An obscure sky hung clouds in the distance out the windshield of our car…a good Midwestern thunderstorm. The lightning flickered and rain came in a downpour like the dumping of old feed buckets. This was the only bad part of our family trip a few summers ago.
My dad, mom and I all packed in the car and drove across what felt like the globe, from Washington State to Missouri. We stopped along the way to visit several major landmarks such as Custer’s Last Stand, Mount Rushmore, and the Oklahoma City Memorial. I stood in silence and amazement seeing the lit chairs lining the grass, each representing someone lost in the bombing. It was incredible and definitely a tear-jerker. Having this tangible view of history is something I could never have gotten from a textbook or picture. Stopping along the way I experienced a hands on tour that I learned more from and will stick with me better than an in-class lesson which is something that worked out well. But we continued on our way to the planned destination.
After several days of driving we had made it into Monett, the little town where my mom grew up to visit family for a reunion. Seeing family was a very significant event for me. At the reunion I was able to see cousins I never knew, and connect with people that I saw when I was much younger. But I will never forget this trip for one reason: as I was walking towards a large wall next to the lot of grass the event was held on I stopped… I stopped to see my grandpa sitting next to my wheelchair bound Aunt Ruth for what might have been the last time. Things like this make you appreciate your family and good memories. After the reunion was over we headed into a much larger town and a famous one too, Saint Louis. Yes, that’s Cardinal heaven. Of course while we were there we saw the world from a different perspective…630 feet in the air from the Gateway Arch. Quite incredible seeing Busch Stadium from that high up. Traveling is like a whole different world; it gets you out of your comfort zone and pushes you to experience new things. Our family road trip to Missouri meant a lot to me because I was able to see first-hand other parts of the world and actually understand those pieces rather than a story or picture. Family is really important in life to have that support, so traveling to see them really made a connection that I will remember through life. I definitely will be returning to the Midwest to again visit family, this trip changed me in that I will remember how important it is to get out there and see new things but never forget your family roots.
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1 Reply to “Family Roots in Missouri”
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Great advise and said in very simple language in order for a range of readers to process. I must add that the symptoms and solutions are equally as important in adults who suffer from abdominal illness.
the family market is indeed very important and very lucrative. Focosing on the Family market is what Wal-Mart made big.
Thank you for posting this comparison. I've been looking for something like this but so far I've found only comparisons of individual plans not family ones. This will help me a lot while I'm budgeting for next year's gap holidays.
This place is awesome. We have delivered baby equipment rentals there a couple times and love it. It seems to work great for families traveling with young kids because the age range is usually between 2-8 years old when we deliver. Great beach and location. Thumbs up!
I am planning for a visit of Columbia …. Lets see When i wills be able to visit the same scene..
Orlando, is a perfect place for the kids to explore about Disneyland. A good feature post.
Love your brother in law! Would love to drive cross country with him and his brood!
Another great travel search engine is http://www.travelmarket.com/ it gives you a list of the cheapest flights and hotels. Try it and see what you think.
Good tips all – they sure beat my brother-in-laws advice for dealing with kids on long haul drives, which was, "Tie em to the roof!"
I too would be interested in viewing a list of apartments for the budget traveler.
Great article. I always, and still believe, if you feed a cold you will starve the fever.
I through my own experience, would advise against air travel with any ear, throat or nose infections. It is difficult to move through the change of air pressure, without adding a cold to it.
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It's a shame more airports don't take steps to make travel for families more convenient and fun. I'm sure they are focused on the core income stream of business travelers, which makes sense. Still, why not try and appeal to both?
really a great info which much more useful to lot of them
I would like to visit every day, thanks for your sharing.
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really a great info which much more useful to lot of them
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That place totally awesome. A perfect place for family vacation. That waterfall really make me jealous. It shall be refreshing to soak up under that waterfall. The beach also really charming, I wonder how much it cost to go there?
I want to go their. Really that is a great place.
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I like the way of your writing.!
You are so right Banfos, thanks for the heads up. Mystic CT is quite remarkable and has much to see besides the aquarium. We have made the change.
Thank you for such a fantastic blog. Where else could anyone get that kind of info written in such a perfect way? I have a presentation that I am presently working on, and I have been on the look out for such information.
Mystic Seaport is a world-renowned maritime history museum. It is not an aquarium as stated in your article.
Jennifer:
There are enough fun activities for the whole family to spend either as a day trip or overnight.
I wish I could have went to the play lab – sounds like Fisher Price is really doing a great job of keeping up with today's trends – and of course smart kids! Great update!
Wow…cannot wait to have a visit there!
Well, I think kids can enjoy some special joys there….
hey this is a great source for my cousin…..
How long would you allow for this excursion? It sounds like a fun side trip while visiting San Diego.
thanks for the <a href="http://ecoblublog.com/2011/02/10/ecotourism-green-vacations">eco vacation</a> ideas. don't know if i'll be able to afford overseas yet but always good to know the options 🙂
Gosh, I’ve been looking about this specific topic for about an hour, glad i found it in your website!
It is bound to be more scenic than the A1,
Nice post,
Well, I love your post. Thanks to create this article.
Really? That idea sounds pretty amazing….
Wow..I really cannot wait to make a trip to Italy…sounds very great!
hey thanx for the top 10 resorts…I will Surely look forward during my last visit.
When you mentioned "flashes" that people were starting to see, I first thought that you were gonna say that you were experiencing the northern lights! But what amazing "flashes" you did see! The whales are one of my favorite parts of Alaska.
Nice points but my baby is too much stubborn.
You gave great points here. I found nearly all people agree with your blog.
Just wanted to drop a comment and say I am new to your blog and really like what I am reading. Thanks for the great content. Look forward to coming back for more.
Holidays are managed mostly for kids. They get know new places with different weather and cultural attractions. It is good.
wow, this would be a great journey..
I liked the whole post and bookmarked the blog. Hopefully, I will get more helpful information from this blog. Thanks.
That's interesting. I just got it very informative..
It is admirable that this hotel employs locals and also promoting the local culture. This is something that is lacking in many big name hotels today.
Sounds very romantic. I was thinking about a trip with family for a long time but when I landed here my problem is solved.