Ohio and Kentucky

When we left Michigan and headed south it started to rain, and rain, and rain. We had to stop under an overpass for a little while because it was getting impossible to even see the road. We got to Mansfield, OH where Kirby was able to visit the memorial of AJ Vandayburg.

We then headed to Columbus.

The next day we had lunch at Schmidt's an awesome German restaurant thats been around since 1886. We actually ate there once before in 2007 when we went to OH to visit some friends. Since then I've seen it on a bunch of travel shows and was excited to go back.


Horse mounted police in the old German town part of Columbus.


The weather seemed nice when we left Columbus but as we headed into Kentucky it began raining again. Camping was out so we found a Bed and Breakfast in Cave City, KY.


Cave City was a totally unplanned stop but we were happy we got to see the area and they had an awesome Dinosaur park.






Next Stop: Memphis, TN

Road Trip - South Bend, IN and Northville, MI

Our next stop took us to South Bend, Indiana to visit Kirby's college pals Kris and Rachel. We had a great time hanging out, grilling, and relaxing with them. It was great to get off the road for a couple days.

Potawatomi Zoo



Oliver had a great time with the Morgan's daughter Leila and he even warmed up to their very big dog Lucy. She's a great dane and has the best disposition. So pretty.


After leaving the Morgan's we drove up to Michigan stopping briefly in Hillsdale to see the campus of Hillsdale College where Kirby went. Then we were off to Northville to see Will and Steff. Will is another college buddy of Kirby's.
Here we are enjoying a kid free dinner courtesy of their babysitter extraordinaire!

Had a BBQ with another couple that Kirby went to school with Jim and Leigha, here's the guys and kiddos with a "funny face" picture.

The Ladies.

Road Trip - Saint Louis, MO

We finally made it to St Louis, too bad it was a month after Andrew and Sara moved away:( But it is a place I'd always wanted to visit and I'm glad we got the chance. We went to Grant's Farm in the morning. It was the perfect size for small kids. Dashel was able to walk around the whole time. Plus they are at the age that once they see an animal they are ready to move on, which was good because it was HOT.

Looking at the map deciding where to go first.

On the tram.

Grant's cabin, I think.

We had to stop at one point to get the buffalo out of the way.


Petting the goats.

Kids with kids. haha

Loved the turtle.

Bald eagles are a big favorite.

Aaaah Beer. Dash really liked his too.

We drove into downtown to see the Arch.

Both kids fell asleep on the way there, Dashel was able to stay sleeping...

Oliver just stayed grumpy.


We ate lunch at the first place we could walk too since it was super hot and I was carrying Oliver. Turned out to be a great restaurant called Caleco's.


Next Stop South Bend, IN

Branson, MO and Meremec State Park

We headed North into Missouri and stopped in Branson. We went to the Dinosaur Museum, the boys LOVED it!





We were there on the 4th of July so after the kids went to bed Kirby and I sat out on our balcony and watched 3 different fireworks shows. It was a really great Independence Day.
The next day we went to Stonehill Winery. The actual winery is up in Hermann, Mo but they have a big store in Branson and they make and bottle one of the sherries there. We took the little tour and bought some cases of wine. Felt like we were back in Italy ;)

This sign amused me on so many levels.

We ate lunch at the famous Lambert's Cafe. Their big claim to fame is that they throw rolls at you. Also they have people that just bring food out, you can have as much of it as you want in addition to what you ordered. The wait time was RIDICULOUS, but we finally got in and had a pretty good lunch AND got to check off one of the restaurants on our list.



We kept heading north to the Meremec State Park. It was a nice spot and it had a great river running by the camp site. We sat in the river and just enjoyed nature.

Trying to cook with too big a grill and not enough charcoal :(

Here's a better picture of our open air tent. See the little baby sleeping in it? Best sleep of his life!


Next stop St. Louis, MO.

Road Trip - Hot Springs Arkansas

The first leg of our road trip took us to Hot Springs, Arkansas. After the 7 hour drive I thought a margarita the size of my baby's head was in order!

We set up camp at the Hot Springs National Forest and came to grips with the fact that there would be no going inside the rest of the day. Luckily it cooled down in the evening and we didn't put the rain cover over our tent so we got a lot of fresh air. The kids slept really well and it was nice because we were right next to the bathrooms, no showers though!



One of the bathhouses built over the springs. Only one of them is still active and you can get a thermal bath. I was really expecting some actual bubbly springs that we could get into but they are all covered over now.

The worst painting of Bill Clinton ever, it made us laugh. Clinton graduated from highschool in Hot Springs.

Hiking.

Drinking.

Napping.

Anyone concerned about a lack of trees in the world has clearly never been to Arkansas!

On top of the observatory.

Smores!




Next stop Branson, MO