The Best Christmas Vacation EVER: Part 2

The first morning we woke up it was to the smell of COFFEE and BACON!! I tell you what, anytime I wake up to the smell of coffee and bacon and I ain't the one who is behind the stove making that yumminess happen, I am in HEAVEN!! Billie served us Pancakes, Bacon, Eggs, Coffee, Orange juice and Milk..........my kids made Billie's day when they pulled out paper plates I had packed and saved her the trouble of all those dishes!!

After we ate, we bundled up and headed out for our day of fun and shopping! We had planned on a sleigh ride that afternoon but since the windchill was in the negatives and the wind was gusting up to 35 mph we decided to cancel. So, our first stop was walking around the pond.......BRRR! It was FREEZING! The pond was frozen solid so Erika ventured out onto it......about 5 feet! Dave was standing by the entire time this picture was being taken!

We then loaded up and headed to town. I forgot to post about the first night we were there, we took the kids to the Veterans Memorial Park in Cottonwood Falls. They have an entire wall dedicated to all the Veterans who have served in all U.S. Conflicts since the Civil War. Of course our son Robert was in his element and we all had to wait for him as he looked over EVERYTHING they had in this park. The kids fell in love with the Helicopter and Tank they had on display so of course I had to snap a picture of that!

So on Saturday, we handed all our kids their $5 to go spend on a Gag gift for our annual "White Elephant" gift exchange. We instructed them to meet us at the Emma Chase Cafe for lunch at 12:30 and we all set off. First stop was the mercantile. This place is full of homemade fudge, jams and jellies, various teas and coffees and tons of items made here in Kansas. I bought Robert and Nik a bottle of Elderberry extract for their allergies and found some green tea lozenges that I LOVE but can't find around HERE! Erika was my shopping buddy and we had a blast looking and tasting all the yummy items that shop keeper had on display. We then went to the local Western wear shop and looked at tons of boots and clothing. Not to mention they sale various pieces of jewelry all hand crafted by artisans from the area. Next stop the local hardware store that has devoted it's top floor to area artists to display their wares. We caught up with Jessica, Talia and Lilia at this store and ooo-ed and ahh-ed over many gorgeous displays. From there we found the town's very own Thrift Store!! We were in HEAVEN and I found a brown jacket from Old Navy that appeared practically new for only $2! I love a great deal. Jessica and Talia found their White Elephant gifts and we all had a great laugh! Next stop........the local Weavers shop. Inside the Fiber Factory, there are 4 huge looms at work. An elderly gentleman who has a HUGE collection of cameras owns this lovely establishment. WE walked in and there was the rest of my family. Robert and Nik were in a discussion with the owner who was in the process of showing him ANY camera they wanted to see. Little did I know that Dave had purchased a beautiful area rug for my kitchen! He gave it to me when we left the shop...........it is made out of DENIM and looks WONDERFUL in my kitchen in front of the sink! He is so thoughtful!! The owner told Dave and I how impressed he was with our sons and how knowledgeable they both were on various subjects of history. Is it wrong of me to say that I am proud of the fact that we have raised children who don't think the elderly are an inconvenience? That our children think that their elders actually may have a thing or two that THEY know that is worth listening to?

We then went to the Chase County Museum.
Wow! We were AMAZED at the display of Chase County history in this one building. The numerous items that were donated was astounding. Our family spent a few hours in this building and finally decided to go eat at 1:15 when I was becoming CRANKY and light-headed. Off to Emma Chase Cafe for some more home-cooking!

After lunch we then headed to the Chase County Courthouse for a personal tour. We we so fortunate to see this GORGEOUS building and to learn the history behind how it came to be.



After our tour, we were all wore out. We loaded into the van and went back to the Stonehouse. Dave and I decided a nap was in order and much to our surprise......several of our kids followed suit. Erika took the camera and her and Nik went on a walk and snapped a few pictures while us bums took our siesta! When I woke up, I began getting the food in the oven that I had brought from home. Billie and I had decided to share our evening meal together. Mexican food! Refried Beans, Rice and Enchiladas!! I must say........it was YUMMY!


After supper, we had our pajama exchange, then had our White Elephant Gift exchange, played "Cranium" for a few hours then watched "A Christmas Story!" You can't go wrong with Ralphie!! We turned in around 1 a.m. and I know we were all EXHAUSTED!!





So ends the details of second day of our vacation. I promise the last installment will be short and sweet. I wanted to blog as much as I could so I wouldn't forget some of the details for when I scrap this.