Tourists in Abilene

I have been to Abilene many times to visit with Michael's family, but being the history nerd I am, I wanted to be a tourist in Abilene and check out some of the local museums. By far my favorite museum was Frontier Texas! It was highly interactive and informative for all ages 4-104. The kids had a great time exploring, riding and moving all sorts of artifacts.


Explored a Tee-Pee encampment.


Learning about wagons and trail rides.

waiting patiently for the 3D frontier experience

National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature

Its a free site, that has a plethora of illustrated pages and artwork from many familiar stories and award winning artist on display. The reading room had a giant table made out of books. It made for a short story time fun.

The Grace Hotel and Museum

Jonathan drove Maddy around in the ambulance.

Madelyn and Mackenzie dressed up and gave us an encore performance in the Children's theatre.

Kivihlen Family Reunion 2010

Fun with Jonathan and Mackenzie














































Granny and Madelyn














The back porch, where I sent many hours working on a puzzle.

The Harris Herd

David, Granny, Linda and Judy
For the first time, the family reunion was not held in Crossplains, Texas rather in Lawn, Texas. Technically it is smaller than Crossplains, which to this city dweller was harm to fathom. But we stayed at the Miller Ranch retreat, that was able to sleep everyone in the dorm upstairs. It was fun to stay up late and visit with the family.

Summer Fun

Cosmic bowling

It was very hot during July, and the best way to cool off after cutting the grass was to turn on the sprinklers and run through them as many times before they cycled off. Maddy especially squealed with delight when daddy swung her through the sprinklers.

Enjoying the festivities of Fourth of July.