Day 14 - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

 

Today Papa wanted to stop to get some fresh peaches. We found a farmer`s market near Waverly, Missouri. They had lots of yummy fruits, vegetables, nuts and preserves. We bought peaches, pecans and sugar free jam. They also had a glass bee hive in the market and we got to meet the bee keeper. He told us that he had marked the queen bee with a green dot on her back. We looked for her amongst the 25,000 other worker bees & drones. We found her! Can you spot her in my picture? After leaving the market, we drove through some more Amish farmland. We stopped at an Amish store and Papa bought a watermelon, cantaloupe & cherry tomatoes. He enjoyed talking to the Amish cashier. Today we drove through Missouri and Iowa. We are staying the night in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Day 13 - Marshall, Missouri

Today we stopped by Louisburg, Missouri to see the church and cemetery where Nana`s grandparents (Her Dad`s parents) are buried. Then we bought some treats & ice cream at Russell Stover in Sedalia, Missouri. We traveled for only 5 hours today because we are all really tired. We are spending the night in Marshall, Missouri.  

Day 12 - Branson, Missouri

We`ve had a relaxing time in Arkansas, visiting family, swimming in the hotel pool, shopping, and staying cool in the hotel room. Today we skyped with Megan for her birthday. Happy 11th Birthday Megan!! Then we took Grandma Casey to Branson, Missouri for lunch. We went to The American Steak & Chicken House...the large rooster in front drew our attention to the place. The restaurant had a lot of home cooking. Papa & Grandma got a catfish plate, I had mac n cheese, mash potatoes, corn & fried okra, and Nana had the salad bar. They also served us homemade cornbread...delicious! After lunch, Nana & I decided to be daredevils and go ride some Segways. Our hotel had some coupons for the Branson Segway & Adventure Park so we decided to try it. Grandma & Papa did not want to join in on the fun so Papa took pictures then they sat and watched us. First we had to sign wavers then we had to go through a small training course. The course made me feel a little nervous because the instructor kept telling us what could happen and there was a slight hill involved. We actually picked it up quickly and we started on the Segway Path. Of course, Nana drove like the race car driver, Mario Andretti and I drove like a grandma on a Sunday drive. Afterwards we got to sign the wall, showing we learned how to ride a Segway and we completed our ride without crashing. Fun day!!
 

Day 11 - Harrison, Arkansas

On our way to visit our relatives in Harrison, Arkansas, we stopped to have lunch at the Cliff House Inn, restaurant & gift shop on Scenic Highway 7. It is a cute place with a great view of the countryside. We chose to eat inside because the temperatures here are reaching to the high 90`s and 100`s. We are melting!! The restaurant had yummy food...Nana & I got veggie burgers with fries. Next, we stopped by and visited Papa`s brother (Sandy) and Teresa in Jasper, Arkansas then headed to Harrison. Papa is going to spend the rest of the afternoon driving around with his brother (Donny) and visiting other relatives. Nana & I are going shopping then swimming in the hotel pool. Tonight we are staying in Harrison, Arkansas.

Day 10 - Hector, Arkansas

Today we are visiting with Papa`s brother (Eddie) and Wava. They just bought a new home in Hector, Arkansas. Papa had fun riding down to the Illinois Bayou, a campground in the Arkansas outback near Russellville, Arkansas and picking a watermelon at the neighbor`s farm. This watermelon is suppose to be a twenty pounder...delicious!!

Day 9 - Forrest City, Arkansas

Today our hotel had pancakes on a conveyor belt...how cool is that!! I want one of these machines at home. We visited Sheryll and her family in Watertown, Tennessee. They have lots of animals...giant goldfish in their backyard pond, bobcats, and hermit crabs. We actually held the crabs and it was weird to feel them walk across our hands & arms. They didn't pinch us. We had lunch at the Peking restaurant in Lebanon, Tennessee with Sheryll & her son, JR. Then we went back and visited the historic district of Watertown & shopping square. I bought some Victorian Christmas tags at a cute store called The Perch. Tomorrow we are going to visited Papa`s brother, Eddie in Hector, Arkansas. We are staying the night in Forrest City, Arkansas.