Missouri State Fair..It’s a Show-Me Thing

 A fair is a just fair until you visit the Missouri State Fair and really see how it is DONE.  Last August my family and I made our first trip to the Missouri State Fair, and while I probably visited dozens of fairs across Southeast Missouri, I can say there is still reasons everyone should visit the Missouri State Fair.

If only I could tell you everything there is to do at the Missouri State Fair, but that would almost be impossible (or I would have to work for the fair).  I can tell you there is more than I could ever imagine at the Missouri State Fair.  From tractors of all colors, to cowboys and cowgirls, to farm animals of all sizes, to rides that are beyond imagination, and a piece of Missouri history in the midst of it all there is something for everyone at the Missouri State Fair.

When I think of vacations, road trips, and family outings, I try to remember what stands out in my head the most.  For our trip to the Missouri State Fair, it was the Ferris wheel; at every fair previously, I had begged my dear Celesse to ride the Ferris wheel with, as it is my favorite.  Begging, pleading, and bargaining had never won before until we hit the grounds of the Missouri State Fair, Celesse conceded her anti-Ferris wheel stand and we had our first “total” family Ferris Wheel ride.  I have to admit I felt like I was on top of the world. 

Coincidences happen when you are in Missouri:

My Ryan often giggles that I never go a place without running into “kin” folk, well it has to be a Missouri thing!  After driving 6 hours from home, spending the night in Lebanon MO, touring an Alpaca Ranch, and then finally making our way to the Missouri State Fair, whom do we see?  My dear old cousin, yes folks that is a Missouri “thing” we can drive miles from home, only to see folks from home.  For our evening entertainment, we selected to watch Missouri’s finest cowboys and cowgirls perform at the rodeo, and lucky for us my cousin was among one of those finest cowboys!

The Missouri State Fair is only a once a year event, but that just makes it EXTRA special.  The 2012 Missouri State Fair is August 9-19,  it is time to make plans to attend.  From concerts to contest, carnival rides to tractor rides, you truly understand the Missouri Show-Me Spirit at the Missouri State Fair. 

To keep up with Missouri State Fair news and for helpful tips to make your plans to visit the Missouri State Fair visit their website or follow the Missouri State Fair on Facebook and Twitter.  

See you all at the fair! 

~Becky

Random Photos From the Fair:

*****Our visit to the Missouri State Fair was sponsored by The Missouri Division of Tourism.  A big Thank-You to them for giving us the opportunity to visit the MO State Fair.

I CANNOT Live Without......

I was recently asked to make a list of things I could NOT live without, I know they meant for me to write down  my kids, my family, my yada yada yada.  In reality, we all can’t live without those necessities, but what are the things that we REALLY can’t live without…or just really don’t want to!  Here is my list.  

Dillard’s Kickin New Shoes. 

I searched HIGH and LOW for the perfect pair of summer shoes for my little man.  Truth be told, he might as well go barefoot most of the time as the child loves his “fip fops” but “fip fops” make terrible hiking, biking, and traveling shoes.  I stumbled across these adorable Timberland Mad River Closed Toe Sandals and decided I would give them a try, or the little man would try them.  Verdict is Momma Loves them as much as the little man does, these sandals meet our every need.  They are great for outdoor adventures and still kickin enough we can pull them off with our khaki pants.  We give them out 2- thumbs up seal of approval. 

Momma’s Tag-Along

Since the little man was a baby and the little woman was using training wheels, biking has become one of our weekend entertainments.  Last summer I made the investment in a WeeRide Co-Pilot Bike Trailer and man am I ever so glad I did!  While the Celesse is big enough to ride her own bike, Dillard is still too untrained to understand the brakes, so happily rides on his WeeRide Bike.  Ideally he is suppose to help by pedaling along, but don’t fool yourself, I often find him pedaling backwards, singing songs, or blowing his horn yelling “momma, pedal faster I like to feel the wind”  Momma’s do what they got to do. 

My Own Paparazzi

No I don’t really have paparazzi following me around...I am not that popular yet...LOL.  However, I am my own paparazzi, with my very own Canon Rebel Camera.  I forgot how great my camera was until I was asked to snap some shots with another camera, and sigghhhh the other just don’t live up to my  Canon EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR.  We have not been to a photographer in about 8 years, and Dillard did not understand why the school photographer wanted to take his picture and told him “I don’t need my picture taken, my momma takes pictures of me all the time.”  The child hit it right on the nail, I am constantly snapping photos of my adorable monsters. 

Java Down The Street

While this is not a product, I own it is something I purchase daily, sometimes several times a day.  Recently they opened a Mercato di Rhodi down the street from my house and I must confess the poor cashier there knows the color of my vehicle and what I am going to order.  Hello 9 am Coffee Buzz, I love you!  

*****Disclosure I was NOT compensated for any of these products, and that is my child on the bike with me.  

Forest Park in St Louis, MO

Spend the day or week at Forest Park St Louis, MO. It it always utterly amazing when you discover what you have been missing at a place you have visited countless times. I have probably visited the St Louis Zoo more times than the number of years I am old, but never have I take the time to discover anything else inside Forest Park St Louis, MO.

Over the past weekend, I planned a trip with my family and my Gal Pal’s family to head north to the Zoo, with a combo of kids and my husband chauffeuring us around we knew this would be a fun day.
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The Tricks of Frequent Travel...Save your SANITY

This past weekend I was on a trip, which I cannot share the entire secret yet about, with one of my dearest longest friends.  While we giggling and really just relaxing (both full-time mommas) she asked me to borrow some shampoo.  I handed it over, and she said “I knew I would be safe with a professional traveler” I of coursed laughed it off, as I am no professional, just have a love to be on the go. 

However, it is no lie sometimes my suitcase does not get unpacked completely before I am repacking it for the next adventure.  Especially this last month as I was juggling Lesse’s cheer, and family adventures in a jam-packed six-weeks…it is a good thing I love my car, because I have spent some quality time with it lately. 

Over the past few months, I have traveled with a variety of people; my family, my gal pal, and even a fellow momma juggling a couple crazy kids.  Each trip someone says to me how do you remember what all to put inside your suitcase, well honestly it has just become the normal to me.  However, as normal I have a few secrets that make it easier, especially if you travel more than just once a year.  

I have two of everything, I mean everything.  I have 2 blow dryers, 2 make up bags, 2 sets of bath products, 2 of my favorite lotion and perfume, even 2 sets of jewelry, 2 phone chargers, 2 blue-tooth chargers, and 2 sets of anything the kids might need.  Of course, one set of everything remains tucked away in my house happily waiting my return, the other set spend a lot of time in my travel bags, waiting for the next grand adventure. 

I also make a pre –trip list that includes items that I do not have 2 of: my camera, my purse, Ryan’s wallet (don’t tell him that’s where it disappears to), my travel cards, and anything necessary the kids might need like our lovey’s.  As we depart the day of the trip, I am scanning that list to make sure nothing has been left out.  Yes, I have paid costly for items that have been left behind; I am a proud owner of a $45 Handy Manny stuffed doll that normally cost $12 at the store.    

While packing is usually the main concern, I also make a list of what to do prior to leave.  I arrange for house sitters, dog sitters, sometimes kid sitters, have the mail stopped, notify my closest neighbors that we will be departing and our house sitters will be arriving, make a list of what things to check as we walk out the door, and make sure all toilets are flushed….learned that the hard way!  I also highly suggest checking your washer, dryer, and dishwasher before leaving town; I have a friend who once came home to every towel she owned being mildewed after sitting in the dryer wet an entire week…YUCK!

Traveling, especially if you travel frequent can be insane, just remembering your travel plans can be wearing.  I have a specially marked folder for each trip that I am planning, from the first day when I locate the destination, until the last moment when I return and tuck all the receipts away.  Of course, I keep everything so I can share every single juicy detail.  There is no need to go to my extreme, but having a travel folder is good for reservations,confirmations, and any other important information you might need while away.  Yes, we can have all this on hand with our tech savvy world, but a paper copy is good in case the tech savvy world crashes…in say during a thunderstorm. 

My personal motto for travel is keeping it as stress free, and easy going as it possibly can be.  Travel, especially traveling with my family is to be memorable, laughable, and just about making memories together. 

Happy Adventures!

~Becky

Mother- Daughter Roadtrip to Chicago

Every little girl and her momma need to have that time to connect and know each other outside of the normal day to day.  Of course, this was an unintentional Mother-Daughter Road trip, as originally Dad and Brother was suppose to tag along, but bailed on us. 

We departed from home mid-morning on Friday, and slowly took our time getting to Chicago.  I must say, it was more like road tripping with my gal pal than my daughter.  Big Girl jokes, hysterical comments, and even her snagging my phone to text people pictures of out road trip.

Being from a small town, in rural Missouri, I was a bit scared to travel to Chicago by myself.  Those fears were much unneeded, while I am sure like many other big cities there are sections of towns that you do not cross over to.  However, we were downtown Chicago at the River North Hotel by Best Western, walking distance from everything, and I was amazed how clean, and beautiful Chicago really was.  Unlike many big cities I have ventured to, I was impressed how friendly everyone is, from the hotel staff (I know they get paid to be nice, but they were just ordinarily friendly), to my Taxi Driver, and to the great folks at all our stopping points. 

In the video above you can see a few of the sights and sounds from out trip, and all the memories we created.  I must confess we are not the typical traveler, and load our weekend up on shopping, and entertainment.  We most just took in the sounds, the sights, and some really good tastes from Chicago. 

I asked Lesse as we returned what her favorite thing about Chicago was, and she said being with you Mom, oh and SPRINKLES Cupcakes…and I second that! 

Have an Adventures Day! 

Disclosure:  we were given a media rate by Best Western River North during our visit. 

Alley Spring near Eminence Missouri

Visit Alley Spring Website  for more details on location & hours! 

Pickle Springs Natural Area

Elephant Rocks State Park.....Natures Jungle Gym

Take a climb along Missouri’s Elephant rocks; Nature’s jungle gym, hidden away in Missouri.

The 7.5-acre Elephant Rock natural area may be small compared to many Missouri State Parks, but you will find much to do while there.  The giant red granite boulders make the perfect playground for kids of all ages!  Scramble, jump, climb to the top, squeeze between the smallest crack, and hear your echo from the top of the mountain.  A perfect photo backdrop, an outdoor jungle gym for children of all ages, and a trail specifically designed for people with visual or physical disabilities.  Continue to read more....

A Pickle Springs Hike for St Patrick's Day

A photo of our recent hike at Pickle Springs Recreational Area near Farmington, MO.

Tower Rock, Perry County Missouri

I recently posted this photo of facebook asking folks to name what great Missouri beach my Mr. Adventure was at, of course, I even stumped our own Jo Schaper…sorry Jo!

Our Great Missouri beach, happened to be at Tower Rock, and as usual after posting a mysterious photo as that I got a flood of questions “what is Tower Rock”…well what is Tower Rock.

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A View of Missouri

Cotton Fields of Missouri

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Rocky Falls

Cape Rock River Front 

Missouri State Fair

To Learn about these Great Places Read More Here

Memories at Dillard Mill in Davisville, MO

I often get questioned on why I am so passionate about not only travel, but about traveling in Missouri. While I love to travel for the excitement, the chaos that comes along from traveling with the kids, and of course the adventure of seeing something new, my passion for travel is driven by making memories. I have found family travel not only brings us together at that very moment, but also brings us together in our memories.

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Dillard Mill State Historic Site

 

Preparing for our Mid-Winter Missouri Vacation

Yes it is February, and every year come February I come down with a severe case of Cabin Fever.  This year has been a little better, but still I am ready to get out doors and get back to have some major Adventures!  

Normally, about this time of the year I hightail it south to hit the beaches, visit our beloved GaGa, and soak up some of that southern sun.  This year, being that I am the Missouri Traveling Mom, and well we have a few more hectic schedules now that the kids are a few years older, we decided we would make our Mid-Winter Vacation easier, and stay in Missouri!  However, I discovered it is a HARD choice of what to do in Missouri, because there is so MUCH to do!    

I will not disclose where we have chosen to hangout at…you must stay tuned next week to my Missouri Traveling Mom’s Blog for the juicy details…but I will give you a several of the amazing places that we had to choose from!  

 Skiing in Missouri…

Most of would high tail it Colorado for some winter snow fun, but did you know that you can actually Ski in Missouri.  Welcome to Wildwood, MO home of Hidden ValleySki and Snowboard Area…..immediately when I discovered this place, I added it to my list of must do with my little adventurous man!

Steelville Missouri…..

Steelville, MO  known to be the floating capital of Missouri, and folks I can tell you from my visit last summer it truly is packed with floaters!  However, in the middle of winter not to many folks want to hop on the river and float on down….imagine that…but that leaves Steelville peaceful, quiet, and well just beautiful!  Inside Steelville Missouri, I have discovered Westover Farm, and I have added this beautiful place to my list of must sees in Missouri.  Personally, I am hoping they provide Nanny Service, because this place looks like the perfect place for me to hide out and catch up on that much needed sleep!

Kansas City, MO….

Who needs to head to the beach, when we have all the indoor water fun we need inside the state of Missouri?  I know right, who is thinking about water parks in February…really who is thinking of putting on a swimsuit in mid-February…I guess that would be me!  CoCo Key Water Resort has an all inclusive package that can make your mid-winter vacation not only fun, but very affordable!    

Branson, MO….

We all know how fabulous Branson, MO is, but like many other places we think of Branson for just certain months of the year.  Well unbelievably, I received this idea from my beloved Outlaws (yes the in-laws).  Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort…loaded with fun, excitement, yet still boasting with relaxation.  Big Cedar Lodge, has not only made Becky’s list of places that we must check out, but has also made The Outlaws’ list, so you know it is bound to be good! 

These are just our top four selection of our Mid-Winter Missouri Vacation, but I assure you that you want to stay tune next week to see what crazy fun adventure we have been on! 

May you have an Adventurous weekend!

~Becky 

For more great travel info, or a few good laughs follow on twitter @BeckyAdventure 


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