Day Three - Wichita KS to Ardmore OK

Upon arising from a great night of sleep, Victoria and I enjoyed breakfast with Victoria's Aunt Elvira. We departed late morning and made our way a few miles to Don and Paula Henry's home in Clearwater KS. Don mentored me in the early 1980s when I lived in Wichita KS. We met their daughter, Leah, along with her three children and had lunch with all of them. It was early afternoon by the time we said our goodbyes and headed south on Interstate 35 toward Oklahoma City.

When we arrived in Oklahoma City, I took Victoria to see the National Memorial. Here she is pictured with the Survivor Tree, a 90+ year-old American Elm which survived the blast. 

And here is a short video I shot of the Memorial from the same spot.

After we visited the Memorial we continued south until we made it to Ardmore OK where we spent Wednesday night. Into the state of Texas on Thursday!

Day Two - St Louis MO to Wichita KS

Victoria and I left St Louis early Tuesday morning and made it to Kansas City before lunchtime. I specifically wanted to visit the place of my birth, Trinity Lutheran Hospital. Much to my surprise, the hospital building has been converted into condos! Maybe I should buy one and end up where I started, heh?

From Kansas City, we made our way to windy Hillsboro KS where Victoria was able to see what one of her alma mater, Tabor College, looked like 30 years after she attended there.

From Hillsboro KS, we made our way a few miles southwest to Goessel KS where we visited with the Wagner family (Doug, Gretchen, Leighton, and Lana). Doug grilled HUGE Kansas steaks and we enjoyed dinner and dessert with them.

After leaving the Wagner's we drove about one hour south to Peck KS where we spent the night at the home of Victoria's Aunt Elvira.

At the end of day two of our road trip it was so good to have a hot shower and climb into bed after a long day of travel and visiting.

Day One - Xenia OH to St Louis MO

This Monday morning started a little differently than most. A road trip to pack for, not a commute to the office :-)

Victoria and I packed up the trusty Toyota Camry, said good-bye to Samoa (Kayla's 13-year-old cat) and headed west.

It was an uneventful trip but we were lured off Interstate 70 by the promise of the world's largest rocking chair and wind chime. Sure enough, right in the middle of Casey IL they stood.

After arriving in St Louis, and checking into our accommodations for the night, we headed over to infamous "Aunt Millie's" to meet extended family and have dinner together. It was a very enjoyable evening, and I have not laughed so hard in a long time.

Around the table with me were Uncle Donald, Aunt Sharon, Cousin Rhonda, Aunt Mille, Uncle Wendel (not pictured), Aunt Carole (not pictured), Aunt Debbie (almost in the picture), and Victoria (taking the picture).

Here's a shot of me and my favorite cuz, Rhonda.

A great start to a great trip!