Nebraska. Why yes there is more than cornfields.

[momof3kids-Yvonne 596]

After a restful night’s sleep we were ready to get back on the road. First though we would need to get some breakfast. There was a Denny’s right by the hotel so that is where we decided to go.

Before you knew we were back on the road and couple of hours later we were driving by here.

Then we exited of I 70 and got on to I 435. This Casino has sentimental value to us. Not because we would go gambling there, but rather we would go there to eat when Steve’s dad lived in Liberty, MO. He loved his buffets.

The next thing you know we saw this

and we started hearing, “I want to go to Worlds of Fun!” coming from the back seat. Steve said we would on the way back. So, that means we would be adding a day to our time already scheduled in Kansas City and losing one of our Omaha days.

Once you go past Worlds of Fun there is really not much to see. So, Jessica decided just to have her dolls hang around for a bit.

She got bored with that and let us know it. I suggested she play a game on her IPod, read or maybe even take a little nap. Nah she didn’t want to do those. So Steve said she should make a sign saying, “Are you Norwegian?”

Now why is it if I tell her to do something she won’t, but when Steve tells she does it willingly?

So anyways after making her sign and holding it up to the cars that passed by, she decided she need another survey question.

Not sure how many people could actually read the signs, but it kept her occupied and we got a good laugh out of it.

After getting on to I-29 and then Hwy 2 we made it into Nebraska then stopped for gas and to switch drivers at Nebraska City. I drove for a bit until we got just past Lincoln. Then we let Drew drive. He had just finished his drivers ed course and had passed his driving test. He would have to wait until we got back to actually go get his license though. Steve has been more apprehensive than me about letting him drive on the interstate. I felt he need the experience and it would be better that he got it while he was in the car with us. So we let him drive from Lincoln to Gothenburg on I-80. He was doing really good and before you knew it we had reached Kearney.

We didn’t stop though.

After stopping in Gothenburg, Nebraska to get gas, beer and wine we got back on the road. At this point we were off the interstate and about an hour from our destination. It was early evening and being that we were in the country my job now became the official “Deer Watcher” as they can do some serious damage if they run into your car. I stopped one, but thankfully it did not try to run out into the road.

We reached Arnold (population 618) and went to our hotel.

There are two hotels in town. The older hotel is the one we normally stay at, but it was booked up. So as I had mentioned on another post we were going to stay at the newer hotel. We really liked it. The elderly lady managing it treated us like family. She even insisted we do laundry using the washing machine and dryer that they she used for washing the towels and bedding. She showed us where the extra towels were kept if we needed them and even treated us to lunch one day while we were in town. Yep. Lou was right some of the best folks you could meet in Nebraska.

Here is our room.

The bathroom was to your left as you entered the room.

We had one of the two suites.

We then decided to go and get a bite to eat at one of the two bars in town. They are literally across the street from each other. One of Steve's high school classmates was now the owner of the bar where we were going.

Steve has one brother who still lives in town and another one who lives in Storm Lake, Iowa. The one who lives in Iowa decided to come to town when we were there. So, we got to visit with him too.

Following dinner (sorry no pictures I forgot to bring the camera and my phone), we went back to the room and visited a bit with Steve's brother Jim. Then he left and we called it a night.

[doodlebug....Cherie 461]

Ok this is just to funny. No, I'm not Norwegian. And as for the second one.....maybe. :rofl2:

[Nicki aka Rebelstand 272]

Ok this is just to funny. No, I'm not Norwegian. And as for the second one.....maybe. :rofl2:

No I am not norwegian. I am sure at some point during the day I will probably get one. The question is will it be bad enough for me to fill the need to remove it. :rofl3:

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

The signs are awesome and will definitely be conducting a similar type survey in the future! Uh, I mean I will have DS conduct the survey.

[BRDof3...Rob 40]

I may have to try one of those signs next time I am having a boring road day for work.

I've been through the museum over I-80 in Kearney. It's kind of fun, but you had a lot more fun in your plans.

That museum gave us a bit of history. Bill-ary Clinton never came to Nebraska during his/her actual presidency. A short time after the 8 years were up, he came here to tour that museum. Don't we feel speshul?

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

Very cool update!!!!

[PureTcrazy...rita 380]

Love the signs and the breakfast pics! I do not currently have a wedgie and I am not Norwegian.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Not Norwegian, but I do enjoy school bread.

[momof3kids-Yvonne 596]

The next morning we got up and took turns getting into the bathroom for showers. You don’t realize how fortunate you are to have multiple bathrooms in your home until you only have one. Eventually Steve’s brother stopped by again. Steve, Jim (that’s his brother), Drew and Jessica decided to go across the road to the Cardinal Inn for breakfast.

They did not take any pictures, but Jessica said it was good.

Rachel and I stayed behind as we still need to get ready for the day. When we finished we were going to walk across the road to meet them. But before we could cross the road we noticed them coming back. Jim and Steve’s sister Cathy had been there a couple weeks earlier going through Steve’s dad’s belongings. Unfortunately it did not work out for Steve to be there then. While Jim was there he stayed at a family friend’s house. He wanted to take her a meal he had prepared as a thank you gift. So, we all decided to head over to visit Sue and her family. Sue’s son Mike graduated with Steve, but sadly passed away not long after graduation. We try to get by to see her when we are there.

After visiting for awhile we decided based on Sue’s recommendation to go check out the gravel pit. Steve and Jim had not been there in forever and well the kids and I had never been there.

Now why on earth would anyone want to go to a gravel pit?

Well as you can see there is a lot to do there. We were going to come back later, but never made it back.

Steve had to hang onto them because it sank down very quickly.

A family photo.

We went back to the hotel and there was talk about going swimming. Steve took the girls to the pool while I went over to the grocery store to pick up some food and drinks.

When they got back they broke right into the snacks. Pizza rolls was a snack that all three kids requested.

Steve and Drew later went over to the community center to shoot some hoops. The girls and I walked around town for a bit.

The bar we went to the previous night and would end up going to many nights while we were there.

The medical center. I don't know if this is still actually in use or not. Steve pointed out to the kids that the window on the right was the room for the dentist.

A view of our hotel from across the road.

The car dealership in town.

Where we normally stay when we visit.

We have never towed the camper there, but I was talking to the owners about the campsites. They are full hook up, have cable and have wifi connection all for somewhere around $20-30 a night. There is no pool right there, but the city pool only costs $2 per day to use.

Arnold school (K-12). Steve graduated from here as well as his sister, brothers, mom, dad, many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The Catholic Church where Steve grew up going to.

We then decided to head over to the park. Along the way we saw this.

They were giving rides to people who wanted them. Apparently this is something they do during the evenings and it cost exactly $0. Nilch. Nothing. They offer the rides to the folks in town as a gesture of good will.

We finally made it to the park. Sadly neither of the girls wanted to play. This was the first time since we have gone back that the playground equipment went unused by any of my children. Oh well I still took some pictures of it.

We then saw these mini ponies. Yes they were also giving rides to folks who wanted them.

Oh yeah, did I mention it was hot out?

We made it back to the main road that runs through town.

And returned to the room to see if the guys were back.

[momof3kids-Yvonne 596]

So no one yet is Norwegian and no one is fessing up about having a wedgie. :rofl3: :rofl2:

I don't know if we found anyone who had a wedgie, but we did find a Norwegian.

Of course in true TCD fashion, you will have to wait for that part of the trip report.

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

Looks like a great hometown morning!!!!

[stefa70 205]

:rofl2: Love the signs! No Norwegian here either, and (right at the moment) I do not have a wedgie.

What a fun way to pass time!

I love the pics of town. You don't see very many little towns like that anymore.

Pizza Rolls = Good choice of a snack.

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

Can't wait for the cliffhanger conclusion!

[doodlebug....Cherie 461]

Love the update. There is nothing like the feeling you get in a small town!!

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

I love the survey signs!

It is great to take the kids back to the town where your DH grew up.

I got to take my DD's to my old stomping grounds in New Jersey a few years ago- that was a very cool trip. And, it gave them a greater appreciation for where we live now.

Good jog on the cliffhanger! I can't wait to hear about the Norwegian! And I wonder if he/she had a wedgie?

TCD

[momof3kids-Yvonne 596]

I can't believe I let this go for so long.

Ok let's get back on track. It is still Tuesday, July 3rd. The girls and I have finished our stroll around town and the guys are back from playing basketball at the rec center. Arnold is known for having various events through out the year. The Fourth of July Blowout is the one we would be attending.

Here is what is planned for the event.

You will notice that the activities actually start on July 3rd with some game booths at the city park. We passed by this when we were out earlier and got to take a peek at what you could get if you won the games. Jessica decided she wanted to go back and play some games. So we all headed back over there.

Jessica played a few games and won some tokens.

Rachel decided that she would like to play some games too.

Jessica really liked this one. We have since bought one and she took it with us when we went camping.

It was then time to trade in their tokens.

Jessica picked these stuffed animals. She named the pig Snorty. I can't remember what the monkey's name is.

I forget what Rachel picked out.

Oh and guess where we are going now.

Yup for a ride around town. Trixie is the name of the horse who is pulling our wagon.

It was then time to head over to Steve's brother's house for dinner.

Jim cooked dinner for us.

He made some moussaka

and some burgers and chicken

After hanging out awhile talking and laughing it was time to head back to our hotel.

Jessica and Rachel had promised to help Lois the lady who was managing the front desk with the sign for her parade float. When we got back they went to find her and took care of that. Steve talked to her a bit later and came to find out she also wanted the girls help during the parade. Jessica decided she wanted to help out. So, it looks like she was going to take part in another activity during the Arnold Fourth of July Blowout.

So that meant tomorrow July 4th was already shaping up to be a busy day.

Oh did I mention Steve decided to do the "Firecracker Fun Run"?

Well he did. Our friend Sue's daughters talked him into it. He was trying to talk his brother Jim into going too.

[PureTcrazy...rita 380]

Bout time you got back to work! I love small town 4th of July events! We used to have the "Good Life Festival" but they quit so now we have nothing. Looking forward to the next installment!

[momof3kids-Yvonne 596]

The next morning Steve got up early to go to the "Fun Run" His brother Jim did make it out, but Sue's daughters did not. Steve was teasing them about that later. After the run, Steve and Jim went over to the Ministerial Breakfast at the Methodist Church. Jessica went with Lois to get lined up for the parade.

Before you knew it was time for us to go over and find a spot to watch the parade.

Here comes the Flag! The parade is about to start.

During this time the person announcing the parade was reading a poem. I have tried to find out what it was, but have not had any luck.

After the flags were placed the National Anthem was sung.

Then it was time for the parade to begin.

There were tractors.

then a horse

Here comes Jessica and Lois.

The theme for the parade was "The Wonderful World of Books" Jessica was passing out pennies and candy. Lois was pulling a crib with some crib mattresses in it. It was to represent the story The Princess and the Pea. Yes. I asked Jessica why she didn't pull the crib, but she said Ms. Lois wanted her to pass out the candy and pennies.

Here come some more floats.

Then some more horses.

Here is one for all you Boy Scouts.

Now here is something you don't see in too many parades today.

Here come some classic cars.

Then another one of those things you probably didn't see in the parade at the Fort.

Followed by more cars.

Shhh don't tell Doodle, but this is pretty much how we were seated when we stole borrowed the Miata.

[momof3kids-Yvonne 596]

Did you think the parade was over?

Well it's not.

And that was the end.

The street was clear.

We could get a picture of this.

Now why would we want a picture of that?

Did you notice the stone?

It says Koubek Gardens.

Koubek. That's us. There use to be a butcher shop here that was owned by Steve's grandfather. Steve's dad use to work here. Sadly they had to tear it down. They made the area into this little garden. My kids like to say we are famous because we have a Garden named after us.

Steve and Drew went to look for Steve's brothers and the girls and I went to take the candy they had collected back to the room.

Then we set out to find them.

They were here.

This is the other bar/ restaurant in town.

So, let's see so far the girls have played some games (on the 3rd), Steve ran, We watched the parade, Jessica helped pass out goodies. So what else was on that flyer?

Oh yes turtle races.

I know. TCD had crab races on his Dream report. But, I ask you did they have to go get there own crabs?

I didn't think so.

We never went to look for any turtles so, we did not participate.

Steve wanted to find a snapping turtle.

Here are some pictures of the turtle races.

They had this inflatable water slide set up.

Jessica didn't want to go on it because she thought it was just for "little kids."

We went back to the room and the next thing you know. Here's Jessica.

Guess she was worn out a bit.

After her nap the girls and I headed back over to the park to watch the Redneck Olympics.

We were just going to watch, but then a lady sitting near me had to get her daughter and leave. Their property was on fire. As you know it was very hot and dry in this area of the country. I am not sure if it was their house or farm land that caught on fire. Anyways, the lady's daughter was on one of the teams for the Redneck Olympics. When she had to leave the other girls crossed their team off the board. I said something to Jessica about seeing if they wanted another team mate. They did and she joined their team. They did not win, but she had fun and even made it on the North Platte News.

Some Redneck Olympic games.

This girl is spitting peas and Jessica is trying to catch them in the bucket.

Do you remember that water slide that Jessica was not going on earlier because it was for little kids?

I guess 100 degree temperatures will get you to change your mind about that. :rofl3: :rofl2:

[momof3kids-Yvonne 596]

Bout time you got back to work! I love small town 4th of July events! We used to have the "Good Life Festival" but they quit so now we have nothing. Looking forward to the next installment!

Sorry about that. I hate to say this, but I am going to have to take another break.

I am taking the girls to Maryland tomorrow for a little over a week.

[PureTcrazy...rita 380]

I love this report! The tractors, the floats, the horses, the games all of it! I didn't know I was connected to famous folks that have a garden named after them! Whoo!

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

Very cool!!!

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Ok, you had me at Farmall. I grew up on one of those.

Also, love the parade theme. I bet NYC or Boston has never had a 4th of July parade themed The Wonderful World of Books. That's why I love small town America.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

This all looks like so much fun that I am thinking of heading to Arnold for the 4th next year.

That gives me plenty of time to find a turtle!

Great job on the updates, Yvonne!

TCD

[Nicki aka Rebelstand 272]

looks like some fun was had by all. love the small town parade!!