A Sight for Sore Eyes...

Note: I usually only post the "family" stuff on our private blog but since there aren't any kids (which is why I went private with that blog) in these pics, I will share our travel adventures...

The title is a play on words.

My eyes are not really sore.

But they are failing me.

I first noticed it about the time I turned 40.  Now, as I approach 42 (that would be tomorrow), I find myself squinting and holding things further away.  Probably time to put on those reading glasses I have had sitting on my nightstand for a while.

That being said, we saw some sights today.

We made it to St. Louis (or right outside) late last night.  Originally, Mark had this as part of our trip. But then when we looked at our time, we wanted a little more time at Niagara, so we were just going to by-pass this.  However, since my mom offered to keep the kids last night, we were able to get a head start and had just enough time to make a little visit to "The Gateway to the West".  I  booked a ride to the top for this morning. We were kind of regretting it when that alarm went off too early BUT I will say, we learned that first thing in the morning is the BEST time to go. There was NO waiting. We actually got to go up early which was a nice treat. And it wasn't really crowded at all.

See that person in the bottom left part of the arch? That is Mark.  Gives a little perspective, doesn't it? :)

 Here is a close up...

 It almost disappears when you look up at it.

 I have been "up" in the arch before.  I believe I was in junior high.  However, my dear husband hadn't. And the ONLY reason I was willing to go up again (BIG fear of heights and claustrophobic) was him.  It was fun watching him experience it for the first time.

I had to take a little shot of the baseball stadium for my son...

 I totally missed the fact that we could see the arch shadow until hubby pointed it out. 

 See that smile?  He loved it.

 A picture of us at the top...630 feet off the ground.

 There's my fella...

 One last look before we hit the road again...

 We headed up the road to just outside of Chi-town.  To MY place.  Giordano's.  We learned that 2 p.m. is a great time to stop in for lunch. NO wait. And they had a lunch special...a 6 inch stuffed pizza, a salad, and a drink for less than 10 dollars. My kind of deal.  We decided the 6 inch was just the right size.  I ate every bite.  I also have had nothing to eat since...I am STUFFED.

 Just take the picture so I can eat... :)

 After leaving Chicago, we headed to Indiana.  A friend of mine had suggested stopping at the Indiana Dunes.  That in itself was an experience.  We couldn't figure out where to see the dunes and the lake (as in Lake Michigan).  We tried a couple of places but they were just residential neighborhoods...no beach access. Finally, someone told us where the actual state park was.  10 dollars later (I thought it was worth it, hubby wasn't as convinced :), we were seeing both dunes and the lake.  And here is one of the first things I noticed...Chicago!  Can you see the outlines of the buildings?  It was about 30 miles away.  (We did not go into Chicago due to the time limit of our trip but it still holds a special place in my heart)

 Forgive these pictures. I was trying out my new camera/close-ups...

 We decided we had to at least go up one dune, since we paid 10 dollars and all...

 Here we are at the top (of that dune).  Thankfully you cannot see the fact that I was panting for breath at that point. Climbing up hills of sand is physically demanding. The only good thing is I probably burned some calories...

 Another Chicago pic...

 Yes, totally posed. But isn't he cute? :)

After our little visit, we hit the road again and traveled across Indiana and Ohio.  I was surprised at how many deer we saw across Indiana (usually in the corn fields).  I was also surprised at how much toll roads cost along the way.

What didn't surprise me was that we had fun.  Lots of fun.  It was nice having a laid back schedule, exploring a little, talking a lot, and just enjoying time together.  (And enjoying a phone call with the kids...)

Anyway, we are stopped for the night in Ohio, heading on to Niagara tomorrow.

And the adventure continues...

Reba