Church and rural Iowa

The next day was Sunday, so this meant church day. We went to the church my dad grew up in, I met so many people that said to me " I knew your dad when he was this small" it was fun for me to meet people who used to know my dad when he was a kid.

Next it was time for a little history, we drove all around the county and learned every detail! Where my grandma was born and the places she went to school and the farms she lived on. Where her and grandpa went on their dates, where they got married and where they went to the roller skating rink. I of course took a ton a pics, I will only post a few on here as not to over whelm you!

Dad, grandma and Linda at the Tracy Christina Reformed Church where grandma and grandpa got married.

Tracy, Iowa

The Tracy, Iowa post office

This is a day I will not forget! It mean so much to me to learn all this Kelderman history.

Back at the house, Crystelle thought my magnets looked good on her blue rental car and I agree :>

Grandpa's Memorial Service and Trenton, Mo NFPB

On Saturday we all headed to the Cemetery to have a memorial service for my grandpa. He passed away last summer but this service was for all the Iowa people that could not make it to Colorado and also to leave his ashes.
In the summer of 2009 when they had his funeral I was living in Las Vegas and I could not go home for it.
This meant so much to me to get to be part of this service.

It was a really hard time, I cried the whole service. I got up and spoke and that made me cry more. I got to hear from so many of grandpa's childhood friends and learn about a part of him I never knew.
After the service we all headed back to Evelyn's house and had a huge potluck in her front yard. I signed dozens of autograph sheets for all the people! I felt famous in that small town.

My Grandma and Aunt Linda

Tuney Kelderman, Grandpa's Cousin speaking at the service

As you can tell it was hot! and yes I was in all black. But it was worth every moment in the sun.

After lunch I got ready to hit the road, Dad and I drove down to Trenton, Mo for the bull riding that night. It was put on my Double S, so that's Shad Smith and Todd Crase. This was my first time to meet both of them.

After a beautiful drive thur southern Iowa and Northern Mo, dad and I arrived at the saddle club arena. The local saddle club put on this bull riding as a fundraiser for the local woman's shelters. I was so honored to be a part of such a neat event, dad and I both bought raffle tickets to support the cause, even though we didn't win anything.

Tried to get a pic of this horse yawning and we got one!

The arena in Trenton, Missouri

They had a local saddle club member present the American flag, so I was brought into the arena and introduced. I was so happy to have my dad there to see me. (and so he could take pics)

Prayer- Cowboy Style :>

In the arena with the Double S guys doing a tribute to the Veterans

Next it was time for autograph signings, I love how Shad and Todd do it, a huge table with all the bull riders and bull fighters signing posters, so everyone can meet them :>

This was my first experience as queen with Humidity! It did its job on my hair

I got so sign a baby! Career highlight :>

This local gal was getting ready to run for county princess.

After a long fun night Dad and I headed back to Oskaloosa. We hit a few road closures because of washed out bridges, but God kept us safe.

Iowa here we come!

On Thursday May 27th my dad, his sister, my Aunt Linda and I hit the road to Iowa. This was going to be a very special week for us there. A stomach bug had been hitting our family for a few days and as much as we prayed I would not get it, I got it bad that morning. I was so sick and weak that as I was trying to pack, I was putting in like one boot and one sash! I was a mess.....

We picked up my aunt and I took the back seat in my Saturn Vue. I think I threw up at every rest stop. I was so miserable, but glad to have my dad to take care of me. We stayed the night in Nebraska and by morning I was feeling much better! We had to be to Oskalossa by Friday evening so we could make it to the Fish Fry Dinner!!
My dad was born in Oskaloosa and most of all the Kelderman side of my family is there. Since my grandpa Kelderman was born and raised there he wanted his ashes to be put there by his parents grave. This is the reason for our visit and of course I had bull riding's I could not wait to get to :>

We made it in time to go with a whole clan of people to Eddyville, IA to Dave's Welcome Inn. Evelyn Jensen, the sweet lady who took us all in for the week, she told me I had to be the queen when we went, so I quick changed my clothes. My cousin Crystelle flew in from Nashville to be with us. When we walked into the restaurant, the owner yelled for every ones attention and told them all who I was and to come to the bull riding in Albia the next weekend!

My Grandma, Crystelle and I

My dad and his Catfish!

Dave, the owner of Dave's Welcome Inn

Some how I got the all wrangled up for a photo!

That's a whole lot of Dutch people :>

Grand Marshall??

After visiting the Senior center and being recognised by the Town Hall and Mayor, I received a phone call from Jeff Wilkes from the Rotary Club. He told me that I had been chosen as the Grand Marshall for the Erie Winterfest Parade!

It will be on December 4th!

So excited for this! He also asked me to come speak at the rotory club.

Watch out Santa :>

Outstanding Erie Resident

Rachel at town hall
Click on this link and then scroll down to the part called Proclamations/Presentations. There you will see my name. Watch the video of Mayor Joe Wilson and I.

On May 25th I was recognised at the Erie Town Hall meeting. A brand new Mayor had just been sworn in and he wanted me to come and be recognised! I was so honored. I love my little town and this was so cool for me!

I was presented with a certificate for being an outstanding citizen!

Shaking hands with Mayor Joe Wilson

Erie was started as a mining town, this is a tribute to those who lost their lives in the mines.