Petersons and the Lincolns

February 21, 2009

On the 200th anniverary (plus 9 days) of the birth of Abraham Lincoln in Kentucky, Hannah, Jaeden, Annika, Jed and 9 of the Young Single Adults from our stake went to Springfield, Illinois to learn more about Abraham Lincoln. It was, as all three kids said at the same time when Wendi asked them about it, "totally awesome!" It was also totally cold. We left the house around 6:20 in the morning and got back around 10:15 at night, so we were gone the whole day. We went to see a statue of Log Splittin' Abe, then went to his house, then to a museum about him, and then to his tomb. It was a great day!

This is our whole group (minus Melissa, who took the picture) in front of Abe. I found a website that said it was 30 feet tall, but it sure seemed larger than that. It started the day off just right!

Our next stop was Lincoln's Home. He lived there for 17 years. It is actually his house, not a recreation. His son Robert sold it to the state of Illinois for 1 dollar on two conditions: keep it up and don't charge anyone who wants to come visit it. So, we got to see it for free!!! They had used old pictures and drawings to completely do the insides the way they were. And, we had the best tour guide ever. He got really emotional talking about Lincoln. It was great!

This was his sitting room where he had company come in. We felt right at home! The black horse hair furniture is the actual furniture that Lincoln owned.

The kids walking up the stairs. This is actually the same handrail that was in the house. So, the kids were touching the same rail that Lincoln touched. That is what history really is all about!

Me taking a picture of myself in Lincoln's mirror. You have to love the wallpaper! This was in his bedroom.

The kid's bedroom. This is where Tad (short for Tadpole, a nickname he picked up because he had a big head) and Willie slept.

The outhouse out back. Yes - three spots to take care of business. Now that's fancy!

The kitchen. Our tour guide Justin said the kitchen was just slightly smaller then the entire log cabin his dad had owned when Abe was born. I would say he had made it in the world! Still, I would rather have my house then this one. They didn't have indoor plumbing, central air or heat, and I would have passed out from staring at the wallpaper all day long...

We found a cellar out back and Jaeden checked it out. I had to promise I wouldn't shut the door on him, but it was oh so tempting. What a brave kid! As we left the house it really was amazing that his house is still standing almost exactly how it was when he lived there. And it was amazing that we could just kind of wander around it as if we belonged there. It was like going back in time, and in the best kind of way! Yeah history, but super yeah Abe!!!

We went to the Abraham Lincoln Museum. Abraham Lincoln and his family happened to be in, so we got a picture taken with them. They were very generous to spend some time with us. Unfortunately, as you can see if you look closely, John Wilkes Booth is lurking in the background ready to strike. It was the world's best museum, ever!

The Crew with Abe. It was so much fun hanging out with these guys.

Two 6'4" men. I'm actually 1/4 inch taller than Lincoln, so someday he will be the second tallest president. It would have been so cool to have met him - he was such a great man.

A young Adam Ansel. Annika taking photos. The two of us got seperated from everyone else, so we had an hour to just wander around. It was great to spend some time with my little Angel. She didn't know much about Lincoln, but after an hour with me in his museum, I would guess she's pretty near an expert by now! She did just eat it up, though.

Our last stop was to actually go to the tomb. It was closed, so we couldn't go in, and it was only about 18 degrees and really windy, so we didn't spend much time there, but it was really pretty sobering to be there where Lincoln and his family were buried. He gave so much for our freedom, it was neat to see the fitting monument America built for this hero. We rubbed his nose for good luck. I even rubbed my nose also for double good luck.

Afterwards we drove to Peoria and had super at One World Cafe. I had a Gyro, which was tasty, and we had a lot of fun hanging out with everyone. Unfortunately, the time came for us to come home. I almost got pulled over on the way home, and after the kids finally turned off High School Musical 3 on the car's DVD player and went to sleep we eventually made it home around 10:15. Seriously, this was one of the best road trips ever. We had so much fun and learned so much. We're going back this summer hopefully so we can see the rest of the stuff there (including his law offices) and have a picnic instead of eating in our car. If you have an inkling, give Springfield a try. It is real American history, and it is real close. Thanks to everyone who helped make the day a true success. Again - yeah history, and super yeah Abraham Lincoln!!!