75. Riverside Park and Zoo

We stopped at the Riverside Park and Zoo in Independence.  It was Memorial Day weekend and the putt-putt golf course, mini train, and carousel were just beginning to run.  Angel had called to make sure they were running while we would be visiting.  They were, but she forgot to ask about hours.  They were not running evening hours the day we were there.  Lesson learned.  Next time we'll be sure to ask more specific questions.

 

 The kiddos absolutely loved the park.  It was done in a nursery rhyme theme and had tons of places to run and play.  I don't think there could ever possibly be enough time for them to play in a park.  It was fun that it is run by the local Lions club and they have an awesome concession stand right in the park.

 

The kiddos thought the zoo was small, but it was peaceful and beautiful.  Eric really liked how it appeared they had used the natural landscape for the back of the cages and just put fences around the front.  Angel loved monkey island and the fact that it had been home to Miss Able, the first monkey in space.

74. Little House on the Prairie Museum

Visiting The Little House on the Prairie Museum was one of Angel's must see stops in Kansas this year.

Unfortunately, it is not wheelchair accessible, but Angel did not care.  I (Angel) could only peek in the door of the cabin, but the kiddos said it stunk anyway, so I think that may be OK I could not go in.  I was amazed at how small the cabin was and cannot believe 5 people lived in there.  I guess it truly was a "Little House on the Prairie."  The grounds had other buildings which were not accessible at all.  I did have Eric bump me up the steps to the gift shop.  :)





Ma's china shepherdess from the book



This journey made Angel go home and re-read the book.  It is just as good no matter how many times you have read it.  It gives a different perspective when you read about the little house after you have actually seen it.  We never realized the bed was built into the walls of the cabin until Angel re-read it in the book. 







The kids favorite part was seeing the horses and donkeys.



73. Big Brutus and Strip Pits

Not Big Brutus

Our next stop took us to Big Brutus--The Largest Electric Shovel in the World.  Angel did not get to explore Big Brutus.  She could not climb around in there.  But, that is OK.  She is not a big fan of heights anyway and would rather sit in the gift shop and read her book.  Our daughter said the experience was scary--she is not a big fan of heights either.  This was almost as scary as her trip on Disney's Tower of Terror last summer, but not quite.  Our son described it as awesome.  I guess the rickety floor and stairs did not bother him.  We just couldn't quite get over the size. 

Can you find the kids in the scoop?

The drive to and from Big Brutus allowed us to see the strip pits.  It is hard to believe they are all filled with water.  Especially when you are from western Kansas, it is not often you get to see so much water by the roadside.



Could this be a beaver dam?



Delivering supplies to Joplin, Missouri

 As you all know by now, Joplin Missouri was hit by an EF5 tornado.  Since, we were headed that direction anyway, we decided to go all the way to Joplin and take a load of donated supplies.  We were so blessed by the outpouring of response by our community.  Thank you to all of you for donating a trailer full of supplies to help the tornado victims.  We don't even know everyone who donated because many donations were just dropped off in the trailer.  But a big thank you to all of you.

Thank you to Angel's grandma for loaning us the trailer on short notice...we needed a bigger trailer than the little white one we planned on taking.  Thank you to WW Drilling of WaKeeney for a donation of 50 cases of water and gas money.  Thank you to everyone who donated.  We had approximately 75 cases of water, 20 boxes of clothing, & 30 big bags of hygiene products, diapers, shoes, etc. 

We only went to the part of Joplin that was currently receiving supplies.  We did see some tornado damage, but it was nothing compared to what the part of the city which received the major impact.  We were thrilled to see several drop off spots that were overflowing with donations, places in the city that were serving free meals for the tornado victims.  We also listened to local radio while we were there and we overwhelmed with the people offering help in ways in which had never crossed our minds.  The people of the heartland are so giving.  Thank you to everyone.

72. Railroad Heritage and Education Center

 We were fortunate enough to have a surprise adventure this weekend.  On our way to Big Brutus, we saw a sign for the Webb Family Railroad Heritage and Education Center.  So, we decided to explore.  What an amazing hidden treasure.  The museum itself is full of memorabilia, books, models., etc.  The gentleman who created the wooden train models also made a wooden model of Big Brutus that you can see at that museum.

 

 

There is much to see on the grounds outside the museum .  There is a full-size train and depot as well as other railroad equipment.  The kids had fun running around and having races from the car to the depot.

There are hidden adventures all over Kansas.  This just goes to show that stopping to check them out may be worth your while.

71. Starlite Drive-In Movie Theater

Our adventure the weekend of May 27-30 began with a night at the Starlite Drive-In Movie Theater.  This was an amazing walk down memory lane and we were so excited to be able to share this experience with the kiddos.  How exciting there were kid-appropriate movies we could take the whole family to go watch together. 



Eric was excited for in car speakers.  :)



 

This drive-in had an amazing concession stand with wonderful restrooms that were handicap accessible.

Angel got so excited by the whole nostalgic feel she decided we should go to the drive-in anytime we are near one.  However, once the movies were over, she decided she is keeping both of them on the Netflix Rental Que.  What a nice nap, but Angel was sad she missed parts of both movies.  The kiddos did better.  Our son stayed awake for all of Kung Fu Panda II and our daughter stayed awake for all of Rio. 

We all loved the ads for the concession stand and intermission that seemed to be original from the 1950s and 1960s.  The kiddos decided they would like to watch from the roof of the car next time.  But, if you are used to bedtime before 9pm, maybe the drive-in is not for you.  The movies couldn't start until dark.  So, they were at 9 something and 11 something.  Definitely go to the drive-in for the fun and nostalgic adventure, but maybe take an afternoon nap so you are ready to stay up late.