Adventures in Kansas

I wasn't sure if we'd make a trip back to Kansas this summer with the age Cooper is. It's the not-so-fun age for traveling! But when I found out my family from Texas was coming up for a visit I decided to load up the car and drive myself, Carson (3), Cooper (almost 1) and our dog Snyder and make the journey east on I-70.

I actually do well traveling or taking the boys out on my own, but I was still a little hesitant to make the drive by myself (thankfully I only had to do it once and Reid would be driving home with us). All in all I couldn't have asked for the ride to go any better than it did. I had a potty in the car just incase I couldn't make it to a bathroom and Carson was very good about telling me when he needed to go (side note he was in a pull-up...just in case). The most stressful stop was lunchtime when I had to take both boys into a restroom and walk the dog around a fenced dog-run. Somehow I made it all work :)

To reward myself for making the solo drive, I stopped in Manhattan, KS where I met my brother and sister-in-law who graciously finished the last 2 hours to Kansas City so I could stay and visit with my best friend from college. We of course left off like we had just spoken to each other yesterday (when really we are lucky to talk once a month...and that's even stretching it) but it's wonderful having a friend who also has kids and just gets it! The next morning we went to a Fourth of July parade in Junction City and then I headed on to KC.

And here's where our trip becomes a whirlwind of visiting family, friends, taking the boys places, etc! I unfortunately didn't take many pictures but we had lots of fun! Before I made it to KC, the boys got to be in a Fourth of July parade on my parents street. Carson also enjoyed sleeping with Pop Pops pillows! My first full day in KC was a solo day for me and the boys as all the grandparents were working. HOT does not even begin to describe what it was like in Kansas so we headed for the air conditioning. We went to stock up on K-State gear and then made our way to Oak Park Mall where we rode the carousel. Later we got to see Aunt Jess and go swimming at her pool. Carson LOVED jumping off the side and was evening working on swimming back to the stairs.

The next couple days were Nonni days and we had lots of fun going to Crown Center to see the Mr. Potato head exhibit, walking the sky bridge to Union Station to see model trains, and watching the fountains while eating Panera. We also went to visit Grams, ate at Fritz's where a train brings you your food, and played at Splash Cove where Carson loved going down the slides, {taking a shower} and walking the big ramp to the deeper water.

Friday was a fun day not only because it was Cooper's birthday but because we went to the Aquarium with Grammie and Pop Pop! Unfortunately we had a cranky pants with us, but everyone else enjoyed walking around and seeing the fish.

That evening Reid and I were able to sneak away and head to the Royals v Mariner's game with my family from Texas. Most of our group of 11 was decked out in Royals gear but that didn't stop Reid and I from supporting the Mariner's! Sorry KC. During the game we walked around the stadium, toured a Hall of Fame area they have set up, grabbed a beer at Craft and Draft and after the game watched an awesome fireworks show! Thanks Kauffman for a great time.

Our last day in Kansas was spent celebrating Cooper's birthday with family and friends, going out for a cousins dinner at K-Machos and having some s'mores before the storms rolled in.

This particular trip back to Kansas was sort of a bittersweet one for me. I spent 23 years here and this was the first time I felt no nostalgia as I exited off Ridgeview and headed to my parents house (sorry mom and dad). I guess it's good I'm finally emotionally moving on and can open my heart to Colorado being my new home.