he is still willing to associate with me. If my memory is correct, Geoff is the only student I ever had in three different semesters. (One of the disadvantages of teaching at IBEX is that you usually don’t get repeat students in your classes.)

Enjoying dinner at Imo’s Pizza

In all, we had a great day!

We ‘ve driven home from Rockford, Illinois in a day before, but we decided to take it a bit slower this time and see some of the sites. Today was the first of four days in our journey home.

Our time in Springfield, Illinois, was about the 16th president. We began at the Old State Capitol. Here visitors can see Representatives Hall where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech.

Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois

Representatives Hall

We enjoyed our picnic lunch not far from this statue.

Bethany and Abraham Lincoln

Originally we planned not to visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum because of limited time and higher entrance fees. Several things convinced us to change that plan and I am very glad we did. The museum is outstanding for adults and children alike. The movies, presentations, exhibits, guides, and descriptions are all excellent.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

I think that our family’s enjoyment of it was increased because of our study of Lincoln’s life last summer in conjunction with our visits to his boyhood home, Lincoln Memorial, and Ford Theater. Personally I am motivated to read a good biography of Lincoln. (But I don’t know which one…)

Us and the Lincolns

We finished the day with a drive to St. Louis.