Everything's up to date in Kansas City

We'll soon be heading out on another road trip, so I guess it's about time that I posted about our last trip, a long Memorial Day weekend spent in Kansas City with the grandparents.

 

Though we've lived just a few hours away for the past six years, we'd never been to Kansas City, so it seemed like a good candidate for a weekend away. Matt's parents flew in from California and met us there, and it turned out to be the perfect spot. Our apartment was located about a half mile from KC's Plaza area, which was perfect for walking around, checking out the shops, and taking in some of the city's great fountains.

On our first afternoon, Matt, my father-in-law, and I visited the National World War I Museum and got a personal tour from the dad of one of our friends, who works there. The museum was really interesting and very well done, and I wish we could have spent more time there. It also afforded some beautiful views of the city.

On day two, we all headed to the Truman Presidential Library in nearby Independence. It was the first presidential library, and it shows its age a bit, but it was still well worth the visit. The inner garden where Truman and his wife and daughter are buried was really lovely. We also drove around downtown Independence a bit and stopped for ice cream at Clinton's Soda Fountain, where Truman had his first job.

That afternoon, we discovered the coolest children's bookstore and a delicious ice cream spot, both of which B loved, of course.

Saturday morning was all about B, and after a stop at a great coffee shop, we headed to Kaleidoscope, a fun kids' arts and crafts space hosted by Hallmark (which is headquartered in KC). While we were waiting for our group to go in, we also toured the Hallmark Visitor Center, which was surprisingly interesting. I liked this quilted tree, which was part of an ornaments display.

Then, we walked around the fountains in Crown Center and headed over to Union Station to check out the miniature train exhibit there. It's a beautiful building, and B loved watching the trains. There was even a whole train display made of Legos.

While B and the grandparents napped that afternoon, Matt and I headed to the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum, which was amazing. We were only able to do a short visit, and I hated to leave so soon. The contemporary art section was particularly enjoyable. I'm itching to make that last work into a quilt.

And more quilty inspiration from the World War I Museum and the Plaza!

After dropping off the grandparents on Sunday morning, we had a lovely lunch with some old friends from Houston who now live in KC, and then we had to make the obligatory Ikea stop on the way out of town. It was a wonderful weekend. Thanks, KC!