A slice of Heaven

We are at one of the most beautiful, peaceful places. After picking up Mike at the airport yesterday (I don't have to write about the tackle the kids gave him at baggage claim), we drove straight to the Churchill Lodge. It feeds all my Tahoe needs. Water, dock, fall, cool, cabin etc. The kids immediately ran down to the dock, and Jack tossed out his fishing line. We don't have cell or internet in the house, so I brought the laptop up to the top of the driveway.

There's no reason to leave, as we have everything we need here, and it's so relaxing. Mike will be here until Sunday late afternoon. You can look for our next post around then. Unfortunately, I can't post pictures. It's a shame as I would love to show you all pictures of this wonderful place.

Yesterday in Little Rock

Feeling a little more rested this morning and can catch up for yesterday. I'll post pictures from both Tues and Wed.

After all of us sleeping in our *own* beds at the Churchill's, we left right after breakfast and met Kristin, and her son Walter. Walter is in 2nd grade and his class was going to the Heifer Int'l farm. It was a beautiful, fall drive out to the ranch. Once there, we learned how the program helps families in developing countries. The mission of Heifer is the seven M's. Meat, Money, Milk, Materials, Muscle, Motivation, and Manuare. These families are sent a heifer cow, which is a pregnant female who has not had her first calf yet, so that when the mom gives birth, the receiving family can pass the calf along to another family in the village. Also, when the organization ships a heifer, since she is pregnant, they don't have to milk her during the journey.

Not only did the kids and I learn about the program, but we saw all kinds of animals and Jack and Lil got to milk a goat. We saw a donkey, lama, camel, goats, horses, water buffalo, turkeys, chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, cows and sheep. It might be as good as San Diego Zoo!

We had a picnic lunch at the ranch and headed home. The kids did some schoolwork back at the Churchill's while I fantasized about a nap. I fixed an early dinner, and when Mrs. Churchill got home from work, we went to Boo at the Zoo for Halloween fun. Krisitn (Kevin Churchill's sister) was there with her two boys, and we had a great time. When the zoo was first mentioned as an activity, I internally had a feeling of panic. I, naturally, pictured us trick-or-treating all around the San Diego Zoo... I thought, "Oh my, are the kids (read MOM) going to be tired, walking all around the zoo for three hours." Kristin put me at ease when she said that the Little Rock Zoo is about 1/16 the size of San Diego. Okay! I can do that!

It was a perfect night to be at the zoo. Lots of little kids all in their costumes-it was really cute. I laughed at myself and have learned a lesson-- most of you know that I am a planner. Shocking, I know. I've learned I can't plan too far ahead. That said, since we will be at the Churchill's lakehouse cabin on Halloween, where it is not condusive to trick-or-treating, I told the kids they could each pick out their OWN bag of candy at Wal-Mart, and they could share amongst themselves. Well, Wal-Mart only had the Costco size bags of candy. Not what I had in mind. So the kids each have one giant bag of candy. Then the Boo at the Zoo came up. Lots of candy there. On the way home last night, I reminded them how nice it is to give candy to the troops. "Maybe we should send some home with Dad and he can drop it off at school!" The RV/sugar combo may put me right over the edge.

After the zoo, Kathy and Spence were good victims. I showed them my trip map and they very patiently listened to all the stories. And then to boot, they reviewed all the directions for their lakehouse, where we will be driving today. We also watched the end of the Rays/Phillies game. What a finish that was.

Mike lands at 230pm today, so we'll pick him up at the airport, and we'll drive back to the Old Mill (because it was so cool). From there we'll continue 2 hours north to Greer's Ferry Lake where we will stay until Sunday.

We have absolutely loved being in Little Rock with the Churchills. Sammy is ready to move into their kids' room. It has been wonderful to be in a warm home with such a nice family. Thank you Churchills!

check back tomorrow...

too tired to write.

Arkansas

This is a beautiful state!! And it's cold! At noon today, it was still only 45 degrees! We spent the morning doing our school work while still at the KOA. For lunch we drove to what's called the Old Mill. It's the mill in the opening scene of Gone with the Wind. It was so cool, and the kids loved it. I pulled the RV right up to the water, and we ate lunch on the lake. We spent almost 2 hours just having lunch and doing journals down by the water. From there we went to what the Arkansas locals call "Big Dam Bridge." We rode bikes all along the river and then walked up the span of the bridge for a great view. I can't post pictures tonight, so I'll try tomorrow. It felt so good to walk and walk. Sam rode her scooter and the big kids did the bikes. It was great.

By early evening we arrived at the home of Kevin Churchill's parents in Little Rock. Mr. and Mrs. Churchill opened their home up to us with warm and inviting arms. They had dinner ready for us, and we each got our own place to sleep! I even got my own bed. We had a great dinner with wonderful company. The Churchills feel like old friends already, we may never leave. Thank you so much Kevin, Kathy and Spence. We are in good hands!

Tomorrow promises to be a fabulous day. We are crashing in on their grandson's field trip to the Heiffer farm. It's a program that raises cows (and other farm animals) and gives them to developing countries to help families in need. Sharon, I'm thinking of you! I've wanted to learn more about this program, and have the kids learn too, so this is a great opportunity for us.

Mike comes in on Thursday, and we'll have a fun-filled three days with him. Jack just wants to watch baseball and fish. Big surprise!

So long to the Biscontis, and The Ducks

This morning we chatted with the Peabody Duck Master, Don, before leaving the hotel. He was so kind and let Sam help him roll out the red carpet for the ducks. She, of course, loved it. We all got in the rental car and Dana drove us to our RV. I sort of had a pit in my stomach, thinking it would have been towed. When we came around the corner, there she was, the Turd, in all her glory. And, to boot, she started right up. I am perhaps not giving enough credit to our faithful ride.

We parted ways with the Biscontis- they went to the airport, and we went to Arkansas. We had such a great time with them, and we so apreciated them flying all the way out to meet us. I tried to talk the kids into going to Vicksburg, MS, to see one of the greatest Civil War battle fields. However, they (showing great maturity) chose to get to Little Rock early so they could catch up on school work of all things. I said, "Blow it off, let's go!" But I lost, so here we are at the KOA, and they've all done a bunch of work. Who is the responsible one here??

I did get some more alone time in Wal-Mart today since it's only 3 miles from our campsite. Tomorrow afternoon we will gratefully arrive at the Churchills, Kevin's parents. Kevin's daughter, Emma, is a classmate of Lilly's at Hearst. Kevin volunteered his parents to take us in, and they kindly said they would.

Jazz, Blues and Rock-n-Roll

Today was music day. We toured the Rock-N-Soul museum, one block off of famous Beale Street. The museum covered music from blacks on the southern plantations, to the blues in Memphis, to Elvis and ended with a blurb on the Beatles. The girls, Annie, Sammy and Lilly, lasted a long time, as they loved listening to the audio tour and the music. After the museum, we crossed the street and toured the Gibson guitar factory. We wore our factory safety goggles and saw how they make the famous guitars.

All the music in the morning gave way to lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. What was really fun was listening to the blues by a live band just playing on Beale Street. It was a little like Telegraph Ave in Berkeley, only better.

In the afternoon we took our rental car and drove around town, stopping to let the kids have a great game of tag in a park. By the time we ate an early dinner and got back to the hotel, it was time for a short movie. Dana and I enjoyed some adult quiet time in the lobby by the duck fountain. Tomorrow the Biscontis leave, and we'll head out of town as well. It has been so much fun to have our friends share in our adventure. Thank you for coming Biscontis!

Memphis

What an amazing day. After a late breakfast at Denny's, we took the trolley to the Civil Rights Museum. We spent about three hours touring and listening to our audio presentation. There was so much to learn, and all six kids did a really good job of taking it all in. It was a lot to digest, and Sammy got it. After watching a short film we were walking out of the theater. She had a very pouty look on her face. Truthfully, I just thought it was her usual pouty look. When I asked her what was wrong, she replied, "I just feel really sorry for the black man." How true. We read and read and the exhibit ended in the hotel room where Dr. King was shot. What a feeling that was, standing where he did, imagining all that happened. Walking back to the hotel, each of the kids had a chance to talk about their two favorite things about the museum or the two facts that really stuck out in their minds. It was so interesting to listen to their thoughts. All of them were deeply touched and made great comments. This museum will be in their minds for a long time, it was so good.

We finally had a late lunch at 3pm and then spent some down time in the hotel for a bit. Sam and I watched the ducks exit the fountain, walk to the elevator (on their red carpet, accompanied by marching music) and go up to their rooftop home.

We headed back out in the evening and had a carriage ride around town. Since we had arrived, the kids had begged for the ride. Lilly and Sam loved the horse, Joe. Dinner was ice cream. Dana and I were too tired to figure out where to eat that didn't mean burgers and fries. We just decided to skip the fried food altogether and just have ice cream.

We're going to Graceland

Friday morning we woke up and were joined by the Biscontis for breakfast! It was so great to have our friends arrive. All of us were excited to have a new buddy to talk to, myself included.

We left for Graceland in our rental car that seats eight. I didn't drive!! Graceland was, as one can imagine, very commercialized. We did the self-guided tour with a recorder. Interesting yes, a must-do again, most likely not.

After Graceland, we drove downtown to The Peabody Hotel. In the hotel lobby are internationally famous ducks. They swim in the lobby fountain and twice daily they are escorted by the Duck Master to and from the elevator. It is quite the production, and the lobby is filled with guests. The recently retired Duck Master had the job for fifty years. It's very serious business, and we all got a kick out of it.

Around the corner from our hotel was great Memphis BBQ. We strolled along Beal Street and down to the riverfront walk. The weather yesterday was perfect, sunny and mild temps, so our evening walk was a great way for the kids to burn off some energy.
Dana and I finished the evening having a cup of coffee in the lobby while the kids watched a movie upstairs. LOVE that.

From Sammy:
Hi. We are going on a great big road trip apparently. Graceland is great. We are at the Peabody hotel (she first pronounced the hotel name as "puberty" Hotel), and it's a famous hotel, and also they have ducks that walk on red carpet and go up onto the roof. They were funny! They kept looking over at everybody.

Grand Ol Opry

This morning we had perfect timing and arrived at the Grand Ol Opry just in time for a backstage tour. With no country music background, the tour was very interesting and provided us with a great window into the history and country music of the Opry. After lunch, we walked back through the Opryland hotel on our way to the RV. We took one last look around and watched
professional rock climbers attach themselves to the atrium ceiling frames. They were hanging more lights and decorations. It was dizzying, as they were up close to 100+ feet.

We stopped at the Nashville replica of the Parthenon where inside was a big statue of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom. Sammy was asleep in the RV by now, so we hit the road and headed to Memphis. By the time we arrived, it was pouring rain. The Bisconits arrive tonight at midnight! We are all very excited to have our good friends join us for what is sure to be one great weekend. We plan to see Graceland and the Civil Rights Museum. Can't wait, the kids are singing like the King already.

Nashville, TN

We crossed over another state line today. LIlly's favorite thing to say each time we drive over state lines is "Gee, this looks really different."

Tennessee is as beautiful as Kentucky. We only drove an hour from Bowling Green KOA to the Nashville KOA. We checked into the campgound, and as luck would have it, one of the must sees of Nashville is just 2 miles from the KOA. The Opryland Hotel was just around the corner. When I was talking to the KOA lady, I asked, "I know this is a stupid question, but why is the Opryland Hotel famous?" She glanced up, rather annoyed, from the desk and said, "You'll know when you get there." Well, alrighty then.

We drove over, and the KOA lady was absolutely correct and had every reason to be smug in her reply. This hotel is nothing like I've seen before, anywhere. It is the largest (non-gaming) hotel and convention center in the world. The inside is like walking through Disneyland, passing by different parts of the country. There's a Delta boat ride which of course we had to ride. It was the Jungle Cruise minus the spraying elephants and biting aligators. It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk the distance from one end to the other, and that doesn't allow for covering all the off-shoots from the three (3!) main atriums. White lights hang from the atrium ceiling along with decorative Christmas balloons and animals. The pictures that I hope to post do not do justice, but maybe you'll get the idea.

Tomorrow we'll drive by the Grand Ol Opry and then pass by the Partheon on our way to Memphis. This is so cool!

7 weeks out

Only 5 weeks left on the roadtrip. Hard to believe we've begun our journey back west. We've reached our furthest eastern point, Lexington.

This morning at our Lexington Horse Park campground, we had a great game of tennis baseball after we did school. I'd throw tennis balls and Jack, Sam and Lil would hit them back with raquets and Jack's Louisville Slugger. They took turns smackin' it. We were basically the only ones (certainly the only kids) left at camp, so we had this huge grassy area to ourselves.

We headed towards Mammoth Caves and made stops at Lincoln's boyhood home and museum in Hogenville. For six bucks we all got into the museum. Best price yet. After Lincoln land, we continued south towards Mammoth Cave, which we missed--whoops, so much for that. We are now camped at Bowling Green KOA, an hour north of Nashville, our destination for tomorrow.

Kids love it-there's a pirate ship park, a gross, stagnant pond that Jack thinks is really cool, and the usual KOA attractions, mini golf, fun bikes, and paddle boats. We'll be lucky to make it out of here by noon. The KOAs really are the best way to go. The bathrooms are always clean!

No pictures, blog won't post them. Internet is VERY slow here.

From Sammy:
Today we played at the (Lexington) park and played "ben-ten" (that is baseball and tennis). There has to be more than one person. So one person has a glove, and one person has a tennis racquet. So the person with the glove throws the ball, and the person raquets hits the ball.

from .sammy

spell check

in the last post, it says "road" when it should say "rode." Just used to roadscholarz I guess-

Alone time in Wal-Mart

Some of you may be wondering if I get any alone time. When the kids are driving me too crazy, fighting over who gets to hold my hand, who gets to sit next to me, who gets to sleep on the top bunk with me, who gets to eat by me etc (sometimes I think they'd crawl back into the womb if they could), I can go a little NUTS! It's nice to be loved, but I need to be loved a little farther away than the RV permits sometimes. That said, I've become creative with my alone time since it is nearly impossible to get. When the kids and I go to Wal-Mart (which they love), I give them one walkie-talkie, and I take the other. We split up, and I get to shop alone. I call them every now and then to find out where they are and if they are lost. The walkie talkies are the perfect compliment to my shopping experience. They enable my alone time. I used to not like Wal-mart, but now I look forward to finding one. Not only do I get my paper plates there, but I get "Alone Time."

We did school this morning and then went off the the Horse Camp near by. It was a beautiful ranch but a total bust for horse back riding. Jack and Lil road for less than 25 minutes for their trail ride. Sam rode on a pony in a pen the size of a small cul-de-sac. We left sooner than we had planned as I planted the seed, "Wal-Mart." And this is a SUPER Wal-Mart which means it has a grocery store in it. They were all happy to leave, and after shopping we came back to our quiet camp. Not much going on here as the weekend is over. It's very quiet, and I feel like we have the place to ourselves.

We had another successful campfire, and the kids were able to roast hot dogs and marshmellows. I forced carrots into the mix just to make me feel better. And I had a beer to celebrate.

From Lilly:
Today we went to this lame horse park. I went on a 23 minute trail ride, when it was supposed to be 45 minutes. The Wal-Mart was better than the Horse Park, I have to admit. I did a claw machine and won a HSM necklace. It was really fun. When we got back, we played tennis and had a fire. My eyes really hurt because of the smoke. Our fire was going down when I was able to get down our grill. So I said to my Mom, "Do you mind if I put some kinling in the fire?" She said it was fine. I roasted a hot dog and marshmellows. All together Sammy, Jackson and I burnt seven marshmellows. It was a very fun day because of my Mom.

From Sammy:
Today we went to the Kentucky Horse Camp. I was too young for the horse rides. I had to ride on a pony. The ride on the pony was like a block for the three laps. It was a little bit like a block. I got to ride a brown and white one. From, Sammy

Success in Lexington

Another great day for the RoadScholarz. It was, again, beautiful. We had a COLD night, in the 30s, so in the night I had to get out extra sleeping bags. The day included math, park, mini golf, bikes, a walk (alone!) for me, ping pong and packing up the RV to leave Louisville. We left for Lexington and only had an hour and twenty minute drive. There really are rolling green hills with white fences and horses. It's just like I heard it to be. Our campsite is in Kentucky Horse Park, and our site is right next to tennis courts and a park!! The kids and I played tennis, a first on the trip, did art (which was really fun), and had our second campfire (but our first successful one). We ate dinner outside, and our neighbor, Homer (yes, that is for real his name), came over with more wood for our fire. I *love* talking to the RV park grandparents. I met another grandpa, and he told me (as he was passing by to the bathrooms), that his wife always says to him, "You talk to everyone. You go out to the bathrooms, and it takes you an hour because you talk to everyone." I just loved it. The kids roasted marshmellows, and our "last first" for the day was our first in-house movie, Lassie. I made up one bed, and the kids snuggled down for the night under our Halloween lights. What a great day!! This is sooo fun!!

Louisville with Heidi

It was so beautiful when we woke up today. Cool, crisp, the perfect fall day. After breakfast, we had recess before school. The kids played, Heidi and I went for a walk around camp, and then we did math until lunch. Heidi was a 4th grade teacher at one time, so she helped Jack and Lil while I did laundry and showered. In the afternoon we drove into town and saw a great IMAX about dolphins. The science museum was across the street from the Lousiville Slugger museum so we popped back into there for a little bit.

Heidi treated us to an early dinner and ice cream. Back at camp we played until the camp hosts put on the outdoor movie for all the kids. A great, old Walt Disney played right in front of our RV. When the kids got cold, they came inside and watched from our windows. Pretty great.

Heidi went back to her hotel, as she has to be at the airport by 7am for her flight. It was so great having the company. We loved it. Tomorrow we head to Lexington in search of horses for Lil and Sam.

A Surprise Visitor!

What a fun surprise. Heidi flew in late last night (midnight), stayed at a hotel near the airport, rented a car, and surprised us at the KOA this morning! She brought Peet's AND homemade chocolate cookies. I don't have to say how excited we all were to have her here. The kids spent the whole morning showing her around the campground, including the catfish pond and the park. Since she had a rental car, we drove that into town and spent the afternoon at Churchill Downs. It was GREAT not to 1) be in the RV in town and 2) not to be the one driving. Churchill Downs was amazing. The first Kentucky Derby was in the 1800s, and every year, on the first Saturday in May, the big race is held. Next door to the racetrack was the Kentucky Derby Museum. That was fabulous, and we learned all about the horses, the race and the history behind the track.

Back at the campground we made dinner, and Heidi read with Sam. Jack and Lil ran off to the park, and I think having the company is so nice.

Louisville KOA

I could not get out of the Days Inn soon enough this morning. I started making noise early in the a.m. to wake the kids. We left, grabbed some coffee at Starbuck's across the street (I'm out of Peet's!), picked up some groceries and successfully navigated our way across town to the KOA, in the rain to boot! The kids said, "This is the GREATEST campground!!" Again, we are right by park, there's a nature walk that leads down to a cave and a beautiful river, and there's a catfish pond. The hosts are really kind, and one is from San Diego.

By 11am we were doing school work and did that just about all day. I love these rainy days, not only because I love the rain, but it makes doing school work much easier. It was also 20 degrees cooler, so we enjoyed the 60s temperature. And a moment of boasting---the RV doesn't leak in the rain. I am so proud of the Big Broken Down Turd.

At night, we watched the moon rise and read.

From Lilly:
When we got to the KOA, the park was really fun. There is this bouncey pillow thing that is inflated with air. Jackson, Sammy and I ran around and played tag on it, only because it was so fun. It's about the size of a swimming pool. Thanks for listening.

Sammy:
We are in Louisville, KY, and at the KOA Kentucky Louisville place, there's a big kind of bouncey thing. The colors that were on it are red, blue and yellow, green and that's all. We bounced on it and played tag. We played in our socks, so we slipped a lot, and then the other time we were barefoot. And the KOA has an arcade.

Louisville Slugger

When I woke up this morning at Sonal's, we watched leaves faling like they were rain drops. The whole driveway was covered. It was so pretty. After packing up and saying our goodbyes, we headed towards Louisville, KY. We only had a 2-hour drive to the Louisville Slugger Museum. Jack's eyes about fell out of his head. He got to hold bats that belonged to Honus Wagner, Jackie Robinson and Babe Ruth. We toured the factory and learned all aobut how they make the bats. At the end, they gave us all souvenir bats which was great.

The museum was downtown, like being in downtown San Francisco, so I had no idea where to take the RV. I decided to head south, out of the city, hoping to find a little more room to roam. We happily found a Buca di Beppo, about which I was thrilled. Dinner, a glass of wine and an hour later, we found the Days Inn just down the road. I couldn't find a campground, and I really wanted to watch thre debate.

I pulled up to the Days Inn and saw someone bbq-ing in the parking lot. I knew I was amongst my people... a little scary too!
The hotel is lousy. In fact, I'd rather sleep in the RV! But it has a TV and we all showered. Tomorrow we'll look for a campground. I think they are cleaner than this place.

Post from kids about Springfield

From Jackson:
The Springfield kids were super nice and always asking if we could play. The campground was really pretty and there's a wild kitten in the woods. We had a great time. It was awesome learning about Lincoln.

From Lilly:
I really like the Springfield friends. I played with Kassidy the most. Her birthday was the day after I got back from Hannibal. It was really fun playing on the bikes with Haley and Kassidy.

Go Hoosiers! We're 1/2 there...

I find it very hard to believe that today marks our 1/2 way point, 6
weeks on the road, and only 6 weeks left to go! It's flying by, and I
imagine it will only go faster and faster.
No one would believe how beautiful it is here in Bloomington, Indiana.
When we drove from Springfield yesterday, we came in on this country
road, lined with trees full of red, yellow and orange leaves. I have
not see fall colors like this since I was in Vermont 20 plus years ago.
My mind is telling me it should be cold with all the fall around us,
but it's close to 80 degrees, despite rain showers. Where did the cold
go?!
We arrived at Mike's co-worker's home, Sonal, and her husband, Ross,
just in time for homemade, deep dish pizza. Ross could put every pizza
restaurant to shame with his own signature dish. It was so good, I am
still thinking about it. And, if I knew them better, I would have
inhaled the whole thing, but I was trying not to scare them. Sonal and
Ross live on 2 acres with a creek full of geodes (rocks with crystals
inside). They also live in a real log cabin. The kids went crazy. I'll
be lucky to get them back in the RV. Lilly LOVES rocks and gems, so she
and Jack went straight to the creek. Sam was happy playing (read
scaring) Sonal and Ross' two black cats, Minx and Jinx.
After sleeping in the RV, we woke up to the sound of chirping crickets.
We ate a quick breakfast and made our way up to Indiana State
University. It was beautiful, like the campus of Boulder a little bit.
From there we drove 20 miles to a little town called Nashville for
lunch. Again, our route took us over rolling country roads lined with
miles of fall colors.
In the afternoon the kids hammered away at their rocks and played in
the creek. We actually got some homework done before dinner with Ross
and Sonal. Tomorrow we head to Louisville, KY. Blogger gave the chance
post a video, so I will try and put one from the Tina concert. Hope you
can see it!

Back to Springfield

Well, the kids were pretty ready to leave our campgound this morning. After a breakfast of pancakes, we drove back towards downtown Hannibal, about 3 miles, and stopped at "Lovers Leap." Story goes that an Indian Princess fell in love with an Indian brave from an opposing tribe. They were found together, chased up this bluff, and the brave was about to be killed by other warrior indians. Rather than live without him, the princess chose to jump off the bluff with her indian brave to their deaths. The kids said, "they did what?" The view was spectacular. That's the picture on the blog.

From there we toured Mark Twain's home, drove by "unsinkable Molly Brown's" home and got GAS! GAS was the cheapest I've found on the trip. Only $2.87 gallon! I felt so good!

Once back in Springfield, I needed to stop at some remblance of civilization. A mall sufficed. The kids said, "Mom, you never let us go to Toys R Us!" So we went. They brought all their money and shopped. Then Lilly wanted to see animals at Petco, and the kids all got haircuts, which they definitely needed. I can know see their faces again. We ended our shopping day at Wal-Mart. A mere 3 1/2 hours later, we drove the last 5 miles to our campground.

I found this grocery store in town too-one that actually has an organic section. I was sooo happy to shop there! I stocked up; microwaveable organic dinners for one are my new favorite meal. i think Mike is having the same meal service at home.

Meals have become certainly one of the easier parts, as I have lowered my expectations to a level I didn't know existed. Much harder than meals are keeping the RV clean and organized (this is by far the #1 challenge, and it's CONSISTENT!). The other challenges are keeping the kids on task with school work. Finding the time between everything else is difficult. My other hot button is trying to remain calm at 9pm when they are wound up, and I am beyond exhausted. I think I've only said "shut-up" one night, gave myself a time out two other times, and average losing my cool (elevated voice with direct eye contact) about every 4th or 5th day. I don't think that's too bad. And, they are now very versed in "if MOM is happy, WE are happy." Call it a mantra if you want.

whoops-look like the picture can't be posted on the blog. Just use your imagination and think of the Mississippi River.

I fogot to post--The Poser at Hancock Tower

Imagine our surprise when we got to the top of the Hancock Tower in Chicago and there was a big photo shoot going on! We didn't get autographs, but the took the model home with us.

And for the Tina Turner picture, the backup gals in the back ARE clothed, scantily clad albeit, but clothed nonetheless...

Hannibal but with Chicago pictures

Now that I can post pictures, you can see a little bit more of what we've done over the last week. Today we drove from Springfield, Il to Hannibal, MO. It was only a 2 hour drive which gave us all afternoon to be tourists. We played at "Sawyer Creek" which was a little mini golf/bumper boat (lame) place for kids. From there we ate lunch and boarded the Mark Twain River Boat for an hour cruise on the Mississippi. It was a beautiful day, and the kids and I are wimps with the bugs. There's hardly any to speak of if you're a local. Jackson has sometihing like 19 bites, Sammy has about 8, and LIlly and I come in last with less than four. The locals think nothing of them. Such southern California wimps.

After the boat, we drove by Mark Twain's home (we'll tour it tomorrow) and came back to our campground where the Mark Twain Cave is. That was the crowd favorite. The kids really enjoyed the cave tour. It was a hideout for Jesse James at one point, and it's over 100 million years old.

Since our campground is at the entance of the cave, we moved right in. It's a distant second to our beloved KOA in Springfield. But I got us hooked up and fed, math done and that is all good. Tomorrow we'll go back to Springfield for one last night before continuing east to Indiana.

Pictures, finally-Chicago, Springfield, Hannibal