August 1, 2015 (Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee)

We slept late this morning out of necessity. Somebody is gonna get cut if we don't get some sleep. By the time we got out of the hotel, it was 11:00 and that was just in time for Skyline Chili for brunch! This Greek guy opened this chili joint overlooking Cincinnati back in 1949 and it is kind of a big deal around here. The kids loved it! I would call it enjoyable, but I am a little concerned about being cooped up in the car with these yahoos after Chili Binge 2015.

Mile 1972- William Howard Taft Home- zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Snooze-fest. This stop was about as exciting as his presidency. We DID learn that the part of the property that housed the gardens was sold to make room for the state juvenile delinquency facility. When I asked Park Ranger Paula why it was so blasted hot in the welcome center, she told me it was because someone had stolen the air conditioner. I can't be certain that there might be a link to Juvie, but I have a hunch. The neighborhood has gone down hill since Willy left for Washington. He never came back because he was appointed as Chief Justice after his presidency. The only man ever to do both....I guess I did learn something!

The B-team from park ranger school was sent to man the Taft home. But fortunately for us, Cat Purse Lady was also there to ask lots of questions. 

But, fear not. Redemption is on the way...

Mile 1976.8- American Sign Museum

You know I will always say YES to NOstalgia!  This wonderful warehouse is home to a vast collection of signage from the last 200 years. It was a blinky, neon, whirly wonderland! You should definitely stop if you are in the neighborhood.

Ho Jo!

The most friendly bowling pin in all of Cincinnati, if not the world.

A reminder of breakfast. Like I needed a reminder.

We are blowing this popsicle stand, road weary and headed to Kentucky. 

Mile 2061.8- Lexington- Our original plan was to tour a horse farm or something, but we arrived too late and the kids were driving us up the wall. We changed our hotel reservation and we are motoring on to Knoxville. We did a quick drive by of the University of Kentucky and the down town area. It looks like a cute place. A cute place to come without your children. Do you even know how many distillery tours we passed up on this trip? And we would've gotten away with it if it weren't for those meddling kids!

2082-We find a Walmart with a Red Box. We have double watched all of the movies I brought and I have got to plug these kids into something so we can have some quiet. Before you get all judgy, we have had hours of meaningful conversation over the last 11 days of togetherness.  I got them Black Beauty at the RedBox and we are in horse country so we'll call it contextual learning. I have a message for you from the middle of no where Kentucky. They wanted me to tell you, "The people of our Wal-Mart look just like the  people of your Wal-Mart, just don't go counting teeth."

Mile 2159- From the mouth of Master Thomas. "Can we go to Marietta today? I like hotels, but I don't like museums."

Mile 2317- KnoxVegas- This was a very last minute itinerary change. I have two memories of Knoxville.  One was when I came to a game in college. It was 30 degrees and I was on the toppest, backest row in the stadium. The only thing standing between me and a fall to my death was a biting wind and chilling rain. The second memory was when John and I chaperoned an elementary choir tour before we had Charlotte.  And, The Vols. They're not my favorite. But, I could tell that divine intervention met me in Knoxville to soften my cold, black heart. Do you know what view I have from our room?

This one...

Yes, friends. Peering over the trees is THE LARGEST BASKETBALL IN THE WORLD!!!! It weighs 10 tons and is 30 feet tall!!

We rode the trolley from our hotel downtown to Market Square. There was a play going on, and street musicians, and cool art installations. My favorite was this one.

Big Ol' Pram fashioned from a vintage camper!

We grabbed dinner at Not Watson's where Thomas decided he needed to accessorize and wore his napkin like an ascot.

Fashion risk, mais oui!

It was a swell night and a great way to recharge our batteries. On the ride back to the hotel we had the trolley to ourselves. The girls were singing and making up songs and being so carefree. I am making a promise to myself that I am going to bottle some of this carefree vibe. I just have to remember to open it up and let a little out during the school year. I will not be a slave to the routine!

We may have to explore a little more of Knoxville tomorrow before we head home. I've heard the world's largest Rubik's Cube lives here....