Kansas Trip Part 3

November 27, 2020

After a six-day visit with the in-laws it was time to head back home. We were on the road by 10:50 am. It was a sunny cold day, 44 degrees. 

We drove all the way home this time. I didn't want to fly plus we do enjoy road trips. We made stops at rest areas to stretch our legs and use the restroom. 

Driving on long stretches of road definitely gives you time to think. One of our conversations was about coming up with male cat names for a possible cat in the near future. We wanted to stick with traditional regular men names. This is what we came up with: Virgil, Wyatt, Franklin, Atticus and Donald. Fast forward six years, and the name we picked was Franklin (after Benjamin Franklin).

Jacob always begins driving on our road trips and most of the time he'll drive the entire time but sometimes when he gets too tired that's when I end up taking over.

We stopped for the night in Loveland Colorado, had dinner and headed to the hotel to call it a night. I didn't get good sleep. Had a restless night.

November 28, 2020, Saturday

I can see snow-capped mountains, pretty. We were on the road by 8:22 am. We drove past Fort Collins. It's a cute town. We saw lots of cows. I find cows so cute.

By 9:17 am we crossed into Wyoming. We stopped in Rawlins for lunch. Pizza is always a fun choice. We love pizza. Pizza Hut used to be our favorite. I loved their buttery crust on their pan pizzas but while we ate, we noticed that the pizza crust didn't quite taste the same, so we googled it and read that Pizza Hut had changed their recipe the year before in 2019 after 40 years with the original recipe. So after we discovered this we no longer eat Pizza Hut pizza. I wonder why they even had to change it. I don't know if they have gone back to the original recipe.

It was sunny and quite cold, 33 degrees.

We stopped in Evanston for some coffee and to swap. We then got gas and here's where I saw a couple of dead deer on the back of a truck. It was my first time seeing this. It was hunting season. I don't agree with killing for sport but if it's to feed your family then it's fine. It still doesn't make it less sad though. I hated seeing that. 

We crossed into Utah at 4:37 pm. 

Driving on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Hwy. I like how the side of the hills look.

The sunset drive paints the landscape with vibrant orange hues turning our drive into an awesome experience. It definitely looked a lot cooler in person. 

We stopped at Brigham City for the night. Got Mexican take out, took it back to our hotel and ate. Afterwards we walked over to a Christmas village that was near the hotel. 

It was cute. It was very nostalgic, of long-ago times. Seeing all that reminded me of my childhood. I remember my mom would have us get dressed in our Christmas clothes and head over to one of the malls to see Christmas decorations that contained moving figurines. It is unfortunate that malls don't decorate with nostalgic Christmas animatronics anymore. I'm sure people would enjoy seeing them.

I liked this display of books by the window ... obviously.

Another very cold night. 

November 29, 2020, Sunday

Our goal is to make it home today. We were on the road by 8:10 am, sunny and 25 degrees. When I got my water to take a drink I noticed tiny pieces of ice in it. 

We saw sheep on the side of the hills. They blended in so well that you wouldn't be able to spot them in a picture. 

We stopped at the Bliss rest area. It was windy, we were freezing. We saw several people wearing shorts and t-shirts though. Crazy! 

We stopped in Boise Idaho for lunch at Bittercreek Ale House. We enjoyed our meals. The burger was very tasty. But now, it was time get back on the road. We couldn't wait to get home!

Snake River ... it borders between Oregon and Idaho.

These hills remind me of the way suede feels. I love these colors.

We came across a bit of snow on the side of the road. We saw that an SUV had hit a deer and it lay dead on the side of the road. That's very sad. 

We stopped at Arrowhead Travel Plaza so I can take over driving. It was already dark and cold, 36 degrees. 

We crossed over into Washington at 5:40 pm.

GPS took us on a back road and that's when fog became extremely thick. I could not see but one car in front of me. That stretch of the drive seem to have taken an eternity. I finally came across the freeway. Semi drivers were passing me up like if it wasn't foggy. It was SO nerve-wracking driving through that. It felt like I was going to hit a wall. 

We finally made it home by 10:12 pm. What a relief. Driving through that thick fog really wore me out!

We were so thankful we made it home safely and happy to see our older children and our cats. 

There is nothing better than being home after being gone on vacation. Looking forward to getting back into my daily routines especially to have home cooked meals is one of the best feelings. I also couldn't wait to enjoy some time alone visiting a bookstore and going thrifting. These are some of the ways I destress.

Homemaking is surely in reality the most important work in the world. -C.S. Lewis

The best things in life are the people you love, the 

places you've been and the memories you've made along the way.

Kansas Trip Part 2

November 25, 2020

We woke up to snow. Strong winds stopped at about 1:00 am. We stayed the morning inside cozy and warm while Jacob made us all breakfast. Moments like these are to be taken in their fullness. Anything that evokes a sense of coziness are some of the moments I look forward to in life. 

After we had breakfast and lunch we visited Greensburg's museum. Here we learned a bit of the town's history especially of the infamous  F5 tornado and the devastation it left behind.

The aftermath of the chaotic tornado caused people to leave but others stayed and rebuild.

There's a cute nostalgic ice cream parlor just before one enters the town's museum. My husband and his parents love sweets so naturally we stopped for some ice cream scoops. The library is just across the hallway. I was surprised that it's a decent size library for such a small town. I wish I would have had the time to browse.

Being here visiting family made us realize how much we cherish the power of family bonds and God's abundant blessings. Being intentional with family is what life is truly about ... creating memories.

After we had our ice cream we stopped by the town's water tower, the Big Well. The water tower was also destroyed as were most of the buildings during the May 4, 2007 tornado. It since has been rebuilt and showcases pictures of that fateful night.

This well is the world's largest hand-dug well, built in 1887. The well survived the event and remains a central attraction.

Here we are at the very top of the tower.

... here we are looking down at the well.

And here's us looking up.

It was quite an informative day. We enjoyed learning all the town's history and browsing their souvenirs.

THANKSGIVING 2020

The snow didn't stick around for long. The following day we walked over to the park to stretch our legs. Surprisingly it wasn't windy but mostly sunny and cold.

A father is respected because he gives his children leadership .... Appreciated because he gives his children care .... Valued because he gives his children time .... Loved because he gives his children the one thing they treasure most -- himself.

After the park we were chilled to the bone so we got cozy on the couch and enjoyed the rest of our slow afternoon waiting for the turkey to be ready.

Now that I look back, I just realized I hardly took any pictures of the day. 

This was Riley's serving. One green bean, lol! I don't have a picture of my plate or of the kitchen with all the delicious food. 

I am sure we had some type of dessert. I just can't remember what it was.

I "borrowed" this picture from my MIL. This is the only picture that was taken of all of us on this Thanksgiving day. 

We are thankful that we got to spend Thanksgiving with family. Ultimately, it is not about the food but the gathering in love and worship for all that has been given to us.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give

thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Kansas Trip Part 1

Saturday, November 21, 2020

Visiting my in-laws in Greensburg Kansas for Thanksgiving.

Our flight to Denver was set to take off at 7:50 am. I woke up a few minutes before my alarm went off at 4:25 am. Even if I'm all prepared for a trip, it always feels so chaotic to me. If it was up to me, I would take my time doing all the extra stuff that needs to be done and not have to speed through every task. I had to make sure the cats things were in order, all our treats/snacks properly stored and placed in my duffel. By the time I'm done getting ready and doing everything else I am hot. I don't like to get hot, so it felt so good to step out in the cold. We left the house by 5:35 am. Our son Nathan drove us to the airport. He was tired. Poor guy had worked the night before and had to wake up early.

There was a light sprinkle as we headed to the airport. 

I always overpack. I'd rather be prepared for any type of weather or in case I get dirty, so when it was time to weigh my suitcase, it went over by 3 lbs. So, I had to take out about three clothing items and put them in my duffel. And why is it that airports bring out the worst in some people. People just cutting you off or bumping you. There are a lot of rude people out there. It is never right to treat people mean no matter what you're going through in life. 

I like to get the window seat only because there's more room. I always pull down the shade. I really don't like to look out the window initially. 

Jacob likes to get the isle seat. As long as these two are snacking they are content.

Me, on the other hand I have to concentrate on keeping myself busy during a flight. I'm not keen to flying so I make sure I bring my headphones, something to read, and a word search to help pass the time.

My ears kept popping and I felt a lot of pressure in my nose this time. It was quite uncomfortable. There was slight turbulence which seemed similar to going off-roading, lol. My head also felt a little weird. I definitely was looking forward to the landing.

We landed in Denver at 11:20 am, rented a van and headed East.

I don't like to be in a plane for longer than two/three hours. That's the reason we landed in Denver. Besides, a road trip is more fun and relaxing. Given that we were in the middle of the pandemic Denver was on lockdown so dining in was out of the question. No matter. Eating in the car isn't so bad. Plus, we get to listen to our choice of music.

It may be nothing but hay fields and wind turbines but I prefer this over flying 100 percent!

We stopped in Kennedy Colorado to pick up a ham at the Honey Baked Ham Company for Thanksgiving. We also got some dunkin donuts. 

We saw geese flying. I love their honking sound. Their silly comical calls make me smile every time.

We crossed over to Kansas at 7:57 pm. It was my turn to drive so Jacob could take a break. We stayed in Colby, KS for the night.

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Didn't really get good sleep but we were ready for the day. Up, ready, and back on the road by 10:50 am.             ☺☺ Kansas is as flat as a pancake. ☺☺

We saw cows, hawks and sheep. I love seeing farm animals and birds! They are so lovely.

These tiny towns you drive through are quite bizarre. We didn't see not one human, cat or dog when we drove through Cimarron Kansas.

We stopped in Dodge City in time for lunch. Tacos Jalisco has pretty decent Mexican food. This was our first time eating here. We'll definitely come back whenever we're in the area. It was nice to see that they weren't sticklers when it came to wearing masks.

We arrived at the in-laws at 4:12 pm. It felt good to finally be able to relax and to take things slow again.

My in-laws have been enjoying living in their little town in Kansas. Although Kansas is a blue state as well, these small rural towns tend to be conservative, and they are definitely liking that.

In 2007 Greensburg was devastated by a horrific F-5 tornado that wiped out 95% of the town killing 12 people and injuring 63.

Most of the people left but some stuck around and began to rebuild. It's a cute small town. We like it a lot. We feel it's such a peaceful town. Everything is within walking distance if you don't mind walking. They even have a decent size library, an ice cream shop (very nostalgic looking) a small grocery store, and a hospital, among other small businesses. 

Here is my father in law showing us their storm shelter.

In laws graciously treated us to pizza for dinner then we went back to their place to wind down. So blessed that they have a guest room that has a full bathroom even if it's a tiny one. This makes for a much more comfortable stay.

Monday, November 23, 2020

They're into puzzles so that's what Jacob did for a while. I brought books and my journaling things to keep me occupied as well. Journaling tidbits of uplifting information brings me so much joy.

Riley missed several days of school, so he made sure to get online whenever possible to complete his work.

My father in law also plays the guitar so Jacob kept himself busy with that too.

Driving to the next town over takes us about thirty minutes. That's where the nearest Walmart is located and several food chain restaurants whoever it's still a small town but way bigger than the little town where my in-laws live. 

There are fields of cotton along the way.

Lots of cotton.

Being at my in-laws house was always relaxing. Life is slower there. Small towns offer comfort and that small pleasant environment. For me, this type of lifestyle (the slower lifestyle) makes me so much more aware of my blessings. You tend to live more intentionally. The scent in the air and sounds are more pronounced out in the country since you're away from all that city noise.

While we were here for Thanksgiving, we also celebrated my MIL's birthday.

After dinner and cake there was more guitar playing. I love the way Riley is looking at his dad, with so much love and admiration.

Will continue our Kansas trip in my next post. Just thought I would break it up in three posts because I wanted to share quite a bit of pictures to and from our trip.