Journey to Ohio

I'm still a little behind in getting all my photos posted but we are getting there.

Part Three: Leaving Colorado Springs
It was a busy morning but we were in high spirits (trying not to dwell on what was being left behind)! With Mike out of his back brace, we ran around like mad doing all the last minute things we had on our "to do" list. Finally, by noon we were hungry but eager to get on the road certain we could find somewhere to eat just down the road.

Mike was very excited to hit the sites and the number one on the list was driving out a dirt road 11 miles our of our way to see the highest point in Kansas. Let me tell you, it was exciting...so exciting I don't think I can handle going back.

Here it is, the highest point in Kansas...

I had the atlas in the car and secretly hoped for food at every little town listed. Unfortunately, there's not much between here and the middle of Kansas. Not even a McDonald's! We were starving but found a little snack about 30 minutes from our Hays, Kansas destination. We were greeted by good family friends from my childhood days in Montrose, CO. Chris and Rita Hauck opened their home with open arms and filled our bellies with wonderful smoked chicken and fresh sweet corn. Their sprinkler system was a big hit and Lucas was the Mr. Water Man for the evening checking everything out. Thank you Hauck's for opening your home and hearts! It was wonderful to visit and relax after a long drive.

Chris, Mommy, Daddy and more Hauck friends...
Wanting sooo much to push all the buttons...
Mommy, Daddy, Yummy Chicken & Chris...

The whole gang with Rita too!


We departed Hays and headed to Kansas City, MO to meet up with a dear friend of mine from Benedicitine College soccer years. Heather has two beautiful young boys and was able to meet us for a quick lunch. She has all the photos so I'll have to track those down.

That night we stopped a few hours from St. Louis at a hotel. We swam in the pool and made hotel coffee of course...Lucas' favorite part.

Mr. Hotel Coffee Maker Man...
The next day we were off to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO...
It's a tall one...
Up close and personal...
Waiting to go to the "tippy top"...

Space ship elevator...
With Mommy...
Looking down below...
"We are right here!"
Grandma J will be proud, we got our Nat'l Parks Passport Book stamped!!!

After another hotel night we found ourself pulling into Wright-Patterson Air Force Base mid-morning. It was nice to see the big beautiful Datyon trees after the long drive!