Collective Soul in a Pantsuit

 We like the kind of band that plays at a casino in South Dakota. 

You know we are willing to drive north to hear "Run".

Let's go. Get in the truck. 

Meg is good company. I love hearing her stories and seeing life through her eyes. The drive went fast! We put on our Strong Independent Women hats and checked into the hotel, drove to the casino and found or seats. The rest of the audience definitely skewed more to my generation. 

We were right in front of the lead guitarist and he was awesome!

I had to smile at Ed Roland's orange crepe suit. He owned it, but I had to wonder if he found it in the mature ladies section at JC Penneys. 

Either way. I respect the fashion choice. 

We had the best time and sang all the songs. We navigated our way out of the venue a little early so we wouldn't be on the road with all the drunk folks and headed back to our hotel. 

A little continental breakfast, and we hit the road in the morning. 

South Dakota is cold. They've got to be one of the best reasons to own Carhart. k

We spotted this cool circle rainbow on the way home. It felt like an alien invasion. 

Maybe they were on the hunt for the ornagiest pantsuit on earth?

Travelin Man

 Mathew has packed up his earthly belongings and he is leaving Rexburg. He has a new job with Wachter starting in Arkansas and he will stop over with us for about a week. He is determined to make the 17 hr drive in one shot and my momma heart is pretty sure he's up for it. 

Also. I'm terrified. But that's my default setting. 

Caffeine, Mathew. Caffeine!

Omaha Zoo and the Murder Basement

After 23 years in the Midwest, we finally decided we should go check out the #1 zoo in the country.

To Omaha we go!

We invited the Flynns to go with us and because they're the best friends ever, they agreed. When they saw the house I rented, they probably regretted that decision. You know that smell every grandparent's house has? I mean the REAL grandparents....the ones with scary cellars full of mason jars of peaches and pickled beets?

That smell. 

If you don't know what I mean, then you haven't lived....also, I know a house you can rent. 

On the bright side, it was only a short walk to the zoo!

I only took a few photos of my favorite animals:

 We loved the jungle house and the butterfly dome. 

We spotted the lions when we went over them in the sky ride. 

Those glowing jellyfish never disappoint.

There was also a dark basement full of alligators. How the world they aren't always in the news for that place, I can't imagine. There were some excellent beavers down there too...but it was dark, so we didn't really get to see them. weird. 

It was a quick trip, so we really only had enough time for crazy expensive burgers, singing to Mathew, a day at the zoo and investigating the murder basemen. Don't believe me? Let's take a little walk down, shall we?

Open the door to the basement and head down that nightmare

Oh look! There's A DARK HOLE beneath the the scary staircase you were just on. Fun.

Is that a tarp??? 

It took another adult going down with my to work up the guts to move that tarp. And in the most horrific move of all, Todd pulled that door open just far enough to stick his arm in there and video what was in there. Pure horror. 

I'm still convinced if we could shine a light in there, there would be a child sized rocking chair right in the middle....just rockin....back and forth. Back and forth. 

I'll never sleep again. 

But hey! The loft was perfect for the girls!

I'd give this place high marks for entertainment value. But, between me and you, St Louis Zoo was way better!

Back to Kansas

Time to say our goodbye's and start driving home. 

I love this place and I'm grateful that my family (old and new) has found it's way back here. 

We spied a moose on the way out!

Traveling with my girls has been a pleasure! They are easygoing and up for trying weird roadside cuisine. 

Until 2025! 

Moon Lake. The Women Hit the Road

Mark busted his knee. He's in no position to drive for two days or exist in the woods for any amount of time. But Moon Lake calls and we shall go. 

Megan helped to drive. My ability to trust is growing! Don't let the boys see or they will be mad!

But, my dears, this world is so beautiful. 

And also very silly. 

We had the best time picking music and stopping when we pleased. We were in awe of the view at Flaming Gorge. Breathtaking!

We are excellent packers. We managed all our stuff AND groceries for the week. Walmart pickup in Vernal for the win!

Moon Sweet Moon. 

Getting reacquainted with the cousins. 

Everyone around the fire. I wish I could describe the feeling I have when I'm here with my people. 

I'm home. 

SBL: Trip to St. Louis

 I've been wanting to go out to St. Louis for a long time now. Some (Mark) call it the "armpit of America".  

We shall see. 

First stop...the zoo!

And it didn't disappoint! We loved it all, the animals, the architecture, the layout. Perfection. 

One of our favorites was the butterfly dome. Delightfully magical. I could've watch the leafcutter ants for ages.

The buildings were full of these beautiful touches. It made the place feel so special.

Another highlight was sitting on the grass watching these poor zookeepers try to persuade a large bird of prey to come on back into captivity. The escapee was unconvinced. Can't say I blame him (her?)

Like all good road trips, we finished the day off with a ride in the elevator, 

A dip in the hotel pool,

And falling asleep to the History Channel.

Day 2 was dedicated to the City Museum. 

Not your typical museum. 

It was all about climbing and exploring and ascending and descending. 

Crazy cool.

A view of the roof:

On the roof!

Rooftop Ferris wheel? Sounds perfectly safe. 

Our last day we spent at the St. Louis Arch. Maybe I'm a total newb, but I loved it. It's so breathtaking the way it shines in the sun. We were appreciative tourists. 

We didn't get to ride up in it (not that sad), because we needed to head back home and there was still 4 hours till the first tour left. I was prepared to gird my loins and go, but I was spared. 

Time to get home...but first!

Subway Sandwich time! 

I actually just took this photo because Laney was diggin that girl's haircut. Had to grab a pick to show at the next haircut!