Phil and I have enjoyed watching the Ken Burns series on National Parks. It brought back a lot of memories of my folks and especially my dad. He loved and respected the natural beauty found in the United States. He could have been one of the ones who worked to help keep the parks free and open to the public. He was always upset at the people who littered and abused the natural beauty, although we did drive the car through the Sequoia tree that had been cut to form a tunnel. I remember Uncle Christ helping him work the car through so that the tree and the car did not come into contact.

The only upset from the trip that we took with Christ and Lis Koerner was over Mirror Lake. Dad talked for miles about going to see it and Uncle Christ was driving as we flew past. Dad yelled at him to turn into the drive, but evidently Christ's ears popped so severely in the mountains that he just could not hear what people were saying.

Over the years we visited the Petrified Forest, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Sequoias, the Badlands, Yellowstone, and several trips to the Tetons. Mom loved to travel also, but always loved coming home to the green of Illinois. What a great heritage of love of natuare we got from both of them. The series made me wish we could take off and visit some of the places we have never seen. I will have to see what pictures I can find to post. Dad took some beautiful pictures.

Wedding Pictures

A cabin in the woods

Tyler, what big ears you have!

The deer is whispering to Andrew now.

Is this a Cavs fan or a Bulls fan?

Brooke and Becca cooperating in a game of Skipbo.

A serious game of Skipbo.

So how did Bruce win the game when it was the first time he played?

You must have been a beautiful baby, but which one?

The swing was a popular place to just hang out.

Visiting and sharing stories.

The birthday boy!

Whispering sweet nothings in Carl's ear. . . .

Sharing good stories.

Being out in the woods with family was like a big hug. As Peg said, "Family, being out in the woods with bird songs, a babbling brook and bright stars. It just doesn't get any better."
I am reminded of the old, old song, "I love those dear hearts and gentle people....I feel so welcome each time that I return, that my happy heart keeps laughing like a clown, because those dear hearts and gentle people will never ever let you down."

The cabin reminded the Franklin family of all those vacations to Wisconsin and the simple pleasures that come just being together and enjoying nature. All the cooperation and caring was just a little bit of heaven! Can't wait until next time.

A-Hiking We Will Go!

Thanks for keeping Grandpa company, Matt!

The beginning climb was the whole reason this hike was classified as "Difficult!"

Andrew always had to be in the lead. By a lot.

Stopping to figure out what this was:I was hoping it was the hearth and chimney of an old house in the woods. But it was just an old park pavilion. Bummer.

How did this get there?

We crossed over these man-made stepping stones several times on the hike. Good thing they were pretty sturdy!

I really enjoyed the hike--the woods were just beautiful, and it wasn't TOO difficult. All the roots underfoot just added to the excitement!

More from Carl's birthday celebration

The birthday boy!

We did get a picture of the cake before it was cut!

Lively party goers

Proof that a Gaylord Girl did put in an appearance!

Carl's Magic Trick

I think the kids were all fascinated by this one!

1040 Thirty Years Later

What a different house with the raised roof and front grill on the porch. I guess Dad would be happy to see that the magnolia tree is still there in the middle of the front yard. And Carl would approve of the lack of a lilac hedge in the front that eliminates having to rake all the leaves out. It appears that there is a fence along the back yard with grape vines. A huge house is to the west so I guess the Keller's home is not there any more. I always liked the story of how the two houses were "twins" built by brothers side by side.

Graue Mill

Since we stayed so close and the Graue Mill was such a big part of Mary Ann's retirement years, it just seemed like a natural for us to go to see it. My great grandfather Schoettler had a grist mill in Hallenberg so I guess the mill is in our blood. Mary Ann loved taking the school field trip groups around and showing them the mill. She especially enjoyed the spinning of wool into yarn.

The man who demonstrated the making of yarn showed how to card the wool and later how to spin the wool into yarn.

Even the grown ups got a lesson

Andrew is weaving on a hand loom.

The weaver showed how to make the yarn into woven cloth.

There was pioneer era clothing to try on. The top hat is too big for even Tyler's head!

Andrew gets to shell corn with a matchine.

Tyler helped grind the "grist" actually wheat.

We had to check outside to see the mill wheel go around.

Andrew's Viewpoint

Andrew had the camera before the wedding and at the reception. Here is his contribution to the picture collection.

Meet and greet at the front of the church on a beautiful summer day.