February 23rd - 28th 2009, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. |
This is a cool little town where we stopped to get some fuel. The arms on the hill-billy spin like a windmill. It was cute enough for a picture. |
I tried to explain to Christopher what each of these signs represented. It's so funny that I simply take that knowledge for granted just as he does the Golden Arches |
Speaking of the Golden Arches, I've never seen one that sold gasoline too. Note the price. Actually, we've paid as low as $1.54 / gallon on this trip (as I understand it, San Diego is still above the $2.00 / gallon mark). |
It was Christopher's turn to take some pictures. He started with one of me. The next few are by him. |
I don't recall seeing this blue truck at all. He's good to get things I don't even notice.. |
A racing truck. Ever since the movie "Cars", he can spot a hauler pretty easily. |
It just wouldn't be complete without an upside down self-portrait that is too close to focus. |
We did have another blow-out on Grandpa's rig. The tires had little wear, but were about five years old. I guess that just goes to show that you just never know when such things will happen. We now have the process down to a 15 minute operation and we were ready to get back on the road before the hot-dogs were ready. |
This one is of a train Christopher was watching. |
Yup, my view really hasn't changed much. I'm either in the coach watching the others from behind or in the Jeep watching the others from behind. |
Approaching St. Louis, we see The Arch from several miles away. |
It's not as large as I recalled, but still impressive. |
On the left, then on the right, I wish they'd decide where this darned thing is going to be. |
At 90 degrees. |
Another vantage point. |
This is a
mock Arch in a little town just inside Illinois. Travel Lodge used
it to hold up their sign. I'll be this marketing approach
works. Sure got my attention.
. |
Of course all that picture taking was exhausting and he needed a nap. |
And into Indiana we go. I really wish we had time to stop and visit with Jonah again. Christopher has asked and asked to see him. |
I wanted Peanut M&M's until I'd had a few. Now I look shell-shocked with candy all 'round my mouth. |
Wow, the states are going quick now. Pennsylvania! |
I looked down and then up and then we were being asked to pay the toll in New York. |
From here it got colder and there was snow and ice along the road. Aside from this brief area, we didn't get much in the way of snow. |
More Snow and Ice. |
I just thought this was pretty.. |
Isn't it amazing what sorts of things kids will do to entertain themselves. We could learn a LOT from them. So "in the moment" and ready to just make fun with what is available. |
A cool farm. I'm not sure if the picture represents it well enough. |
Now it's about getting the shoes off and then back on. |
So, we finally arrive to find that the snow has melted and then frozen on top of the pool cover. If it were a stronger cover, I'd suggest ice skating. |
All the weather people are saying that Spring will be late this year, but you couldn't convince these birds and some of the foliage that is already coming up. |
Daddy helping Grandpa and Grandma get situated (yes, he's supervising). |
The girls immediately went to the playground. It's tough to make out, but Sophia has picked up a bull-dozer from the sandbox to play with. She took it under the swings to push gravel into neat little piles. I wish I could figure out what she was thinking. |
What has Christopher found?. |
Some yellow flowers. What are they for? |
I should have known. He's quite the little charmer. |
Today, Friday, it has snowed all night (gently) and there is a light dusting all over the park. Daddy is like a kid on Christmas morning. |
What a splendid sight to behold. I'm glad we don't have to get out in it unless we want to. Oh, did I mention that I want to? |