Post-Honduras with family and friends

A whirlwind tour to see family and friends before heading back to Austin to pick-up the van.

Kansas City from the WWI Museum

Matthew and I had a great time with my sister, Joan, and her family in Kansas City, KS.  I was able to catch-up on Downton Abbey (smiles--or maybe not…difficult episodes). Matt had fun playing a basketball video game with his cousin, Jonathan.  We both enjoyed visiting Sarah's (my niece) college and dorm room.  Bill, Jonathan, Matthew, and I went to see Nut Job.  (Personally, I think it is a movie best avoided, but Matthew would tell you it is one of his all-time favorites!)  We had some delicious meals out; I missed protein in Honduras.  Matthew and I picked up some needed items at REI. (Seriously, no comment, I really did need some things--smiles!)  Matthew's favorite activity while there--watching his cousin, Jonathan's, basketball game!  Way to go!  On our way out of town to visit Mom and Dad, we went to the WWI Museum…WOW!  (Bill told me that it was created/designed by the same man who did the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C.)  I was very impressed.  Although we were only able to be there 3 1/2 hours, my head was leaking history all the way to Ottumwa.

Photo resurrected from 2005.  Add 8 years…only for Sarah and Jonathan.   Joan and Bill still look the same! 

Matthew and I generally rested and regrouped at my parent’s.  Matthew got to drive with Grandpa…He then took me out to demonstrate his prowess behind the wheel.  Other than his love for the white line (I was certain he would hit a mailbox or two), he proved himself a safe driver.  Mom, of course, out did herself cooking.  Well feed, organized, and happy, we sped carefully south to Columbia, Missouri. 

All of our family was there—Mary (my dear friend and “sister by choice”), Ken (Mary’s husband and our dear friend), Simon (my godson who is currently doing a post-doc in Istanbul, Turkey), and Amanda (my goddaughter who is living in Seattle, WA while working on her masters).  Bonus—we also got to spend time with Ruth (Mary’s mother and my awesome pen-pal), Laura (Mary’s sister and beyond-cool woman), and Virginia (Ken’s mother and my friend).  Although it was a short visit, it was intense.  It is not often the clan gets together, so there were stories to share (and invent), and memories to create.  I cherish the time we had…I love you all!!!

Amanda and Simon…my awesome godchildren!

Matthew and I were able to catch a flight out of Kansas City to Austin on Tuesday.  Yes, this is notable; our plane was one of the only silver-birds allowed to fly that day.  The mid-west was hit again by a raging winter storm.  When we finally arrived in Austin, Matthew and I took a taxi directly to Sportsmobile to collect our redesigned RV.  Next blog—Our Home-on-Wheels!

Love to all of our friends and family,

Matthew and Susan