Hannibal

One of the cool things about Joseph working for Quimby Pipe Organs, Inc. is the fact that he gets to see a lot of new places and meet a lot of wonderful people. Sometimes we even get to join him, as was the case a couple of weeks ago when we accompanied him to an organ concert in Hannibal.

It was about 5 1/2 years ago when they installed an organ in the home of the Colberds in Hannibal Missouri; the Colberds happen to be the owners of the Mark Twain Cave as well as organ enthusiasts.  Anyhow, we attended the dedication of the organ 5 years ago and had a tremendous time there exploring the area a little bit and they were gracious enough to let us go through the cave at that time. 

These pics below were from that first trip out there.

This was one of Joseph's favorite jobs and these were a few of the pics that they took during the instillation of the instrument.

Kaija took this picture of the organ pipes reflected in the mirror on this trip.

Anyhow, Mr. Colberd passed away this last year and the organ is now being donated to the William Jewell College in Liberty,  and this was the final concert to be held in their home.  The kids loved being there again, they are so fond of their house, and the view of the Mississippi is glorious. 

(We got to listen to the concert from the best seats in the house- the bedroom in the balcony- perfection!!)

 Joseph tuned the organ, and Linda offered for us to go visit the cave once more. She is such a kind and generous person, and wasn't even scared (well maybe she was, but she didn't show it) having our entire family be a part of the moment- a saint indeed! 

 Let me just say that we had a lovely time and we were amused by some select items in the gift shop. 

We made it through a portion of the cave in peace, then we became alarmed as Spencer felt it necessary to scream for the remainder of the tour. Remember here that it is a lengthy tour- over 45 min. I think and oh my, how embarrassing!! It really made it hard for the young tour guide to deliver his memorized slightly lame jokes through an echoing screaming baby. 

I don't think Spencer cared much for the 52* temperature, though I enjoyed it immensely- it was a little steamy that day and the cicadas were enjoying their summer heyday!

So anyway, many apologies to all those good folks that were on the same tour with us that day- he really is generally a very happy baby... but when he gets mad he wants things fixed that minute! It makes me frightened for any road trips in the future!

Mr. Colberd was a firefighter- among the many other hats that he wore (dentist, organist etc.) and they have all the bells and whistles to attest to his interests, like the fire pole in his office (along with the hidden door behind the book shelf) and all sorts of fun things on the interior and exterior of their home . 

This cool fire truck was used to serve the refreshments following the beautiful concert.

I love to be able to see and do wonderful things, but I'll tell you what, there is nothing better than doing them with my little family that I cherish more than life itself!!