Vacation Day 18: Traveled from Bluffton to St. Louis. Holiday Inn Express was OK. The personnel behind the desk seemed less than knowledgable of what it takes to work in customer service. We ate at the local Cracker Barrel. Never gone there as a family, but we enjoyed the Peg Game and Checkers.
Vacation Day 19: Got up at 6, got ready, packed, ate breakfast and were on the road by 7 AM. Cass was ready to get home. And so were the rest of us. Made pretty good time and pulled in the drive at 3 PM.
A Sad Ending: Well, we talked as a family as to whether I should blog about the topic to come and decided I have been telling you about the vacation of a lifetime we are experiencing and all the great things that took place on the trip so you need to know about the bad stuff too. At about Columbia, MO we stopped for gas at a Quick Trip. There was some miscommunication, differing expectations and lack of security which led to the vehicle being left unlocked and unattended for about 10-15 minutes. In that time two bags were stolen out of the back seat- my computer bag and Carson's LEGO bag. Some good news- I may have had a computer bag along, but I didn't have a laptop with me. So they took a bunch of my youth leader magizines, a journal, a GPS, & several hundred dollars cash. Not too bad. Carson's bag had his Wii, his new Toy Story 3 game and our video recorder in it. Ouch. He was pretty upset about the Wii and the recorder had our trip memories on it.
But...about 25 miles down the road it led to an important discussion about the situation: everything taken was replacable; we had each other; no one got sick, lost or injured on the trip; we still have so much that God has given us; there was so much more in the vehicle that could have been taken- phones, iPods, purse, wallet.
So, it was a sad ending to an amazing trip. And though we ache a little for the "things" lost, they are still just "things" and we had a super time. They can't take that from us.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Day 59
Vacation Day 16: On Saturday we made the longest drive yet of our trip. 8 hours from Lancaster, PA to Bluffton, OH. If you like PA, my apologies, because we were happy to be out of it. Might have something to do with the long trip and the long day.
Got to Bluffton by supper time. We stayed Saturday and Sunday nights at John and Kristi Kohli's. We were missionaries with the Kohli's in Alaska. Very good friends. It was wonderful to see them again. Hadn't been together since we took the job in Kansas 8 years ago. Besides our kids growing up, they now have two of their own (Jaden and Owen). We had a blast throughout the weekend with their kids. Did a lot of reminiscing about camp and catching up on life.
Vacation Day 17: Went to Ebenezer Church on Sunday. Since the last time we were there they had added a new gym which they use as a sanctuary. There was a baptism so the candidates shared their testimonies. As they talked of how God used this church in their life, made me think of my time living in Bluffton growing up. Bluffton and Ebenezer Church are very special to me. Many of the people I had a chance to talk to there have invested time and energy into my life and I am so thankful for that. It was great to come back "home".
After the service our family drove down to the land where we had a mobile home. Had a Collie (Tray) that was killed by a car there. Then went over to the farm where we lived for three years when I was in grade school. I remember mowing that yard by hand. And it is still huge today! What was my dad thinking?!?
Rest of the afternoon involved swimming in someone's pond, meeting with Pastor Potter and talking with Bonnie Spallinger. Seeing Bonnie was a great surprise as she is a missionary in Germany. Home for a while I guess. Bonnie worked for me in the Program department at Echo Ranch. She is awesome!
For supper went to Kevin and Mary Gratz'. They are very good friends of my parents and somehow they decided to like us too. Had some delicious home-made stromboli. Got to hear about Kyle's home renovation project and Kara's meal with the "blind". They treat us too good. But I ain't complaining! Great friends. Great memories.
Got to Bluffton by supper time. We stayed Saturday and Sunday nights at John and Kristi Kohli's. We were missionaries with the Kohli's in Alaska. Very good friends. It was wonderful to see them again. Hadn't been together since we took the job in Kansas 8 years ago. Besides our kids growing up, they now have two of their own (Jaden and Owen). We had a blast throughout the weekend with their kids. Did a lot of reminiscing about camp and catching up on life.
Vacation Day 17: Went to Ebenezer Church on Sunday. Since the last time we were there they had added a new gym which they use as a sanctuary. There was a baptism so the candidates shared their testimonies. As they talked of how God used this church in their life, made me think of my time living in Bluffton growing up. Bluffton and Ebenezer Church are very special to me. Many of the people I had a chance to talk to there have invested time and energy into my life and I am so thankful for that. It was great to come back "home".
After the service our family drove down to the land where we had a mobile home. Had a Collie (Tray) that was killed by a car there. Then went over to the farm where we lived for three years when I was in grade school. I remember mowing that yard by hand. And it is still huge today! What was my dad thinking?!?
Rest of the afternoon involved swimming in someone's pond, meeting with Pastor Potter and talking with Bonnie Spallinger. Seeing Bonnie was a great surprise as she is a missionary in Germany. Home for a while I guess. Bonnie worked for me in the Program department at Echo Ranch. She is awesome!
For supper went to Kevin and Mary Gratz'. They are very good friends of my parents and somehow they decided to like us too. Had some delicious home-made stromboli. Got to hear about Kyle's home renovation project and Kara's meal with the "blind". They treat us too good. But I ain't complaining! Great friends. Great memories.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Day 56
Wow.
Wow. Wow. Wow.
Have been crazy busy. I'll try to cover the days I missed.
Vacation Day 11: Went to downtown Philly. In the morning Carson and I toured the battleship New Jersey. The gals weren't interested so they sat in the park and talked.
The afternoon involved deciphering the intricacies of parking in Philly. Once that was conquered, we saw the Liberty Bell, walked past Independence Hall, visited Betsy Ross and snuck down Elipher's Alley.
Vacation Day 12: Went downtown Philly again. This time it was to catch our train to New York City. Left our vehicle in the parking garage by the station. The station was huge and had that mystique. Got on the AMTRAK at 11 and were in NYC by 12:30.
First time riding the train. Kinda like riding in an airplane without the seat belts and long delays from the gate to the air. I liked it.
The only way I can describe walking out of Penn Station onto 7th Avenue in NYC is that it reminded me of getting off the plane in Santo Domingo when going to the Dominican Republic. New sounds, smells, faces, speed of life. Amazing.
Our Holiday Inn Express was two blocks away so we just hoofed it. 15 floors. Kids were disappointed there was no pool, but we wouldn't have time for it anyway. After dumping our luggage in the room, headed toward Central Park. Sal and kids grabbed Chinese food from a hole in the wall and right next door to them I found a guy selling lamb gyros. Delicious. Sat on the second floor and watched the world stream by.
Some of our favorite spots on the way to Central Park were: Hershey's shop, M&M store, Quicksilver, Late Show with David Letterman. The Park is like 30 blocks from our hotel. Sal said 12 blocks equals a mile, which if true, meant we walked like two and half miles to get there. Didn't tell the kids that. Then had to go back. :)
Rested up and then met Sal's cousin Brent for supper. Brent works for Daktronics. Daktronics builds the huge marquees in the Times Square. Daktronics has an office and apartment on Times Square and Brent travels during the week to NYC to service boards and take care of clients. Had supper at Virgil's BBQ. Very good.
Then we hung out with a few of our new "friends" in Times Square.
Vacation Day 13: Late start in the morning. Took the subway downtown to Ground Zero. Not much there yet. Kinda disappointing from a tourist attraction. Walked to Battery Park. My brother warned me to get tickets ahead of time for Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island. Taking his advice put us in front of an hour long line. Still had security and loading lines to go through. Amazing to be so close and see the Statue.
It was late afternoon by the time we took the subway back uptown to our hotel. Took a short nap and then headed two blocks over to Madison Square Garden. The NBA draft was being held there. My brother has a friend from LA who is an agent for Kobe, Boozer and Hardin (to name a few). This guy also was representing some of the guys in the draft. He had a ticket for me to attend, but with Sal's help I was able to make a very wise decision to spend time with my family rather than leaving them huddling on a street corner, on a dark night, in downtown New York. Yes, she's a good woman. And very patient with me.
Instead we went to the Hard Rock Cafe for supper. Had a great time eating, talking and hanging out as a family. Very good food. Ordered a cup of coffee at the end. A $4.50 cup of coffee I found out later. Food wasn't that expensive, but they nickel and dime ya with the little stuff.
Vacation Day 14: Woke up at 4 AM. Still don't know why. So I surfed the web on my phone for a while. We all got up early anyway as we were going to Rockefeller Plaza to watch the taping of the TODAY show. I must have been giddy with excitement to see their concert in the plaza...wait for it...Maxwell. Yeah, I hadn't heard of him either. Last week was James Taylor and next week is Maroon 5. I get Maxwell. Thanks. Kevin James was there promoting his new movie. Sal and Carson got to shake Meridith's hand. I talked to a cop about what he was doing on 9-11. Pretty amazing.
Walked back down 5th Avenue to our hotel. Got our bags and headed to the train station. As we were walking in, walked past Kevin Durant. Crazy. No. No autograph. Didn't even ask.
Picked up car in Philly. Drove to Lancaster, PA. Took some back roads to the little town where our hotel is. Beautiful country side, farms, valleys. Ate at the Lititz Family Cupboard for supper. Great food! "Home Cooked" meal.
Wow. Wow. Wow.
Have been crazy busy. I'll try to cover the days I missed.
Vacation Day 11: Went to downtown Philly. In the morning Carson and I toured the battleship New Jersey. The gals weren't interested so they sat in the park and talked.
The afternoon involved deciphering the intricacies of parking in Philly. Once that was conquered, we saw the Liberty Bell, walked past Independence Hall, visited Betsy Ross and snuck down Elipher's Alley.
Vacation Day 12: Went downtown Philly again. This time it was to catch our train to New York City. Left our vehicle in the parking garage by the station. The station was huge and had that mystique. Got on the AMTRAK at 11 and were in NYC by 12:30.
First time riding the train. Kinda like riding in an airplane without the seat belts and long delays from the gate to the air. I liked it.
The only way I can describe walking out of Penn Station onto 7th Avenue in NYC is that it reminded me of getting off the plane in Santo Domingo when going to the Dominican Republic. New sounds, smells, faces, speed of life. Amazing.
Our Holiday Inn Express was two blocks away so we just hoofed it. 15 floors. Kids were disappointed there was no pool, but we wouldn't have time for it anyway. After dumping our luggage in the room, headed toward Central Park. Sal and kids grabbed Chinese food from a hole in the wall and right next door to them I found a guy selling lamb gyros. Delicious. Sat on the second floor and watched the world stream by.
Some of our favorite spots on the way to Central Park were: Hershey's shop, M&M store, Quicksilver, Late Show with David Letterman. The Park is like 30 blocks from our hotel. Sal said 12 blocks equals a mile, which if true, meant we walked like two and half miles to get there. Didn't tell the kids that. Then had to go back. :)
Rested up and then met Sal's cousin Brent for supper. Brent works for Daktronics. Daktronics builds the huge marquees in the Times Square. Daktronics has an office and apartment on Times Square and Brent travels during the week to NYC to service boards and take care of clients. Had supper at Virgil's BBQ. Very good.
Then we hung out with a few of our new "friends" in Times Square.
Vacation Day 13: Late start in the morning. Took the subway downtown to Ground Zero. Not much there yet. Kinda disappointing from a tourist attraction. Walked to Battery Park. My brother warned me to get tickets ahead of time for Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island. Taking his advice put us in front of an hour long line. Still had security and loading lines to go through. Amazing to be so close and see the Statue.
It was late afternoon by the time we took the subway back uptown to our hotel. Took a short nap and then headed two blocks over to Madison Square Garden. The NBA draft was being held there. My brother has a friend from LA who is an agent for Kobe, Boozer and Hardin (to name a few). This guy also was representing some of the guys in the draft. He had a ticket for me to attend, but with Sal's help I was able to make a very wise decision to spend time with my family rather than leaving them huddling on a street corner, on a dark night, in downtown New York. Yes, she's a good woman. And very patient with me.
Instead we went to the Hard Rock Cafe for supper. Had a great time eating, talking and hanging out as a family. Very good food. Ordered a cup of coffee at the end. A $4.50 cup of coffee I found out later. Food wasn't that expensive, but they nickel and dime ya with the little stuff.
Vacation Day 14: Woke up at 4 AM. Still don't know why. So I surfed the web on my phone for a while. We all got up early anyway as we were going to Rockefeller Plaza to watch the taping of the TODAY show. I must have been giddy with excitement to see their concert in the plaza...wait for it...Maxwell. Yeah, I hadn't heard of him either. Last week was James Taylor and next week is Maroon 5. I get Maxwell. Thanks. Kevin James was there promoting his new movie. Sal and Carson got to shake Meridith's hand. I talked to a cop about what he was doing on 9-11. Pretty amazing.
Walked back down 5th Avenue to our hotel. Got our bags and headed to the train station. As we were walking in, walked past Kevin Durant. Crazy. No. No autograph. Didn't even ask.
Picked up car in Philly. Drove to Lancaster, PA. Took some back roads to the little town where our hotel is. Beautiful country side, farms, valleys. Ate at the Lititz Family Cupboard for supper. Great food! "Home Cooked" meal.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Day 54
Vacation Day 10: Sunday was moving day. Headed up the road to Baltimore. A friend from high school (Sheryl Goering) lives in a suburb just a couple miles off the interstate. She gave me good directions but instead of turning left at the bottom of the exit ramp, I went right. So I just did what any tourist would do- went to the next intersection and turned around. No sooner had I started a U-turn than a black Suburban with its lights on pulls up and ask me what I think I'm doing. Seems I picked the NSA driveway. For those of you who don't know what the NSA is, NSA stands for National Security Agency. They coordinate the FBI, CIA and a bunch of acronyms I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you. Needless to say, no one turns around in their driveway without special permission. I explained I was from Kansas and that seemed to clear everything up. He politely pointed me in the right direction and we got to Sheryl's place without having to give up a child or do any jail time.
The rest of the way to Philly was uneventful. Today we went 80 in a 55 to keep from getting run over. Don't know if we have hit the limit yet. Took the west by-pass around Philly and the PA turnpike going east on the north side. Our Holiday Inn Express is in a suburb called Warminster. This hotel ranks right up there with Zanesville's. Very nice and very helpful staff.
We watched some TV before going to bed. Some shows we have grown to love on this trip are "Pawn Stars" (they run a pawn shop in Las Vegas), "American Pickers" (they travel the country-side looking for antiques), and "Top Shot" (reality show to find the best shooter using a variety of weapons).
Monday- We planned to have a lazy morning and then head to downtown Philly. We enjoyed being lazy so much, we changed it to Lazy Monday. I've been trying to keep up with running my 4 miles on the treadmill so I got that out of the way first thing. Then Carson and I had the pool all to ourselves. This afternoon the kids played some Wii while I napped and Sal took a walk. This evening we went to "Roman Delight" for pizza and then saw Toy Story 3. Great movie. I would highly recommend it. As good or better than the first, if that is possible. Carson laughed and laughed. On the way home we were already quoting lines.
The rest of the way to Philly was uneventful. Today we went 80 in a 55 to keep from getting run over. Don't know if we have hit the limit yet. Took the west by-pass around Philly and the PA turnpike going east on the north side. Our Holiday Inn Express is in a suburb called Warminster. This hotel ranks right up there with Zanesville's. Very nice and very helpful staff.
We watched some TV before going to bed. Some shows we have grown to love on this trip are "Pawn Stars" (they run a pawn shop in Las Vegas), "American Pickers" (they travel the country-side looking for antiques), and "Top Shot" (reality show to find the best shooter using a variety of weapons).
Monday- We planned to have a lazy morning and then head to downtown Philly. We enjoyed being lazy so much, we changed it to Lazy Monday. I've been trying to keep up with running my 4 miles on the treadmill so I got that out of the way first thing. Then Carson and I had the pool all to ourselves. This afternoon the kids played some Wii while I napped and Sal took a walk. This evening we went to "Roman Delight" for pizza and then saw Toy Story 3. Great movie. I would highly recommend it. As good or better than the first, if that is possible. Carson laughed and laughed. On the way home we were already quoting lines.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Day 51
Vacation Day 9: Saturday in Baltimore is very relaxing. The drive up the Washington/Baltimore Parkway is fluid. Again, posted speed limit is 55 but driven speed is 70+. Cass just finished driver's ed, so justifying the blatant excessiveness is difficult. She is also happy to be done with the Smithsonians. Her quote of the week was, "I'd like museums if we didn't have to walk around and look at so much stuff." Really.
But back to Baltimore. After 10 minutes of searching for a parking spot I retraced my steps to a place I saw on the way into downtown. Had to walk a block and it was a 4 hour parking meter, but it was cheap.
First order of business was lunch since by now it was 1 pm. In the Gallery at Inner Harbor we settled on Phillips Seafood Diner. Delicious.
Then we hit the Best of Baltimore. The girls needed their Charm City Cakes shirts (based on "Ace of Cakes", more to come on that).
Next it was over to the Game Stop. Carson used some of his mowing money to buy the new Toy Story 3 Wii game. A must have for every summer vacation.
Cass picked cheesecake for dessert, so we conveniently went to the Cheesecake Factory for one slice of Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake. Wow. Highly recommend.
Walked around the pier looking at boats, people and birds. Then headed just north of downtown to the Charm City Cakes shop. No tours, but we took a picture to show we were really there.
Back to DC for supper at a two-story McDonald's and evening driving tour of the memorials. Got to see Thomas Jefferson and Iwo Jima.
Today is Sunday. Slept in. In a little while we will head to Baltimore and then on to Philly. That means it is pack up day. It's amazing how much stuff ends up all over the room when you have four people spending 6 nights in one spot. So we throw it all in the suitcase only to know we will be pulling it all out tonight.
But back to Baltimore. After 10 minutes of searching for a parking spot I retraced my steps to a place I saw on the way into downtown. Had to walk a block and it was a 4 hour parking meter, but it was cheap.
First order of business was lunch since by now it was 1 pm. In the Gallery at Inner Harbor we settled on Phillips Seafood Diner. Delicious.
Then we hit the Best of Baltimore. The girls needed their Charm City Cakes shirts (based on "Ace of Cakes", more to come on that).
Next it was over to the Game Stop. Carson used some of his mowing money to buy the new Toy Story 3 Wii game. A must have for every summer vacation.
Cass picked cheesecake for dessert, so we conveniently went to the Cheesecake Factory for one slice of Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake. Wow. Highly recommend.
Walked around the pier looking at boats, people and birds. Then headed just north of downtown to the Charm City Cakes shop. No tours, but we took a picture to show we were really there.
Back to DC for supper at a two-story McDonald's and evening driving tour of the memorials. Got to see Thomas Jefferson and Iwo Jima.
Today is Sunday. Slept in. In a little while we will head to Baltimore and then on to Philly. That means it is pack up day. It's amazing how much stuff ends up all over the room when you have four people spending 6 nights in one spot. So we throw it all in the suitcase only to know we will be pulling it all out tonight.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Day 50
Vacation Day 8: One week ago today we left on vacation. Seems like a lifetime ago. I think our kids, especially Cassidy, would like to be home and hang out with friends and go to the pool. But I keep reminding her that we won't ever be doing this again in her lifetime, so "enjoy".
It's Saturday morning, so we slept in. Yesterday was a big day. Up at 5 AM to get ready and grab breakfast before grabbing a cab to the White House. $17.50 one way. That's why we ride the Metro I guess. Had to be in line for the WH at 7:15. They checked our IDs like 3 times before we went inside. Honestly, a lot of hype for nothing. I guess I can say, "I was in the White House" but beyond that I should have been sleeping. I got the customary photo in front of the building...
...but I could have slept in and done that at 10. Oh well, I hung out with Obama.
We were out of the WH by 8:30, so we went to Starbucks and got a hot chocolate (Sal & Carson), a mocha (Brad & Cass) and a blueberry muffin. Then just sat there for an hour or so and talked and watched people. Very relaxing. One of the best things we did on Friday.
By then it was almost 10 and so we headed to the Museum of American History. First part had a Spark Lab. It was an interactive room for kids to play. Carson didn't want to leave.
Also had a chance to see Dorothy's slippers. Cassidy tried to steal them (see why in first paragraph).
Carson did enjoy the rooms that recounted WWI and WWII.
He's a handsome little sailor.
The plan today is to go to Baltimore to visit a friend from high school. The gals want to get a picture in front of the business "Ace of Cakes" or some cake show from the Food Network that originates in Baltimore. We'll see what kind of magic dad can do. Sunday we head to Philadelphia for 3 days.
It's Saturday morning, so we slept in. Yesterday was a big day. Up at 5 AM to get ready and grab breakfast before grabbing a cab to the White House. $17.50 one way. That's why we ride the Metro I guess. Had to be in line for the WH at 7:15. They checked our IDs like 3 times before we went inside. Honestly, a lot of hype for nothing. I guess I can say, "I was in the White House" but beyond that I should have been sleeping. I got the customary photo in front of the building...
...but I could have slept in and done that at 10. Oh well, I hung out with Obama.
We were out of the WH by 8:30, so we went to Starbucks and got a hot chocolate (Sal & Carson), a mocha (Brad & Cass) and a blueberry muffin. Then just sat there for an hour or so and talked and watched people. Very relaxing. One of the best things we did on Friday.
By then it was almost 10 and so we headed to the Museum of American History. First part had a Spark Lab. It was an interactive room for kids to play. Carson didn't want to leave.
Also had a chance to see Dorothy's slippers. Cassidy tried to steal them (see why in first paragraph).
Carson did enjoy the rooms that recounted WWI and WWII.
He's a handsome little sailor.
The plan today is to go to Baltimore to visit a friend from high school. The gals want to get a picture in front of the business "Ace of Cakes" or some cake show from the Food Network that originates in Baltimore. We'll see what kind of magic dad can do. Sunday we head to Philadelphia for 3 days.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Day 48
VACATION DAY 6: Didn't think we could match yesterday, but today was pretty good.
Had to get up early for breakfast and then took off in our vehicle for Mt. Vernon. We had talked about taking the Metro and then transferring to a public bus, but the logistics didn't sound worth it. So we decided to take our chances on our own. The gamble paid off. Since we were heading from downtown out of town at 7 AM the traffic was heavy the other direction. It was a beautiful 25 minute drive down the shores of the Potomac. Got parked, bought our tickets and where touring George's mansion by 8:15. Just got done in time to make it to our private tour. Our congressman set it up for us. Incredible info and experience.
We got to be a part of a ceremony at George Washington's tomb where we said the Pledge of Allegiance, the kids put a wreath on the Washingtons' tombs and a prayer George Washington wrote for our country was read. Pretty amazing.
Headed back to Washington for our Congressional tour of the Capitol Building. This time we took the shuttle and Metro. Got the Moran's office no problem. One of his aides gave us a tour of the building. Sat in on the arguing of a bill in the Senate chamber. One highlight was getting to see where they put the cameras for C-Span.
It was another day of lots of walking, but beautiful weather. Swam with Carson tonight after supper. Guess I'll go watch the Lakers win the NBA championship. Not because I want them to win, but because they are playing at home and that's how they call the games.
Had to get up early for breakfast and then took off in our vehicle for Mt. Vernon. We had talked about taking the Metro and then transferring to a public bus, but the logistics didn't sound worth it. So we decided to take our chances on our own. The gamble paid off. Since we were heading from downtown out of town at 7 AM the traffic was heavy the other direction. It was a beautiful 25 minute drive down the shores of the Potomac. Got parked, bought our tickets and where touring George's mansion by 8:15. Just got done in time to make it to our private tour. Our congressman set it up for us. Incredible info and experience.
We got to be a part of a ceremony at George Washington's tomb where we said the Pledge of Allegiance, the kids put a wreath on the Washingtons' tombs and a prayer George Washington wrote for our country was read. Pretty amazing.
Headed back to Washington for our Congressional tour of the Capitol Building. This time we took the shuttle and Metro. Got the Moran's office no problem. One of his aides gave us a tour of the building. Sat in on the arguing of a bill in the Senate chamber. One highlight was getting to see where they put the cameras for C-Span.
It was another day of lots of walking, but beautiful weather. Swam with Carson tonight after supper. Guess I'll go watch the Lakers win the NBA championship. Not because I want them to win, but because they are playing at home and that's how they call the games.
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