Kansas – Sorry kids, Walley World is closed. Fireworks, cousins and another National park in the books!

*For those who don’t know, this is from National Lampoon’s Vacation.*

After leaving Colorado, we headed to Oakley, Kansas. We stayed at High Plains Camping and there wasn’t much around. However, they had a pub on property with some goats and bunnies outside. After we ate, we were watching (and maybe talking) to the goats. The owner was nice enough to bring the kids each a piece of bread to feed the goats (signs say do not feed them). They were so excited!

We originally booked Worlds of Fun RV park (Missouri) so the kids could go to a theme park. Margaritaville didn’t work out (they opened weekend we left for full time). After Craig booked, I went on their site and found the theme park was closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays due to staffing issues. Those were the days we would be there so I asked him to extend. He wasn’t so concerned as they also had a water park with no issues. Except, a week or so before heading there, it turned out they decided to also shut it down on Tuesdays and Wednesdays due to staff. They couldn’t extend our stay, until we got there… then they said they could. Oh the joy of parks… But, after I looked at reviews, we decided it was not worth it since so many horrible reviews due to rides running less cars or lines and things being shut down due to staffing issues. So… is it possible we added another stop later to this trip?? Who knows?!

Craig spotted this little guy and I became obsessed trying to find him on our walks! I think he is a beaver but, honestly never saw his tail and am not positive. So cute though. Caught him with a mouthful of leaves at one point.

“I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

(That quote is from Wizard of Oz) and, we weren’t, I know our last stop was actually MO and already out of Ks but, that wouldn’t have been fun to say – just like that we were at our park with a view of the Arch. Our actual park was Draftkings Casino Queen RV park. It was ok and a bit of sketchy areas thanks to major roads being shut down for upcoming America’s Birthday celebration. But, it was close for quick Uber rides to Union Station and to the Arch. Sadly, we couldn’t get Pappy’s (bbq) to eat this trip. Kids would have hated it and none of the food places would deliver to us since across the bridge and different state. (Our RV park was actually in IL even though we played in MO most of the time).

Misc photos from trip

Elizabethtown, KY – this trip is like Ft Knox. Just kidding, I talk way too much for that to possible.

Craig’s nephew (Chad) is stationed in Ft. Knox, he is in the army. We are so thankful for all he and the other men and women that have served or are serving to protect our freedoms and lives. On the way, we looked up what the saying about Ft. Knox actually meant/ what they were protecting there. Turns out it is gold. When I looked it up, it was the number one place of security – it is interesting to look up the top 5 in the world and the top 10 in the United States. Chad and Mandie’s house is in a neighborhood with lots of active and retired military. Green lights on the house mean retired. And, they love freedom, celebrating freedom and apparently firing things. We left around 11 (I think??). Chad said fireworks went on until after midnight. Craig walked down with one of the guys and took photos of the fireworks they had in the garage. There were several others firing off lots as well. Chad bought a lot of sparklers, which the kids loved and some fun fireworks also.

The kids loved being around the cousins. The girls had their first ever sleepover. They all played so hard! After two very long nights for the kids, one is still sleeping on RV (during our drive) and the other two just woke up again and are a little playful and a little cuddly.

Updated Count: 5 people, 1 cat, 20 RV parks, 14 states, and countless attacks by the cat – who is no longer my BFF or maybe she is?!?