Today we visited one of the Laura Ingalls home sites in Independence, Kansas. This site is the inspiration for Laura's Little House on the Prairie book. We saw the reconstructed log house and the well that was dug by Pa and Mr. Edwards. Tarin was thrilled!
Here is Tarin at the prairie house:
On our way out of Independence we actually found a little natural foods store/cafe where we stopped for a lunch of fruit smoothies and Tofurkey sandwiches on sprouted bread. Can you believe there is a place like that in little, old, out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere Independence? They even had soy mayo for our sandwiches!
Kansas = flat, wide, prairie, cows, crops, windmills, more cows. Neighbors are miles away from each other. Unfortunately, Wal-Mart has wormed its nasty self into these isolated communities. We'd be driving for miles and miles, not a soul in sight, and all of the sudden a huge Wal-Mart would appear. Not much else, either, so obviously this establishment has put many little guys out of business.
The heat and sun have been relentless. It's been 100 degrees and very sunny these past two days, which makes it difficult to get comfortable in the car, despite blasting the air conditioning and chugging bottle after bottle of water. We are driving towards the sun and there have been no clouds, so the heat just pours in through the windshield. Luckily the kids fared better in the back of the van because of the tinted windows. We actually stopped in Wichita just to get out of the stifling heat for a bit. We walked around Old Town there and had some iced tea.
Kansas = flat, wide, prairie, cows, crops, windmills, more cows. Neighbors are miles away from each other. Unfortunately, Wal-Mart has wormed its nasty self into these isolated communities. We'd be driving for miles and miles, not a soul in sight, and all of the sudden a huge Wal-Mart would appear. Not much else, either, so obviously this establishment has put many little guys out of business.
The heat and sun have been relentless. It's been 100 degrees and very sunny these past two days, which makes it difficult to get comfortable in the car, despite blasting the air conditioning and chugging bottle after bottle of water. We are driving towards the sun and there have been no clouds, so the heat just pours in through the windshield. Luckily the kids fared better in the back of the van because of the tinted windows. We actually stopped in Wichita just to get out of the stifling heat for a bit. We walked around Old Town there and had some iced tea.
Here we are in Wichita. Our smiles are fake - we are sweltering. Can you feel the heat?
Right now we are at a very nice AmericInn in Russell, Kansas (just east of Hays) and will be heading to Denver tomorrow. The kids are having a blast but Julian has been really extra crazy in the car these past two days, so wish us luck. Apparently there is nothing between here and Denver but highway and tumbleweeds.
5 comments:
Oh Tarin's dreams have come true!! There is nothing like being there to see the REAL thing and I love the pictures of her complete with the appropriate dress.
What was Kelan's favorite thing so far?
I can imagine that Julse energy level is off the wall without his usual 12 hours of play. Maybe rest stop relay races?
The blog is just so wonderful - I was in New York for the past 2 days and it was great to open the computer and discover what was happening with you. What a wonderful trip of discovery. Love Mom
Russell, Kansas? Bob Dole LOVES Russell!
Bob Dole - 2008
Sounds like you're all having the time of your lives. That's a trip I have dreamed about for many years and I might actually make it next year. Don't sweat the heat, it's over 100 almost every day in Dallas. Leaving for lunch today I thought how how cool 95 felt! To much yankee in me I guess. Have a great trip. See you at Christmas.
Uncle Den
I wonder if real Pa cried as much as t.v. PA? No one could cry as much as t.v. PA.
Again, Miss T, you look gorgeous on this photo, my dear!
A big boo-hiss for Walmart.
I hope it cools off for you guys!
Love Aunt Mindy
While I don't think I would like soy mayo - I do love local co-ops. That place sounds great! Thank you for driving right on past Wal-Mart.
I am looking forward to Jules's first blog post.
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