Our May Travels

We visited five states over a one week time period in May...Let me explain...

I was feeling overwhelmed with studying for my boards- so I bought a plane ticket for Ave to go with my mom to visit Kansas. This would allow Ave to see her dad, spend more time with Nanny, and see Keith and Kristan's family while I buckled down and began preparing for my BIG TEST...

It worked out PERFECTLY. I drove up and spent the night in Tulsa, Oklahoma (in order to get my test completed in the month of May rather than waiting until June when I have to start my job). I took the test Saturday and did not feel so great about it. You get anywhere from 75-265 questions. I was done after 50 minutes or so and only got 75 questions. I had no idea how I did but was quickly on the road again back up to Kansas.

We stayed in Kansas Saturday night. Our plan was to go to church and then leave after an early dinner with Keith and Kristan. I was eager to get back to Texas as we had made fun Memorial plans with our friends and for Apes' birthday that involved renting a boat and enjoying the day on the lake.

So, early Sunday night we leave. We are not but an hour and ahalf out of Kansas City- close to Fort Scott, Kansas. I am driving along and notice a deer up ahead go across the highway. I am pretty sure I slowed down at this point, everyone knows deer travel in groups...but I also try to point out the deer to Avery. Next thing I know, I hear a CRASH and my drivers side window is broken into 50 pieces and there's deer hair all throughout the car. OMG!!! I pull over. I don't know what to do! I am freaking out at this point. I call my brother- he tells me to call 911-I do that right away. I am scared to get out and look at my car for fear that this deer is still on top of my car! Avery is calm as can be and asks me a couple times, "Mom- are you mad? Are you mad the deer broke your car?"

Long story short...I'm not too horribly mad about it all, at first. I figure- its not the worst thing that can happen. Atleast we're o.k....I can spend some more time in Kansas. At this point, I'm also more concerned about finding the results of my board test than I am my car! Over the next couple days- we were able to enjoy more time with our Kansas family and friends and I realized two things 1) I passed my boards and I was a full-fledged RN-YAY!!!! and 2) My car would not be fixed in the timely manner I would've hoped for.

I end up driving my car back to Texas. No window at all- and taking it to a Dallas body-shop, where it is still getting fixed up! We spend the night in Dallas and are on the road again, the next day, to Branson, Missouri with April, Anthony, and Tanner.

I was exhausted by this point but knew we had to make the trip- and I am so glad we did! I think I was one of the last midwest born and raised folks to have never visited this fun place. We enjoyed our time there- lots of pool time, relaxing time, saw a show, and enjoyed making memories with the kiddos. I learned from this trip- that I need to travel more often! It is so nice to get away from your house and not have to worry about cleaning, cooking, etc!

So, here are some trips from our fantastic adventures. Sorry- no car pics. The image my mind of deer hair everywhere and deer flesh on my door handle is enough for me to take!




These girls are the cutest...but not very good drivers! Ave is now telling me she is old enough to drive the car- EVERY TIME WE GO ANYWHERE!



Here we are at this adorable petting zoo in Kansas. Can't wait to go there again!


Ave and Tanner

Ave riding her pony. She asked the cowboy/wrangler dude if he had any pink, sparkly ponies like her ponies at home. This guy was really nice and took Ave on a really long walk with the pony. He didn't charge me a penny for it and also gave Ave this really cute cowgirl hat that matches her pink cowboy boots, at home. He told me I could come back anytime! I didn't feel too bad about that one!