Kansas City

We drove to Kansas City for our summer vacation! The 6 hour drive took 7 1/2 hours on the way down...thank goodness for DVD players! I don't care who says we are spoiled! How did our parents do it without these modern conveniences? The gas prices conveniently went down right before we left to $3.76- yoohoo!

When we head back to Kansas City there are two main priorities. 1)Hang out with family and friends and 2)Eat at places that aren't in Minnesota. Spoiling the kids with fun activities is just a bonus! So we stayed with Jason's brother and wife, Brandon and Krisi. Which means that we spent quality time with Colin, our nephew. He is adorable and so laid back! He's already got a deep little voice that is so cute and although he hardly ever cries, when he does I have to almost laugh because it is so quiet! I am used to the toe-curling screeches that my children make!

Noah turned 7 the day we drove down- July 28th. I cannot believe my little boy is already 7! He was very excited to open his gifts which included a Nintendo Wii (this was a joint gift for him and Natalie), a basketball, a Razor scooter and helmet, and some Pokeman cards. Brandon and Krisi got him a new baseball glove. The reaction to the Wii was classic- uncontrolled screaming and a lot of jumping in the air was involved! (We got it on tape!) Needless to say- any waking moment that we weren't running around doing something else was spent creating Mii's and playing each other. It's fun for the whole family! There is a skate park not far from Brandon and Krisi's house so of course we spent some time there as well- going down ramps and attempting half-pipes! CRAZY! I think he had a great birthday!

Other fun adventures took place at CoCo Key waterpark in the Adams Mark Hotel, a Royals game, Science City in Union Station and Paradise Park to hit in the batting cages and ride some go carts. We also spent some time walking around our alma mater- CMSU- ok, I guess it is called UCM now- whatever. Jason and I felt like we had never left- the speech and hearing center is still there but the audiology program no longer exists. The airport looked the same and even some familiar names remain- including Lindbergh the cat!

Some great times and good stories were spent with the Gum, Hensley and Teichman families. All eight children ran around with endless energy as always! There was mention of another adult vacation possibly coming up with this group- I'm thinking....GOOD IDEA! When we all went to the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2007 it was a vacation to remember! We also drove out to Richmond, MO to visit with the Morrills. The kids had fun playing out in the country- launching baking soda and vinegar rockets and swimming in the pool.

So, I am sure you are all dying to know what we ate that we cannot eat in Minnesota! First- Fazoli's- I know...not that exciting but, I love pasta and the breadsticks are so buttery and garlicy- yummy! There used to be one in West St. Paul which was about a 20 minute drive away- but it closed down. Next was Mr. Goodcents subs- there is not a sandwich place out there that makes bread as soft as they do! Smokehouse BBQ- because that is what you eat in Kansas City and Jason loves it! We don't have many options for BBQ- Famous Daves is about it and they don't have sliced meat just pulled- which Jason is not a fan of. 54th Street- I love the Gringo dip and chips! We also had Minsky's pizza and I think that is about it- at least those worth mentioning.

Speaking of pizza- we did try to go talk with our old boss from our Pizza Hut delivery days but unfortunately she wasn't in. Maybe next time?

We all had a great time! The ride home only took 7 hours. Thanks to everyone for putting us up and hanging out. We already miss all of you but hope to see you again soon! Maybe you should come to Minnesota and stay with us? You are always welcome!