We packed a lot into a heavy travel day. The crew did an excellent job today after we drove nearly 1200 in 2 days. We knew months ago that we were going to be pushing the kids, but they responded well.
Jen has read and studied Harry Truman for years. His public life and his private life have been a source of Jen’s respect for years. Truman and his wife Bess lived in Independence, MO. In fact, during his presidency, Bess spent her time in Independence away from her husband. (I wonder if I am supposed to take a hint?) Our hotel was 10 miles from the National Historical Site of his home, so we started our day at the Truman house. Greg was crazy there, so we did not spend too much time.
We then hit the road!
The MVP of the day was Liz (Mochen) Rolwes! Liz and I connected at the start of the trip and she offered to host us at her place with her five great kids. We knew that the day was packed and our mission was to get to Jen’s Grandmother’s place before midnight. We played it by ear all week. When we were 2 hours west of St. Louis, Liz and I talked and agreed that a picnic under the Arch was doable. Liz packed a picnic to feed the 11 traveler and her 7. We met at the Arch, Larry (her husband) met us, and we ate a feast! This was a total hook-up for us. It is so important to connect with family and friends. Thanks again Liz (and yes, you made it to the blog). And, props to Johnny for hitting a grand slam in his team’s last game of the season yesterday.
Our first Griswold’s moment happened today. One of the famous lines from the movie was Chevy Chase driving his family around the round-about in England saying, “Look kids! Big Ben…Parliament!” as he drove around these famous places several times without ever getting the chance to get out and see them. For us, it was the Arch. We approached the famous landmark from the north. The directions told us to take the river road. Well I missed the turn and headed
over the Mississippi and saw the sign “Welcome to Illinois”. Getting back took 20 minutes through local traffic. We then drove around the arch looking for parking. This took another 15 minutes. After our 45 minute visit, we took a wrong turn leaving the area. The whole time, the Arch was taunting us, “I can see I-70, can you?”
We split with Meg and Jim in Indianapolis. They were able to establish an earlier night and we drove another 2+ hours to Jen’s grandmother. We arrived after 9 and we were greeted with a feast. Chicken dumpling, corn on the cob, fresh vegetables, muffins, and strawberry shortcake! Our kids devoured the offerings. It is great to be back in Cincinnati where the kids can chase glow bugs untill 11pm.
Jen has read and studied Harry Truman for years. His public life and his private life have been a source of Jen’s respect for years. Truman and his wife Bess lived in Independence, MO. In fact, during his presidency, Bess spent her time in Independence away from her husband. (I wonder if I am supposed to take a hint?) Our hotel was 10 miles from the National Historical Site of his home, so we started our day at the Truman house. Greg was crazy there, so we did not spend too much time.
We then hit the road!
The MVP of the day was Liz (Mochen) Rolwes! Liz and I connected at the start of the trip and she offered to host us at her place with her five great kids. We knew that the day was packed and our mission was to get to Jen’s Grandmother’s place before midnight. We played it by ear all week. When we were 2 hours west of St. Louis, Liz and I talked and agreed that a picnic under the Arch was doable. Liz packed a picnic to feed the 11 traveler and her 7. We met at the Arch, Larry (her husband) met us, and we ate a feast! This was a total hook-up for us. It is so important to connect with family and friends. Thanks again Liz (and yes, you made it to the blog). And, props to Johnny for hitting a grand slam in his team’s last game of the season yesterday.
Our first Griswold’s moment happened today. One of the famous lines from the movie was Chevy Chase driving his family around the round-about in England saying, “Look kids! Big Ben…Parliament!” as he drove around these famous places several times without ever getting the chance to get out and see them. For us, it was the Arch. We approached the famous landmark from the north. The directions told us to take the river road. Well I missed the turn and headed
over the Mississippi and saw the sign “Welcome to Illinois”. Getting back took 20 minutes through local traffic. We then drove around the arch looking for parking. This took another 15 minutes. After our 45 minute visit, we took a wrong turn leaving the area. The whole time, the Arch was taunting us, “I can see I-70, can you?”We split with Meg and Jim in Indianapolis. They were able to establish an earlier night and we drove another 2+ hours to Jen’s grandmother. We arrived after 9 and we were greeted with a feast. Chicken dumpling, corn on the cob, fresh vegetables, muffins, and strawberry shortcake! Our kids devoured the offerings. It is great to be back in Cincinnati where the kids can chase glow bugs untill 11pm.
What a great day! Your kids (and you two) are champions!! Love that you saw Lizard too! Now GO HOME!!!! :)
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