It’s been a couple of states since the last update. We left Omaha, stopped in Kansas, then moved on to Oklahoma. Something I’m certainly seeing through each stop is how we don’t need to spend any money to have fun. Finding free activities is my new high. We’ve been on adventures at parks, zoos, walking trails, and lots of extravagant Christmas light displays!
And a quick happy birthday to Levi! Our boy is offically two. We had a pleasant little celebrations in Kansas. A quiet day to ring in a new year for him.
Starting on our trip from Omaha, Nebraska to Newton, Kansas, we took our first pit stop at David Traylor Zoo. It wasn’t huge, but it was just enough to stretch our legs, meet new animals, and enjoy the outdoors. After our short Airbnb stay in Kansas, we drove to Tulsa, Oklahoma. On the way, we found a beautiful nature preserve. Once again, we stretched out legs, enjoyed nature, and met a friendly man who volunteers at the preserve.
Watching the landscapes change from state to state is fascinating! Nebraska was decently predictable. Kansas was one little town after the next little town. And Oklahoma appears to be the land of the cattle ranches. I can only imagine how “southern” Texas will be. I’m starting to see a lot more cowboy boots everywhere!
I’m happy to report the kids are adapting to hotel stays a bit better. Or at least they have been for the past couple of days. You know it’s a win when everyone is still in bed past six in the morning; SOMETIMES EVEN SEVEN. Wow, what a blessing that’s been. Though we seem to have lost some of the vacation excitement from our four-year-old. Her positivity has dwindled along with her ability to be nice all together. Parenting isn’t all (or ever) fun and games. A big trip can bring out the worst in all of us, I get that. But disobedience is off the charts! So, we’re praying and trusting it’s just a few rough days before we get back to the normal amount of disobedience and rudeness that we typically expect from her.
As I write this, we’re driving to Waco, Texas for the week of Christmas. I speak for all four of us when I say we’re all ready for a warm holiday with family walks and new foods. Plus, we’re staying in an Airbnb, so hopefully Travis and I can get a little more peace and quiet in the evenings. We just passed a Bucc-ee’s, which if you know anything about the south, you’ve heard of the place. In my opinion, it’s like a Kwik Trip and Costco mixed together. So naturally, everyone loves it! It comes highly recommended by all. While it was a great experience with yummy food, it’s definitely a little wild! SO MANY PEOPLE. We weaved around all the shoppers, used the restrooms, and grabbed some lunch.
God has provided lots of lovely people to meet and visit with on this trip. We met a man named Carl during our stay in Omaha. He was going through a difficult time and we were able to pray for him and share some snacks. I love showing the kids how to love others the way Jesus loves us. Then, we met Richard in Tulsa. He was traveling back to Chicago from California! What a drive! We shared about our lives and he was so kind to listen and chat. His generosity to our family will not be forgotten. Yesterday, we visited some friends living in the Tulsa area. It’s always encouraging to catch up with other families living through the little years. We even recorded a podcast together! Stay tuned for that episode as well.
It’s been an eventful first couple of weeks on this wild six month adventure. I struggle to even grasp that we’re really on this road trip. We’re REALLY doing it. Thank you for the prayers and care. Everyday is an opportunity to experience God’s mercies. Great is His faithfulness in providing for our everyday needs.
See ya in Texas where everything is bigger and everything is BETTER!
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