Let the adventure begin!

My clothes are washed, my bag is packed, my flights are almost checked in to, and I'm officially ready to go! The only things I have left to do are leave money for June's rent, by some extra ziplock baggies, print my important documents, and hop on a plane. I will be flying on Virgin Atlantic where I get to enjoy airplane meals as well as over 300 free movie choices. Upon arriving in London on Thursday, I'll catch a ride on the underground (train) and head to the Bestplace Inn above the Greenman Pub. What's at the Greenman Pub you ask? Thursday night they host "live music" and every Saturday is karaoke night. Who knows, maybe my next post will tell the story of how I entertained the locals with my vocal talents?

Until next time!
-kv

Chicago>Phoenix

"On State Street, that great street, I just want to say
They do things that they never do on Broadway -- say
They have the time, the time of their life
I saw a man and he danced with his wife"
-Frank Sinatra

Yesterday we did it up in the one and only Chicago. The day started earlier than normal so that we could make the 10:38 train into the city. Despite getting a full night’s sleep both Annie (Danny) and Tina (Justin) fell asleep on the train. Since Shy and I didn’t want to be the bums that slept on the train, we were the crazies who took pictures of the sleeping bums on the train!


Once arriving in the city we headed straight for something to eat. We stopped at the Gold Coast Hotdog place which is supposedly the “best hotdog in Chicago.” Being that I’m not much of a hotdog eater I don’t really know how I feel about the place. It was good but the relish was super green which thoroughly weirded me out. From there we headed towards Millennium Park to see the bean. It huge and shiny… what’s not to like about that right? At the park there was a mini concert going on at just about the sickest venue ever. I must admit that I would not mind working at a place like that!


From the park we headed to Navy Pier and rode the giant Ferris wheel (AWESOME). Then in our infinite wisdom we walked all the way to North Shore (I hope you’re starting to get the picture that we walked A LOT). Once arriving at North Shore beach we sat on the steps then moved to the sand where the boys brought us a bench so we could all sit on the bench with our feet in the sand. Unfortunately, it was too cold to even fathom swimming but our feet did get nice and exfoliated! After saying “Hey, there’s not much to do here,” we decided to continue on to the Lincoln Park Zoo.


Guess what the best part about the zoo was aside from the awesome animals.. it was free! The zoo closed at five and we didn’t get there until 4:05 so we did a speedy trip. We were lucky we had that much time. Danny thought the zoo was one way and Justin thought it was the other but after asking some natives we found out where it really was. The zoo had sweet gorillas and all sorts of giant cats. I got to see penguins for the first time! Shy was the most excited about the giraffe and the boys just wanted to see everything (no shocker there). After seeing everything there was to see at the zoo we decided it would be a good idea to start the trek back into the city. *Note at this point we have walked at least 6 miles and Shy and I were in sandals.*


From here our spirits were drooping and our feet were aching but we continued onward! Chipotle graced us with a free restroom facility after we got to see some of the sickest housing in downtown Chicago. Eventually our journey landed us back at Potbellies sandwiches for some much needed grub. My sandwich was delicious! At this point the rain had set in as well as more swelling in our aching feet but we were determined to make the 7:37 train back home. After a brisk walk/jog in the cold rain we made the train! After a long day’s adventure Shy and I both succumbed to being the bums who sleep on trains.

Once arriving home I iced my feet in the bathroom sink and Shy soaked hers in hot water in the tub. As an added bonus to the day Mrs. Schmitt made Banana Split cake. The recipe is now saved on my computer… SOOO GOOD! All in all it was another great day for the crew.

The Perfect Day

"I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within.” – Lillian Smith

*Happy Sigh*

Today was A-Mazing! Got up right on schedule (at noon that is) and then hung out around the house for a bit. While the boys played threw a football around I did yoga in the front yard. The weather today was unbelievably perfect so we meandered around downtown Batavia. There was a cute trail by the river that we explored and then put our feet in. It was such a beautiful day I even put a daisy in my hair!


After exploring B-Town we came back to the house and spent the afternoon just relaxing. I sat in the sun with my bare feet in the grass and read through Shel Silverstein’s “A Light in the Attic.” Shy and Danny ended up joining me in the backyard so I read them poems to pass the time. As much fun as we had today, it’s sad to think days like today rarely happen in Tempe.


When Mrs. Schmitt got home Shy and I helped her pick (and eat) the strawberries from the side of the house then helped make Moroccan chicken for dinner. For dessert Mrs. Schmitt made quick apple cake. After eating we decided it’s called that because it gets eaten so quickly!


Tonight’s agenda is not finalized yet but possible options include dominoes, Wii Mario Kart, go carts, bowling, and eventually meeting another Batavia friend to celebrate another 21st birthday. Tomorrow we are heading to the city and I’m so excited to see Chicago for the first time! We’ll be taking the train into town in the morning and then spend the day exploring all things Chi-Town.

Batavia=Awesome

Yesterday I took the most epic nap known to man. I cuddled up in two blankets on the couch and passed out. I woke a few hours later only to find everyone else was asleep too! For dinner, Mrs. Schmitt made salmon, rice, and green beans. I hadn’t been that happy to have a home cooked meal in a very long time! Last night we enjoyed Steak and Shake for our fourth meal then hung out with Danny’s friends from high school. Much fun was had!

Today we woke up around noon as usual and promptly went to East China Inn for lunch (or breakfast I suppose). After lunch we went to the shops in downtown Geneva. We all perused through Kiss the Sky and looked through old records. Shy and I were ready to go before the boys so explored the wedding dress store instead! It was so much fun that we decided to start checking out wedding dress shops when we get back to Arizona.

After shopping we headed back to the house for a bit and then went to Batavia High School so the boys could work out. This worked out great for Shy and I because that meant we got the keys to the van and got to poke around in good ole BHS. We found old pictures of Danny, got hit on by high school boys, watched dance squad tryouts, enjoyed art projects, stood on the stage in the cafeteria, poked around in the band room, and of course reminisced about our high school days. Since the boys were still working out we decided to head into town. We originally were headed to Caribou Coffee but got distracted by Petland. There were bunnies, ferrets, guinea pigs, crabs, and even puppies. Shy and I officially decided we want a pet crab when we get back to Tempe. The best part about Petland was that we got to play with a puppy! It was to be able to get some quality dog time in but it makes miss Minna.

Following our adventure at Petland we came back to home base. Shy and I are blogging, Justin bought a tapestry for his wall online, and Danny set up the Xbox. I’m not sure what Mrs. Schmitt is making for dinner tonight, but I do know it smells AMAZING! Props to Mama Schmitt for being the best cook ever (no offense Mom). The agenda for tonight includes dinner, dominoes, and the Vu for Danny’s friend’s 21st birthday.

The Last Stretch

WE MADE IT!!! After grabbing some Chipotle for dinner we left Ft. Collins yesterday around six. We were fortunate enough to make it to the Wyoming border just before sunset so that we could get a picture with one more state sign. From there we headed on to Nebraska, Iowa, and lastly Illinois.. that’s right all in one night.
The drive started with an intense game of twenty questions and then “Would you rather…”. Twenty questions included answers including “following the speed limit,” mermaids, and fire crackers. Unfortunately that could only entertain us for an hour or two of our 15 hour drive. While the boys power napped Shy and I got to enjoy the unbelievably compelling drive through ALL of Nebraska. Nebraska graced with cities such as Friend, Beaver Crossing, and Pleasant Dale. Attractions included the Holy Family Shrine, Firefighter Museum, and the animal safari! Sadly, it was too dark to take part in any of these, but I’m sure they would be worth going back for. In summary, Nebraska=Really boring.

The rest of the night was interspersed with napping, jamming, and talking. When I awoke this morning I was in Iowa City at a Kum and Go gas station. It was disgusting to say the least so we came and went as fast as humanly possible. It even had a nasty uni-sex bathroom. Not exactly the best way to start out your day if you know what I mean. Iowa City, however, was quite cute. For breakfast we all enjoyed Chipotle (left over from last night of course).
From there we were on the home stretch. This morning we got to see the Mississippi River and the largest truck stop in the nation! Today we played twenty questions- famous people. People chosen included Elvis, Betsy Ross, Pablo Picasso, Britney Spears, and Danny Schmitt.

I am so happy to say we FINALLY made it to Batavia! We are all still in desperate need of a shower but we are on our way to being clean and well-rested. Its funny to think we only spent four days and five nights on the road. Mind you, four of the five nights were spent in the van. Props to Sarah for letting us crash on her couches and not live like bums. The journey was awesome. As an update on the status of my head after the bar fight collision it proceeded to only get worse yesterday but I’m hopeful the soreness will go away within the next couple of days.

I’ll make sure to keep you posted on the adventures that B-Town has in store for us. Until then, remember to appreciate hot showers and warm flat surfaces to sleep on!

Day 5- Cheers to Fo-Co

Fort Collins is officially one of my favorite cities! The food is delicious, the people are great, and there are dogs everywhere. Oh yea, and don't forget the beautiful scenery and breweries.

Last night we hit the bars and they hit us right back (literally). Shy and I made new friends as usual. Well into the evening while inosantly standing around a huge fight broke out. Unfortunatly it was behind Shy and I so we didn't see it coming. Shy got kicked and I got elbowed in the back of the head. Needless to say we were not very happy about this. Before heading back to Danny's cousin Sarah's place we made sure to get gyros at a stand on the side of the road. DELICIOUS!

Today we got up around noon and made our way to a local bagel place then headed just outside town the the Budweiser brewery. It was awesome! We got to meet Dan the clydesdale. Luke the tour guide made a variety of classy tour jokes which I found very amusing. I had no idea that Anhauser-Busch made so many kinds of beer! To top off a great tour we got free beers (and glasses.. whoops). Alvin, you'll be happy to know a post card was purchased while we were there and it will be mailed tomorrow!

Up next on the agenda is hang out in Fo-Co for a while longer and then back to the road and onward to Batavia. I'm in love with traveling but I must admit and I very much looking forward to regular warm showers in safe locations and a warm cushy bed.

Day 3-4: "Denver or Break".. yes break

“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” – Lao Tzu

Hello Dearest Followers,

Since my last post we left Arches and are now in Ft. Collins. From Arches to Denver was an INCREDIBLE journey. The journey started with a pit stop that led to free showers. We stopped random gas station right after Arches on the side of the road just to go to the bathroom. Not only did this stop have a bathroom, but also showers! Neither Shy nor I had ever been so excited to shower. So yes, we showered at a random gas station in the middle of nowhere (for free) after sleeping in a motel parking lot the night before. We like to keep things classy.

The trip to Denver was supposed to be a little over 5 hours and we didn't arrive in town for nearly 8 hours. One would think it took us a long time because we stopped for dinner or got lost but no, we got caught in the most ridiculous storm ever. The current windshield wipers were shot so we had to stop to buy new ones. Rather than snap them on and off the boys took over half an hour to figure them out. Shy and I could have helped but we were in our shorts and sandals and it was 35 degrees outside. We cheered them on by laughing hysterically and taking a video on Shy's camera. The new windshield wipers rocked but little did we know we were headed into a freaking blizzard. It started out rain, then turned to sleet, then snow, then blizzard. At this point we weren't sure whether to continue on or find a place to stay off the high way. Sadly, sleeping in the car was not an option because the heater in the van is broken. That's right, the four Arizona kids are stuck in a snow storm in the dark, in a minivan, and wearing shorts and sandals. Genius! While debating what to do Justin chimed in, "Denver or break!" very enthusiastically. We all laughed but Denver really did almost break us.

We rolled into Denver around 1:30 but with no place to stay. Irwin (the GPS with the Australian accent) found us a few possible locations but Goog411 ended up being our saving grace. Thanks to Irwin we ended up at a motel attached to "Rock Bar." After checking in and heading back to the car to get our things one of the Rock Bar employees told us we were crazy for staying there and the van would for sure be broken into if we stayed there. Back to square one! About an hour and a half later we landed ourselves at another Motel 6. Not just any Motel 6 though, one where the security guard had something mysterious happen and had to be hauled away by the EMS and have two cop cars come to the scene (sorry mom). Nonetheless we were happily in our two bed room by 3 and all out like a light.

We woke up today around 11 and were headed to downtown Denver by noon. The Denver Diner was our first stop where we got our first meal of the day. After eating we explored down town and went to a couple of outdoors-y stores. Downtown had a myriad of cultural stores. It had everything from a Greek social club to and Ethiopian food place. Denver didn't keep us entertained for long so we headed to Ft. Collins around 3. We just got done with dinner at "The Rio Grande" and are relaxing before we hit the bars and help everyone who just graduated celebrate!

Pending how tonight goes we will be leaving sometime tomorrow in hopes of touring a few breweries, possibly Coors, Budweiser, or New Belgium. After that onward to who knows where!