We just got back today from a few days in KC.  Drew had an appt. with his doctor so we decided to have some fun as well.  It did rain for all but two of the days but we found that a lot of people were walking around as we were at the zoo in the rain.  The zoo there does have some things that our Omaha zoo does not: elephants who do paintings, sea lions that are trained to do tricks, camels that one can ride on and boat rides.  Rachel had to buy a painting from an elephant to match the colors of what her room will be.  Kind of like buying a painting to match one's sofa, right?  We did like the sea lion show.  Ours in Omaha just sit on rocks...  None of us wanted to actually get up on the camel although it looked "interesting."

We went to Oceans of Fun on the one sunny day and I think that most of KC had the same idea.  Packed!  We spent most of the afternoon in the wave pool and the lazy river.  I knew no one there so I actually went on those things...  :)  Drew and Rachel were way out front in the wave pool and when the waves started, they really were bouncing around and having a blast.  They did say they started feeling a little sea sick after awhile.  I ended up floating around with three inner tubes when Drew and Rachel ditched theirs in the lazy river.  Just like home when I am left carrying everyone's stuff!

We seem to have a funny story on our trips and on this one we gave in to Drew who has been bugging us for three years of KC trips to go to "Duck Haven."  We set the navigator for the address listed and it navigated us to a house in a neighborhood 15 miles from the hotel.  The GPS chimed when we arrived at the location.  Not a single duck.  Wonder what the people who live there think when cars (of people looking for ducks no less) arrive staring at their house.  We circled the block twice to make sure that the address was correct (and to not miss any duck that might be hiding out.)  The GPS was usually very good but once or twice, I would be on a cloverleaf or some other complicated highway and it would keep changing it's "mind" about directions, just a little frustrating!

It was nice to get  away.  We are all very tired.  We need a vacation from our vacation, the very best kind!

I wish that I could go to Reach the Day in Washington, D.C. this week.  450 people are meeting with the senators and representatives to urge funding of the Caroline Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act.  Should be great!  Those of us who are not going can still call our senators and representatives to urge the funding of this bill which is $30 million over 5 years, or $150 million total.  Call this week, today.  Thank you!!  You can also email them online....

Our walk is open on the web site at www.curesearch.org until August 6th, under Omaha Milestones Walks.  We still have money coming in...

Please go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/sammiehartsfield and join me and others in being part of Team Sammie on July 11th.  Sammie's dad has asked everyone to donate $10. to the Team for osteosarcoma research with the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma group.  Please offer support as this family is in a heartbreaking situation that no parent should have to be in.  It makes one realize how each day truly is a gift with our children .

Happy Father's Day to all of the dads.  Our family will celebrate soon.  Mark and I have been married 25 years tomorrow as well.  Lots of celebrations this week.