I saw a sign yesterday advertising Robin Thicke and PitBull putting on a show. I kept on driving. If you aren't familiar with Robin Thicke he is the referee that Miley Cyrus attacked on that fancy award show. I could send the YouTube links to study up but this is a family blog.
Speaking of family things today was our second day on the road traveling from Pacific, MO to Claremore, OK. We are staying at the luscious Will Rogers Downs KOA which magnificently blurs the lines between campground and parking lot. On the one hand we are on a grassy lot with electric... on the other I'm half a block from a horse track and casino (Do they deliver drinks?? Family Blog, Steven, Family Blog). The other good news is we are right by a gas station that seems to have good rates on ice, Mt. Dew and Coke. It was 90 (bazillion) degrees when we arrived to our shady spot (ha) and now it is a nice cool 70-something with a slight breeze. The Michigan summer sure hasn't prepared us well for the heat.
Today started pretty well. The kids woke up a little later than usual and for the first part of the trip they were in good spirits. Kayleigh and Ben learned how to do dishes after breakfast so Kristi and I can sit back and eat bon bons while sipping grown up lemonades. Tear down of the camper went very quickly and we were off just before 10. I should share that we had a "Van Dyk Middle Child event today. Years ago I remember my sister Sarah (middle child) throwing a fancy frisbee thing into the Atlantic Ocean. I was crushed. Today Benjamin (middle child) threw a similar frisbee into a cemetary. I was spooked. So our drive started into the cemetary to retrieve the frisbee and off we went down part of historic Route 66. I had absolutely no idea how pretty and hilly Missouri is. We saw so many trees and rock faces along the highway, and when we weren't appreciating the scenery we (ok I) was lamenting the fact that we were either powering up hills or screaming down them. There were a few hills tops that would make a great retirement retreat... but only if I have a helicopter to get to it.
Oklamhoma started with lots of heat, and a speed limit sign that said 75... and another one saying road construction. Actually, construction today was non-existent compared to yesterday, we had good roads and the kids held up pretty well too.
Bedtime was another story, as evidenced by this video:
All is quiet now, and hopefully it stays that way.
What we learned today:
1. Kids are getting easier to camp with, despite the bed time issues.
2. Oklahoma is home to mosquitos. I'm not impressed.
3. There is simple joy in finding "Free" beverages at the Oklahoma tourist center where you can fill up a water bottle for free. Mix in a Crystal Light Pack and it's like a gas station stop with cleaner bathrooms.
4. God kept us safe another day and let us see some of his great and varied creation.
Here are some of the hot shots of the day:
Breakfast at our makeshift kids table.
Kristi trained them well.
The driver for today.
This has Christmas card potential.
Proof of travel on Route 66
We didn't eat here, but it's open 24 hours so it must be good.
Welcome to Oklahoma. You will pay the toll.
Oklahoma where the water is free and the wind comes following the rain.
Can't you just see the nature?
Bed time innocence. Soon to be disrupted.
Casino to the left of me, sunset to the right, here I am stuck in the middle with you...