We started out a new month—October—with a new state—Kansas (and we added Missouri to our list while here).
We’ve spent the week outside of Kansas City. We are primarily here for business—Mike was asked to spend a couple of days with long term client, Garmin. In addition to the consulting work, we had experiences that made each day of October an Amazing Day (following the Jeske’s 31 Amazing Days Challenge, in which an Amazing Day includes something fun, dangerous, faith-filled or just good).
Following are the experiences that made each day an Amazing Day for me.
Amazing Day #1
- Miranda and I visited a local orthodontist who made time to fix her bonded retainer.
- We then hit a local grocery store and replenished our supplies.
- Around 3:30pm, Harrison casually reminded us that the Detroit Tigers were playing against the Kansas City Royals, and that we were only an hour away.
- Harrison packed his backpack, made a few pb&j sandwiches for our dinner, and he and I drove to Kaufmann Stadium (after I got over myself and decided I needed/wanted to take him to the game).
This day was made AMAZING by taking my son to the ball game, watching him enjoy the experience, and breathing in his utter joy when the Tigers clinched the AL division.
Amazing Day #2
- The kids and I were treated to a tour of the Garmin facility by Garmin’s Web Design Manager, and good friend, Dean.
- We were invited to join Mike, Dean and part of his team for Kansas BBQ at Oklahoma Joe’s.
- The kids and I spent the afternoon at the Olathe public library (the wi-fi was really fast, so we decadently watched Once Upon A Time on Hulu.)
- A quiet evening home with the family.
This day was made AMAZING by the Carolina Style BBQ sandwich and fries that I thoroughly enjoyed at lunch!
Amazing Day #3
- The kids and I spent the day at home, catching up on schoolwork, laundry, cooking, etc.
- Mike picked us up shortly after 5:00pm and we headed back into town to meet Dean and his family for dinner.
- Following a quick meal, we followed Dean to Heartland Church—we had been invited to attend the evening’s worship and communion service.
This day was made Amazing when I felt the Holy Spirit’s presence while singing the old hymns and taking communion as a family.
Amazing Day #4
- I put dinner in the crockpot, packed a picnic lunch, and we all headed for a day at the Kansas City Central Library. (Why did we select this library—because we wanted to see the library’s parking garage—see photo).
- The librarian in the teen department validated our parking ticket, giving us a day of complimentary parking, because my kids are home schooled.
- As is our library tradition, we “tail-gated” at lunchtime (a little weird in a parking garage)
- We returned to the library for the remainder of the afternoon
- On our way out of town we stopped at the corner of 12th and Vine for a photo.
- We dined at Jack Stack’s to try another “flavor” of Kansas City BBQ
This day was made Amazing by not having to pay for parking (the library generally validates parking tickets for 1 hour free. After that, it’s $1.00 every 20 minutes).
This day was also Amazing because my (blues fanatic) honey got to stand on the corner of 12th and Vine.
I’m goin’ to Kansas City, Kansas City, here I come
Yes, goin’ to Kansas City, Kansas City, here I come
They got a crazy way a-lovin’ an’ a I wanna get me someI was standing on the corner, of 12th Street and Vine
Yeah, standing on the corner, of 12th Street and Vine
With my Kansas City woman an a bottle of Kansas City wine
Kansas City - a Blues Standard
Ha. After all this time, I finally made it on the blog! So glad you guys could take the time out of your travels and hang with us for a bit. Great catching up, getting some work done and meeting the family. Safe travels! We’ll see you guys next time you make it through.