After the soccer game we headed to downtown KC-Mo, for some afternoon activities and dinner. Parking at the Union Station garage, we entered the building with the idea of visiting the Science Museum. However, we saw that a model train exhibit was open at the end of the main concourse, and walked in on several terrific train layouts produced by different model clubs in the area. The largest was probably 100 foot long, and encompassed cities, countryside, subways, water features, and trains in several different gauges.
These included HO, Lionel, and "G" scale, or garden scale-the size that runs outdoors in the Singer family garden in Southport. There were separate Lionel layouts, "N" gauge, and "HO" gauge. The one that caught everyone's attention, though, was the special Lego train layout. Bennett was fascinated, as he is by all things "Lego".
We had gone there primarily to see Science City, but it was only going to be open another 10 minutes. We went in anyway, and all the kids had a great time running around and climbing on a few things. Actually, their father Tom did too! Here is a photo of the three boys in a donated former Police helicopter, similar to the ones the Army used in Vietnam called "Loach's". The last stop in the building was the Lego retail store. You can imagine who felt he had died and gone to heaven there!
There is a restaurant in Kansas City that is somewhat of an institution, called "Fritz's" in Crown Center. It's basically a 50's style hamburger joint, but the uniqueness is the way the food is delivered to the patron's booths. They have a "G" scale railroad running around the ceiling with trays suspended beneath the tracks, and the food (except drinks) is delivered on those trays. They are lowered when they reach your table. Food was OK, but you're there for the atmosphere! Pictured from left to right are Jim, Tom, Jenny, Bennett, Becky, Colin and Cormac.
High on a hill above Union Station is the National World War I Museum. Though we didn't visit it this time, we had gone there with the family on an earlier trip, and it is really worth a visit. It commemorates a war that is distant from the memories of most people, and provides a somber reminder of the "War to end all Wars". The view from the tower is the best 360 degree lookout you can get, and the exhibits are very well done and informative.Back at the house, we were all pretty whipped; watched the new "Star Trek" movie and went to bed.
Bright and early on an overcast Sunday morning, Jenny and Tom departed for a pre-game tailgate party at Arrowhead Stadium prior to the season's opener. It was a tough day for the intrepid fans, as they have become Kansas City Chiefs fans. Tough because they are both lifelong Dallas Cowboys fans, and boy were they conflicted as to who they should root for! They wisely decided to wear Chiefs paraphernalia in red and white, and when they joined us in the afternoon they were able to report the Chiefs won by a point!
We had the pleasure of being alone with the boys and the dogs, and spent a leisurely morning doing chores and computer work. The boys wanted to have lunch at one of their favorite spots, a Fireman-themed restaurant called "Firehouse Subs." OK food, but like Fritz's you go there for the atmosphere. We had fun with them, and got to watch the beginning of the Chief's/Cowboy's game.
In the afternoon Colin, age 11, had a basketball game about a 1/2 hour north of where they live. Cormac stayed home to do homework, but Bennett came with us to help cheer the team on. Here's a photo of Colin going after the ball. He's a good, gritty defensive player and fun to watch! Jenny and Tom joined us at the game, direct from Arrowhead Stadium. They were whipped from sitting in the baking sun! The weather, which had been cool in the morning, got pretty hot in the afternoon. The spectators just baked! Arriving back at the house, we were all too tired to cook or go out again, so we had pizza delivered and enjoyed watching "The Life of Pi."
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