With a crazy day yesterday, a little rearranging of the calendar was definitely needed. We wanted to spend a little more time in St. Louis, to see the Arch and as it turned out, to take a river boat tour. So we called Jo Mills-Kaeser, who was giving us beds and baths for a couple days and asked if we could arrive later. She was of course, completely ok with that.
The St. Louis Arch loomed over us, shiny and bright, blazing in the hot June sun. We had a 10:30 tour ticket, so we arrived at about 9:30 and after a very brief wait for security to clear us, we got our tickets and proceeded to the line for the arch tour. After receiving some brief instructions from the tour guides, who were very young and surprisingly enthusiastic, we proceeded into a small submarine like car to take us to the top of the famous Gateway Arch. Much to our delight and surprise, the view was amazing! Joey was a little freaked out by the height of 630 feet, and the view...especially when you looked straight down to the ground. It was like being in one of those amusement park rides when you are dangling and looking straight down. You could see really far as it was a clear day (a little hazy but clear). Andrew was undaunted by the height and wiggled his way up the little incline to stare right out the window. I guess at four you still have little fear! We could see the Old Courthouse, which is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.
The story behind the park and the Arch and its dedication to Thomas Jefferson is related to the expansion of the United States into the West during the early 1800's. When Thomas Jefferson finalized the Louisiana Purchase, it opened the West to pioneers who embraced "manifest destiny." The role of St. Louis in the expansion of the West is memorialized in the Gateway Arch. A contest to design a monument in St. Louis that would represent the opening of the West and the role of St. Louis as the gateway to the West was held in 1947. Eero Saarinen won the contest with his design of the Gateway Arch. The central idea behind the arch is a graceful catenary curve, which is similar to the natural curve that hangs at the end of a chain when suspended freely between two points.
We followed from the Arch tour with a quick visit to the museum of western expansion and the gift shop and then a walk down the steps to our tour boat ride on the Mississippi River on the Tom Sawyer. The kids enjoyed the ride...wind in their faces and a little history for all.
From there, we headed West in our own stage coach of a sort...off to Kansas City, Kansas, home of Sporting Kansas and KC BBQ, Jo and Jeff Kaeser and the next step in our adventure.
Radiance
A cloud stood humbly in a corner of the sky.
The morning saw it and crowned it with splendor.
Ravindranath Tagore
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
June 18, trials and miles
Well, we awoke to the pitter patter of rain this am, of course, because it always seems to rain on us when we are packing up the camper. So, with the extension on the camper for the bike rack and the camper attached, things were looking up. Then we quickly realized that the cord for the lights on the camper would no longer reach. The chains for the camper would no longer reach. Emergency brake cable would no longer reach. A trip to the local farm store was now required. Well, we managed to work something out for a temporary fix, but we could not turn right without pulling out the cord, so off to Cincinnati to buy a new cord.
Long story short, we worked it out, but could not get out of Cincinnati in time for the tour of the Arch. Tonight a hotel, showers and sleep, tomorrow, the Arch tour and a trip to Kansas City for a few days with Jo and family! Can't wait!
Today was a study in patience, resolve and perseverance. Joe made a really good point as we worked together to fix all the problems. We are capable people, he and I. And while there may be times when one of us struggles, it seems like that is when the other steps up and offers a hand, or even just a moment to clear ones head. Success for us is truly a partnership.
And for that I am truly thankful. Tomorrow is another day, and the trip continues as we move further West!We crossed four states today...Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and now we roost in MISSOURI, the Gateway to the West!
Onward, onward, we travel as one.
New adventures we face, others are gone.
We keep our eyes open and our hearts we prepare,
The hope for tomorrow, for dreams to share. (L.A.Kemp, 06/18/2013)
By L.Ann.Kemp 06/18/2013
Long story short, we worked it out, but could not get out of Cincinnati in time for the tour of the Arch. Tonight a hotel, showers and sleep, tomorrow, the Arch tour and a trip to Kansas City for a few days with Jo and family! Can't wait!
Today was a study in patience, resolve and perseverance. Joe made a really good point as we worked together to fix all the problems. We are capable people, he and I. And while there may be times when one of us struggles, it seems like that is when the other steps up and offers a hand, or even just a moment to clear ones head. Success for us is truly a partnership.
And for that I am truly thankful. Tomorrow is another day, and the trip continues as we move further West!We crossed four states today...Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and now we roost in MISSOURI, the Gateway to the West!
Onward, onward, we travel as one.
New adventures we face, others are gone.
We keep our eyes open and our hearts we prepare,
The hope for tomorrow, for dreams to share. (L.A.Kemp, 06/18/2013)
By L.Ann.Kemp 06/18/2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
Cincinnati, Kings Island and Soak City
Wow, what a day! It started out with us being able to find a double hitch to tow the trailer and carry the bike rack! That is awesome news, as we could not get one at home.
We went to Kings Island. It was hot and humid. Andrew was not super thrilled and did not want to go on any rides. I walked him around in his new wagon while Joe and Joey went on some roller coasters. We decided to move on to Soak City...Joey and Joe helped me take Andrew over there and then they were going to go back to the roller coasters, but Andrew wanted them to stay. Long story short, we all ended up at Soak City. I can honestly say that Andrew had a complete BLAST! He was running around and running around, laughing, going down water slides, laughing, running in and out of the water. Then we went over to the Lazy River, where he was hilarious! He did not like the water squirting at him, so I told him I would protect him. So he kept yelling "protect me!" "Protect me!" and screaming like crazy! But he was doing it with a complete smile on his face and excitement in his eyes.
After that, we dragged Andrew out of the Lazy River and headed to the wave pool. Until they nearly kicked us out at 8:00 pm, Andrew and Joey stayed in the water, in the wave pool, playing on tubes, laughing and having a great time. Joe mostly watched Andrew, although I tagged in at about 7:30 for a few minutes.
The boys are crashed out...dead to the world asleep now. Tomorrow we head to St. Louis to see the Gateway Arch! I have only ever driven past it, but never have seen it up close, so I am excited.
My inspiration today was seeing the pure, unadulterated joy on my children's faces as they played in the water with their dad. Sometimes we forget to stop and look at the innocence and beauty on the faces of children because we get so caught up in everything else. But it was amazing to step away from that world and into the world of letting go. I am not there yet, but I know that by the end of this trip, I want to feel that feeling of freedom in expressing my joy, the pure satisfaction without all the angst and emotion of being an adult. This was my personal poetry of life today, inspired by my family
Thanks for listening as we head into day Four! I am still trying to figure out how to upload photos, but I do have a few to share so, soon, I promise!
We went to Kings Island. It was hot and humid. Andrew was not super thrilled and did not want to go on any rides. I walked him around in his new wagon while Joe and Joey went on some roller coasters. We decided to move on to Soak City...Joey and Joe helped me take Andrew over there and then they were going to go back to the roller coasters, but Andrew wanted them to stay. Long story short, we all ended up at Soak City. I can honestly say that Andrew had a complete BLAST! He was running around and running around, laughing, going down water slides, laughing, running in and out of the water. Then we went over to the Lazy River, where he was hilarious! He did not like the water squirting at him, so I told him I would protect him. So he kept yelling "protect me!" "Protect me!" and screaming like crazy! But he was doing it with a complete smile on his face and excitement in his eyes.
After that, we dragged Andrew out of the Lazy River and headed to the wave pool. Until they nearly kicked us out at 8:00 pm, Andrew and Joey stayed in the water, in the wave pool, playing on tubes, laughing and having a great time. Joe mostly watched Andrew, although I tagged in at about 7:30 for a few minutes.
The boys are crashed out...dead to the world asleep now. Tomorrow we head to St. Louis to see the Gateway Arch! I have only ever driven past it, but never have seen it up close, so I am excited.
My inspiration today was seeing the pure, unadulterated joy on my children's faces as they played in the water with their dad. Sometimes we forget to stop and look at the innocence and beauty on the faces of children because we get so caught up in everything else. But it was amazing to step away from that world and into the world of letting go. I am not there yet, but I know that by the end of this trip, I want to feel that feeling of freedom in expressing my joy, the pure satisfaction without all the angst and emotion of being an adult. This was my personal poetry of life today, inspired by my family
Thanks for listening as we head into day Four! I am still trying to figure out how to upload photos, but I do have a few to share so, soon, I promise!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Day 2: Happy Fathers Day World
The day did not pass without its challenges. Andrew is still fighting a cold, so he is way off his schedule and he is a bit cranky. Our expectations for today were low. We were supposed to get together with good friends, Sara Townes and Chavon Steele, but then we realized that it was Fathers Day, and of course they had plans. We had a simple breakfast of cheese, crackers, milk and cereal. We tidied up the camper and tried to reorganize some things...a challenge to say the least. Then we decided to head out, with the plan to pick up a few things, then come back and eat lunch. Andrew would have none of that. He started fussing and crying before we even got five miles down the road. He looked exhausted. So we grabbed some lunch and headed back to the campground. We tried to get him to nap but no luck!!! He was completely not letting that happen. Joe ran out to pick up a few things, like ice and hot dogs...Andrew refused to cooperate, so mom put on a video, set him down and promptly feel asleep. Joey and Andrew hung out together for about 90 minutes. Then we got up and had dinner (Daddy's choice...) hot dogs on the grill. Then we decided to go to Kings Island for a few hours and to see the fireworks. We made our way over there, only to discover that 1) Andrew had FINALLY fallen asleep and 2) Kings Island was crazy packed with cars. So we came back to the campsite, putting Andrew down for about an hour. Joe started a fire. We woke up Andrew and roasted marshmallows and ate some smores. Now it is 11:12 pm and we just finished watching Raiders of the Lost Ark (Harrison Ford, Karen Allen...a classic) and we are heading to bed.
Again, it was a day for Henry David Thoreau as I sit here enjoying the smell of pine trees, campfires andrevel in the simplicity that is camping. Despite our many electronic devices and the amenities of our small camper, the windows are open, the crickets are chirping, the moon is bright, and the world is ours. Good night!
Nature: by Henry David Thoreau
O Nature! I do not aspire
To be the highest in thy choir, -
To be a meteor in thy sky,
Or comet that may range on high;
Only a zephyr that may blow
Among the reeds by the river low,
Give me thy most privy place
Where to run my airy race.
In some withdrawn, unpublic mead
Let me sigh upon a reed,
Or in the woods, with leafy din,
Whisper the still evening in:
Some still work give me to do,-
Only - be it near to you!
For I'd rather by thy child
And pupil, in the forest wild,
Than be the king of men elsewhere,
And most sovereign slave of care;
To have one moment of thy dawn,
Than share the city's love forlorn.
Happy Fathers Day to all those dads out there. In any way you shape and care, you help to grow our children into adults and give them the best chance at a happy life.
Thanks! See you tomorrow!
Again, it was a day for Henry David Thoreau as I sit here enjoying the smell of pine trees, campfires andrevel in the simplicity that is camping. Despite our many electronic devices and the amenities of our small camper, the windows are open, the crickets are chirping, the moon is bright, and the world is ours. Good night!
Nature: by Henry David Thoreau
O Nature! I do not aspire
To be the highest in thy choir, -
To be a meteor in thy sky,
Or comet that may range on high;
Only a zephyr that may blow
Among the reeds by the river low,
Give me thy most privy place
Where to run my airy race.
In some withdrawn, unpublic mead
Let me sigh upon a reed,
Or in the woods, with leafy din,
Whisper the still evening in:
Some still work give me to do,-
Only - be it near to you!
For I'd rather by thy child
And pupil, in the forest wild,
Than be the king of men elsewhere,
And most sovereign slave of care;
To have one moment of thy dawn,
Than share the city's love forlorn.
Happy Fathers Day to all those dads out there. In any way you shape and care, you help to grow our children into adults and give them the best chance at a happy life.
Thanks! See you tomorrow!
Day. 2 morning
At Cedarbrook Campground in Lebanon, Ohio. Woke up to the pitter patter of rain on the roof. Today is going to be "reorganize everything day" as there was a great deal of chaos on Friday night and Saturday morning. First mosquito bite (of course it was me, I am a born bug magnet.)
Last night, I paused and looked up at the sky, I could see the stars as it was fairly clear. They seemed so bright. I wanted to share the moment with the family, but the boys were already in their pjs.
From Walden, excerpt by Henry David Thoreau:
And know celestial lights, do plainly see,
And gladly hail them, numbering two or three.
For lore that's deep must deeply studied be,
As from deep well men read star-poetry.
These stars that never pal'd, though out of sight,
But like the sun they shine forever bright,
Aye, they are suns, though earth must in its flight,
Put out its eyes that it may see them light.
The day is upon us here in Lebanon, Ohio...the stars not visible but still up there, a new night will come and another opportunity to see smaller stars in heaven.
Last night, I paused and looked up at the sky, I could see the stars as it was fairly clear. They seemed so bright. I wanted to share the moment with the family, but the boys were already in their pjs.
From Walden, excerpt by Henry David Thoreau:
And know celestial lights, do plainly see,
And gladly hail them, numbering two or three.
For lore that's deep must deeply studied be,
As from deep well men read star-poetry.
These stars that never pal'd, though out of sight,
But like the sun they shine forever bright,
Aye, they are suns, though earth must in its flight,
Put out its eyes that it may see them light.
The day is upon us here in Lebanon, Ohio...the stars not visible but still up there, a new night will come and another opportunity to see smaller stars in heaven.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Five day countdown....
Five day countdown: A terrible rainstorm last week revealed the camper has a roof leak. It is now in the shop, hopefully we can get it back by Friday. Truck is in the shop getting brakes repaired and a couple of things checked (this was planned.) I had to run to Naples, Fl and Dallas, TX for work at last minute, so I won't be home until Wednesday night. Trying to get work stuff done. Things will work out!
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