Today was a marvelous day with family. The latter part of the day we drove to Kingsville, Missouri to visit the Powell Gardens.

A brief history includes the purchase of land in 1948, which was used by the Powells for many years as a family retreat. Over the decades in keeping with the Powell family stewardship philosophy, the regional Boy Scouts of America used the land. A portion of the land's history includes the University of Missouri's School of Agriculture developing the land. In 1984 the Powell Family Foundation began envisioning the Center. It's truly a most remarkable destination.

Of all the fun family outings throughout the years, this was perhaps the most animated I've seen my grandsons. It was a beautiful day. The gardens are magnificent but not only designed with beautiful plants and shrubs and trees. Much space is dedicated to orchards and farm crops, and berries and herbs... and, gosh, so much more. The air was redolent with all kinds of enticing scents. It was spectacular. And we only saw a portion!

In the gift shop I purchased a variety of glass stones - this post includes a photo. They are quite lovely. I asked Malcolm and Bert to select one each as a memento of our day together. I thought it was terribly sweet that Bert chose a small glass stone to carry in his pocket.

I didn't take pics of the gardens (my bad) but I bet the website if well done.

This evening Julia and Chase dined with friends so the boys and I headed for one of their favorite restaurants. Once we were back home we watched the film Lemony Snickets, which was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

Tomorrow I head for Portland, Oregon for a week. I am the luckiest person ever I do believe.



Entering Powell Gardens



Malcolm getting the lay of the land



Family Bean



Sequoia with a sign suggesting visitors come back in the year 6,000 to see it fully grown. Wow!



Lego Butterfly - Throughout the gardens were masterfully constructed Lego displays



Bert (what a good sport)



Malcolm



Glass Stones