Sunday, November 25, 2018

I-70 Closures

This is why we headed back home from Kansas City yesterday instead of today. The majority of I-70 across Kansas was either "Completely Covered" or "Closed" by this morning. Good thing Siscos thought to check the forecast...


Saturday, November 24, 2018

Topeka Zoo and I-70 Diner

We were originally planning to return to Colorado on Sunday, but all of a sudden there was a winter storm alert for all of Kansas along I-70 starting Sunday morning. Fortunately, we decided to head back Saturday and as it turned out, we got home just as the snow at our house was beginning, and starting Sunday morning, Kansas did indeed get something of a blizzard. We had a beautiful day to travel, so we were definitely going to try a stop or two along the way (Papa's always moaning about missing all the museums, big balls of yarn, etc.). We chose the Topeka Zoo. It's a modest zoo, but just perfect for a 90-minute stop. The only other lengthy stop was the highly Sisco-rated I-70 Diner in Flagler, CO. All the photos are here.









Friday, November 23, 2018

Nelson Art Gallery and Plaza Lights

Tracy and Matt headed back to Colorado this morning; Sam had a flight out of Denver early Saturday morning back to school. Matteo and AJ stayed with Nana and I for another day or so in Kansas with the Siscos. We spent today at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri. Like most great museum's, they have a "scavenger hunt" guide for kids which Matteo and AJ completed, and then some. AJ became fascinated by the fact that we didn't know who made some works or even who was pictured in some works. And there are plenty of those at the Nelson. We followed up with a treat on the Country Club Plaza with which to enjoy the lights that were just turned on Thanksgiving night. Then dinner and a movie at Vickie and Rob's, The Santa Clause. All the photos are here.







We got the scoop from a docent on this Caravaggio painting of
"John the Baptist (John in the Wilderness)." You would NEVER get
done learning about all the pieces in this one museum alone.







Thursday, November 22, 2018

Thanksgiving

The gathering was at Laurie and Andy's again this year. All the photos are here.







Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Hallmark's Crown Center Day Two

Our second day at Crown Center included Sea Life and the Crayola Cafe and shop. Later we were out at Laurie and Andy's for some Thanksgiving prep and then off to Kokia and Asian Cuisine (sushi!) for some birthday fun for Lynn. All today's photos are here.

Trevor and Jenn sent these to Kansas for Lynn!














Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Hallmark's Crown Center Day One

We spent our first day at Crown Center doing LegoLand and Fritz's, the latter being a burger joint where the food is delivered by train! All today's photos are here.









Sunday, November 18, 2018

Upon this Night there is Hope

Lynn and I attended a Trans Siberian Orchestra (TSO) show here in Colorado Springs this afternoon. We were a bit concerned we might be disappointed after the Mannheim Steamroller concert on Thursday, but those worries fell behind quickly with the very first song. It was these guys that recorded the first music we heard years ago to which home outdoor Christmas light displays were synced. I remember us standing around a computer watching that video as if it were yesterday. The article title comes from the Christmas story they told during the first act. And wow, do they have lights and graphics down! Interesting to note that the first, fastest, and longest standing ovation came when TSO gave a shout out to members of the military services.