Monday, September 30, 2019

Wichita... that's in Kansas.

I picked up shifts at the hospital for labor day a few month ago. We weren't planning anything and I thought I could help out since they needed coverage. Well as the end of August approached we realized we might be needing to make a trip to Wichita, I had attempted to get someone to pick up my shifts, even willing to PAY someone... but as it stood no one was willing to help me out. 

Kyle had a job opportunity that was presented to him this summer and as the end of August approached it looked like it was going to be a solid possibility but before accepting anything and making it official we wanted to visit Wichita. I had never been, he had for work many times but not really toured the area. So as a last minute attempt to check out the city we decided to drive down through the night leaving immediately after the kids open house Wednesday night. Had I not had to work that weekend we could have made a long weekend out of it... even Wednesday night I was still hopeful someone would pick up. 

For the open house we got to meet the kids' teachers and they got to see their classrooms and seating assignments. 





We left the open house and headed south. The kids were 'excited' to get to sleep in the car, haha. Tucked in for the night:


We arrived in Kansas about 2 am:

Kyle had a couple interviews, they were going to be done on the phone but since we were there he just went into the office. They were suppose to be Friday which would have been nice so it coudl be after an actual night of sleep, but they ended up being Thursday. So I did most of the driving so he could get some rest since he needed to be presentable. We did stop somewhere off the turnpike to get a couple hours of sleep... but since we were stopped all the kids woke up and it was difficult to get some sleep. Kyle got his best sleep from about 4am-6am while I drove the rest of the way. 

We arrived at sunrise and drove around the neighborhood we had houses lined up to look at later that morning. We were meeting a realtor at 9am to view seven houses. 

We had time to kill, decided to go get breakfast, while waiting for breakfast to open we drove by the hotel we were staying at Thursday night, check in wasn't until 3pm. 


We had dinner at this little place I had heard of called Doo Dah Diner



It was good, typical southern-ish style breakfast with biscuits and gravy. I had a somewhat healthy omelet. Unfortunately they still use Styrofoam... something that has been banned in the city of Minneapolis. I plan to make some letters to officials in hopes maybe Wichita too can see how Styrofoam harms our environment. 

We spent the morning viewing houses which gave us a better feel for the area we are looking and experience what the housing market is like. 

Then we were able to check in early so Kyle could shower and prep for his interviews. He headed into the office (trying to be stealth like so people wouldn't know he was there) While he was gone we went for a swim and a walk. Actually this was before all that while I took Harpo to potty while Kyle got ready: 


Yes even the dog was with us :-) It was a totally last minute trip... well a few days in the planning but no enough planning for Harpo to go to his buddy's house. 

Guess what the kids favorite part of Wichita was...?? Swimming in the hotel pool. Yup we could have done that without ever leaving our city, lol. 








After swimming I talked the kids into going for a walk. Problem was it was HOT! And they complained... the entire time. 



We walked across the street to some waterfalls



Then walked back along the Arkansas river to the hotel. Had to run in the sun because Emma was melting, lol. 


Kyle got back from his interview and we went out to eat with a friend from College who lives in the area now. It was so great to reconnect with her and chat about Wichita. Dinner was really good too... It was called: Meddy's 


After that we drove over to see the Keeper of the Plains. This was probably my favorite part:



We were all exhausted and ready for sleep in real beds. The next morning we enjoyed the hot breakfast at the hotel.. .Thomas is obsessed with elevators: 


Drove by these people rappelling off this building for some reason. 


We went back to view one of the houses we'd seen the day before for a second time. After that we went back to the hotel, picked up harpo then grabbed some lunch at this trendy place downtown with food trucks. They have these little keeper statues all over the city in various places, much like our Peanut Statues here in the Twin Cities. So that was fun. There were three at the food truck park. 




They also have statues throughout downtown. Thomas liked this one, lol


We did a little more driving around just looking at stuff. Stopped for donuts at this place before heading out of town. 




No one had picked up my shift so it was time to head back so I could get to work at 8:30 on Saturday morning. We spent a grand total of 33 hours in Wichita over the course of two days... heading home about 3:00 on Friday. We stopped off the turnpike to view the overlook... flat, flat plains! 




Not sure who even reads this, but you may be wondering if we're moving. Yes, yes we are...

Start of School

Isaac started the day after labor day: September 3rd




The girls had two more days at home before starting school. We went to our favorite park on of those days. Bitter sweet these moments were. They are so ready for Kindergarten (me too) but it'll be lonely with them gone.

Out to lunch at Yum to celebrate their last day before Kindergarten! 




The girls first day was Thursday, September 2nd. We drove them the first day, then they have been taking the bus everyday since. This beautiful view was from a bike ride I took the morning on their first day. Gorgeous! 







Dropped off Emma first: 



Then Mary:




Thomas and I met them at the bus stop when they got home. Thomas is living his best life :0) 











Meanwhile, Thomas is loving the 1:1 time. Here's a glimpse of him singing along to You Are My Sunshine, so precious!
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