Vacation 2013

Vacation was a little different this year.  On Saturday, Madison worked her last day at the Bucklin pool.  Susan, Hannah and I took the Mustang to Sun City for a little work by Rick.  We were wanting to be home in time to mow before we left, but we didn't make it.  During the night it rained.  And rained.  And rained some more.  Sunday morning I had more than 3" in the gauge.  Little to say we didn't get the yard mowed.

We left mid-morning on Sunday and went to Wichita.  Did a little shopping and headed to Topeka.  We spent the night at the Broxterman B&B.  Monday we went and played in the park with some of our favorite little ones (Addison, Easton, Hayden and Ava).  Went and visited with Kyle, Jen and the kids Monday evening.

Tuesday, we got up and headed towards St. Louis.  Hit St. Louis about rush hour.  Great planning by yours truly.  Found us a room, played in the pool.  Went and ate supper.  Time for bed.   Slept pretty good, for a motel room.  Wednesday morning found us at  the Gateway Arch.  After Hannah conquered her fear of heights, she confessed that the Arch was pretty neat.   If you have never been there, it is worth the trip.  Very cool and a nice museum underneath.  We also took a riverboat cruise.  It was fun, but pretty warm.  We survived though, we are from KANSAS!  Went  to  a movie to cool off.  Saw the new Percy Jackson.  It was good.

Thursday, we headed back towards Kansas.  Stopped at Meramec Caverns.  It was nice and cool underground.  After the tour, the girls went zip lining!  Again, Hannah was nervous because of the height.  After their training, they climbed the first tower.  Their instructor, looked at the group, looked at Hannah and said, "You're first!".  I think she was a little stunned, but she was a trooper and strapped in.  She told us later it was great and she would do it again.  After we left the cavern, we checked out an antique mall.  Didn't buy anything.  Lack of space was the only thing holding us back.  Found something to eat and decided to drive home.  We were all tired of motel rooms, being in the car and worried about home.  It had rained almost everyday since we left and we have had problems in the past with water in the basement.  Left Lebanon, MO at 5:30 pm and drove through and got home about 1:45 am.  No water in the basement.  Weeds a foot tall in the front yard.  It was a short but fun trip.  Hope the girls have more memories to remember and destinations for their kids in the future.