Slice of the Midwest.....delicious

Chapel at "Precious Moments"
Site of the Temple Lot in Independence, Mo

We have lived here in the Midwest for about 7 years this month. Its so different from fast-paced California and we are settling into it. People are so friendly and everyone waves at you as you pass them. This is Walmart country and they even have a "Walmart Visitor Center" in Benton ville, where Sam Walton started his first store. (yes really)

The town we live in is a large area, but only about 13,000 people live here. "Precious Moments" is here and its 6,000 acres of grass and beautiful landscape. There is a lake where you can fish and enjoy the swans and ducks. Close by is a cute chapel where you can tour free and see all the paintings and stained glass windows that Sam Butcher made. Of course they have shops where you can buy their dolls and figurines.

The Walmart in town is a super center. You can get a gallon of milk, lawnmower and some vitamins all in the same stop. All of the small towns around here have "the square" which is usually where the court house is and other city buildings. The local hardware store is on the square and that is where we bought all of our furniture. (that right!)Its a 3 story building and the basement is filled with all variety of furnishings. You can get a hammer, a light bulb and some china there. You can also register if you are a bride to be and rent a tux. They have beautiful grandfather clocks and "Fenton" crystal. They also have catalogs, they order furniture from all over the world.

The farmer's market comes to the square every week and the farmers are Mennonites, they wear collar-bound shirts with suspenders, the women wear bonnets and long dresses. They are more trendy than the Amish, as they have cell phones and credit cards. Its wonderful to get the fresh produce and honey they sell.

The YMCA offers many interesting and fun classes. They have racquetball, weight room, swimming pool and gym. Our family goes there daily, even Grandpa Bill, he is their oldest member.

We have been able to visit a lot of the state since we have been here and have enjoyed exploring the different areas. We have seen all of the LDS church sites here in Missouri.

We are enjoying this part of the country.....