The Longest Day: aka South Dakota has flies as big as Alabama birds

So yesterday (July 9) was the longest day of our trip (on paper). As you might imagine, the Grit was ready to leave Missouri in the rear view mirror...and the kids performed like little champs on the road. They have been a constant source of enjoyment (not a joke). We did hit Dicks Sporting Goods to replace a few backpacks and get some underwear. It turns out we were eligible for an upgrade on the one iPhone that was stolen...so after a stop at the Verizon store Reed has a new phone and my monthly bill went down by $2. We took an obligatory trip offline for a few moments to the Whole Foods store for toiletries and lunch. I had no idea Julie's shampoo was so pricey...or that there were so many "essential" oils. Really? The people of Omaha were welcoming...thank you Oracle Warren for nesting down in such a fine town. It feels fine to get out of the midwest and on to the real attractions. I'm not sure if the video is working...but hopefully you'll get a little flavor for the festive spirit of our travelers. 

 

The real blessing of reduced electronics has been the crafts and fort making in the back of the RV. I will complain only about their taste in music. As much interesting and honest music as I try to expose them to, it does very little to dissuade their passion for big hooks and bass drops from Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, WalktheMoon, and a long list of bad pop. I tried some Police, U2, Wilco, Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, etc...alas, no takers. 

The kids have been so glad to get out of the car, that every little stop usually turns into a roadside frolic.

We have stopped many times for supplies (gas) and bathrooms. Julie's favorite new game is finding a gem of a public restroom (hence the Whole Foods idea). Our liquid only policy for the Grit potty is really for my protection, but it also enhances the idea of a "pit stop". The good news is that it takes about 15 minutes to fill up the RV at full pump speed, so there's plenty of time.