Day 177

Off to Wheatfields for breakfast. We passed the Union Pacific Railroad building on the way. Today's big outing was to the Omaha Zoo; all the photos are here. We gave up a little earlier than would be normal as it was 95 degrees and 95% humidity. Then the really big deal of the day was a fantastic anniversary dinner at V. Mertz.

Breakfast

The officer was telling the folks "it's quiet now, but tonight..."

At Lauritzen Gardens (wedding site tomorrow).

Afternoon delight - Prosecco.

V. Mertz

We mentioned it was our anniversary when making the ressie.

La Storia, Alexander Valley!

Tomahawk Steak (for two). Golden Goodness to the right.

Twice baked potatoes and heirloom tomatoes.

Just outside.

Across the hall was this room...

BLM et al had taken over one intersection.

They win.

Day 176

After a quick stop at the Starbucks and Walmart in North Platte, NE, Jamie and Lynn headed out to Union Pacific Railroad's Bailey Yard, home of the Golden Spike Tower, where you can view the huge yard from the 7th and 8th floor. All the Bailey Yard photos are here. Fabulous lunch at Suwanee Thai in Kearney, NE. Uniquely good! After an audio lesson or two on Genesis from Dennis Prager, they were at their destination: Omaha, NE. Very fun downtown area just a few blocks from the hotel. Full of fun restaurants, pubs, shops, etc. with more on the way. We tried to go to the French place, Le Bouillon, but it was booked with private parties all weekend. So we chose Nicola's Italian place and it was great.

UPRR's Bailey Yard as seen from the Golden Spike Tower.

Downtown North Platte.
The Bailey Yard is a couple miles to the left.

Suwanee Thai

Suwanee's Spicy Green Beans

12+ seat "bike" in Omaha

At Nicola's

Snitch Chardonnay (Napa). Cute label.
Excellent bruschetta at Nicola's.

12 People Power + 2 tag-a-longs (rear) and a driver

From the former U.S. National Bank downtown.
Originally 1887, reconstructed in 1979.

UPRR face mask at Golden Spike Tower

And that's just the sitting room...

Day 175

It was great to walk AJ to school again; it's been over a year. And Matt was right behind with the littles. Nana and Papa had lunch at El Jacal Mexican Grill in Fort Morgan, CO and dinner at the Canteen Bar and Grille in North Platte, NE. Fabulous mud pie at the Canteen, and a delightfully friendly server. The two of them are on their way to a wedding in Omaha, NE.

El Jacal, Fort Morgan, CO

AJ and Papa

Canteen, North Platte, NE

Day 174

A new puzzle gets under way. Check out Lexi's art from school. The left image show it full open. When you fold it up to bring lower together with upper, it looks like the right side. Outside. Inside. Cute, huh! The patio has become even more fun with the weather cooling off. Fina and a cohort bake chocolate chip cookies - for everyone! Matteo got some fishing in after school today; caught six. In the meantime, AJ was off at dance class; he loves it. Matt made chicken lollipops and asparagus for dinner.

Day 173

Fina told us one of the benefits of online school is that you learn to feed yourself. And sometimes how to feed others, too, who horn in on your meal. Tracy got a few more items at Target that she couldn't get at CostCo. "That's just a little Target run." Nana has the wedding gift all ready to go to Omaha. Fina has managed to get EVERYTHING she needs for school in that carry bag: computer, pens, pencils, stapler, 3-ring binder, folders for loose leaf papers, IDs, calendar, everything. It's kinda amazing. I guess just turning the books into electrons on the computer makes a huge difference. Nana, Papa, and Matteo went to Chuy's for dinner after picking him up at the van stop. That tres leches cake is something else! Jamie taught his Isaac and Jacob class from the God is Good course.