Days 6-10: Into the Welcoming Arms of Family ;-)

We were very excited to get here on Saturday.  Linda, Kaye, and Jameela ( & Barry) were all here to welcome us.  Someone said, "the coldest winter I ever spent was my summer in San Francisco." In the words of Tupac, those are "the truest *words* I ever spoke." But you know what, this time I'm protesting.  It's summer! I refuse to wear a jacket. ;-)

Linda made the most fabulous dinner (you should see the grilled fish in the pictures).  And we simply enjoyed our own company. She reassured us that the Excel spreadsheet of scheduled events she had planned had been dismantled and instead she would "go with the flow." ;-) (Thanks Linda. VACATION!) :) It took us a day to recover from the 3 time-changes, so we took it easy.  We spent the evening playing Qwirkle, Scrabble, and Gin Rummy.  Actually, we spent the evening discovering the joy in defeat as Kaye spanked us in all games time after time.  Finally, we decided we needed a Trolley Day.

We got up early-ish (okay, we left around 11:30 or so. But isn't that early when you're on vacation?), put on some summer clothes (apparently this includes jackets, hats, and gloves in the Bay-Area-August), and hit "the city"--San Francisco.  We took a trolley down to the fisherman's wharf and did the full-blown tourist thang.  (Great big bear hugs to the natives for indulging us in this way.  I don't think we've ever done that with you guys in D.C.!) Sea Lions, "tin men", balloon artists, cartoonists, spray painters, and lunch at Pier 23 Cafe (another Triple D recommendation. You gotta love my Guy Fierri app!) against an incredible backdrop.  California is definitely one of the most beautiful places--to visit. lol (My protest seems to be working. The sun is out and the weather is warm in the Bay! ha!)

After picking up a few trinkets to share, we decide to call it an evening.  We get to the trolley line only to be informed that the wait would be an hour ("Mommy, my feet hurt!", "My legs aren't working any more!", "I'm cold." Need I say anymore?) AND would only travel to Chinatown, which is not where we boarded.  As I scoff, the Jerk informs me that the tickets are non-refundable and I could use them in the next 50 years when I return.  Because this blog is rated G, I will refrain from sharing my incessant response. ;-)
Let's just say, we took a few cabs back to the car.

Day 5: The Loneliest Road in America

Okay, so leaving Colorado, we took I-70W through Colorado and Utah.  As we were leaving Utah, we transitioned to Route 50.  Let me just say, when leaving Utah fill your gas tank, use the restroom, and get a full belly because there is nothing--miles and miles and miles of nothing.  Each exit says, "no services".  Signs warn: "falling rock, animal crossing, runaway truck ramp".  And you continue on through...nothing. Landscape, mountains, mountains, rocky mountains, cows.....uh, oh. The kids are getting hungry.  The littlest one has to use the restroom.  And we keep rolling through....nothing.  Where, oh where, is Ely, Nevada? It can't get here soon enough.

Finally, after close to an eternity, we reach Ely, Nevada.  Nothing here but a hunter's town shared with visiting archeologists.  We order some tasty pizza from the local Italian restaurant (that's right, Italian).  Then we retire, after the pool of course, for the evening.

As we leave Ely the next morning, after more miles and miles of nothing we come to a sign, simply stating: "Route 50: The Loneliest Road in America." Indeed. I never thought I'd be this happy to see California! lol

Days 3 & 4: Visiting with Lloyd, Robin, & Marley

The drive from Kansas to Boulder was beautiful.  The sky seems so tangible in the absence of excess buildings, excess skyscrapers, excess cars, and excess people.  The sky is pregnant with dreams and possibilities as fields of sunflowers attempt to reach the heavens.  The kids count cows, horses, and cumulus clouds as we roll through Kansas and Colorado.

We are so excited to see our good friends, Lloyd and Robin.  We can't believe how much Marley has grown! She's becoming such an intelligent, beautiful, talented actress/young lady.  The Martins take us hiking in Chautauqua National Park ( http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2996&Itemid=1035 ), swimming, and all around town.  The local YMCA is where we went to the pool. It looked more like a water park to me.  Okay, yes I wore a strapless dress hiking. But I did not know we were going hiking at that time. What can I say? I was a trooper. ;-)

Robin cooked the most incredibly healthy food for us and we enjoyed laughing and talking with old friends.  We can't wait to return to Boulder. Robin, Marley, and Lloyd--thank you so much for your hospitality and fabulous conversation.  We miss you guys already. ;-)

Day 2: Lunch in St. Louis

We made a pit stop in St. Louis, Missouri.  We found a place called, "Sweetie Pie's" serving great down-home food.  ("Big Up!" to my Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives app! ;-) )We absolutely indulged.  Afterward, we walked off some of it by visiting the Gateway Arch.
( http://www.gatewayarch.com/Arch/ )

It was so magnificently HUGE that we could not get all of it in the picture! We looked absolutely miniscule standing under it.  It's another "must see" and it did not take a lot of time. The kids were amazed. Time to get moving. 

Day 2: A lesson in history

We have arrived in Topeka.  It's a small, quaint town with an enormous impact on our history.  We arrive kind of late, so we explore a little, then come back to, you guessed it, get in the pool.  I'm starting to believe Assata and Zora only agreed to this trip because they knew they could get in the pool everyday.  I bet they are seeing this trip as "which pool are we going to next?" Zora keeps asking, "When are we ordering room service?" Wt...well, we are on vacation. Tonight's her night. ;-)

In the morning, we visit the Brown v. Board of Education Historical Site. It is rich with history.  The building is completely restored to look like the Monroe Elementary School, which was one of the segregated elementary schools.  I was surprised to find out that in Topeka, the junior high and high schools were integrated long before the Brown decision.  I highly recommend visiting this site.  Our kids need it.  It's hard for them to conceptualize what that era was like.  So, to watch the videos, study the photographs, and read the history was overwhelming for my little 'Sata (awww), but I made her sit through it anyway!

First Stop: Louisville, Kentucky

I think Terrance and I are more excited than the kids for this trip to begin. I was supposed to pick him up from work at 5, but I got there around 6. The kids sleep for the first 4 hours (yes!) and by the time the wake up, it's time for lunch. We are so excited to pull into Louisville!

We are met with a larger than life building poster of Muhammed Ali. I think we're gonna have a good time. ;-)

Bummer. The Muhammed Ali Center is closed, but the Louisville Slugger Museum is open. It has a section dedicated to the Negro Leagues. Being here makes me think of my nephew, who happens to be playing in a tournament right now. His team is ranked #1 in the nation. Go Kane! ;-)

We'll hit "4th ST. Live" for dinner before retiring to the hotel for the night. Of course, our hotel stay is incomplete if we don't spend time in the pool. Until tomorrow.