This isn't the way we arrived. We rented a car, a sports car no less, and high-tailed it to Omaha, stopping at every Sonic on the way...as well as stopping at every rest area. I am becoming somewhat disturbed at how familiar the road has become. I've only traveled on it a few times a year at most. Still, it seems that I've visited Omaha quite a bit. Anyway, the trip here was somewhat boring, as Iowa tends to be. Not much going on on the ride. The car itself is a Mitsubishi (??) Eclipse. A lot of road noise. It makes listening to the radio kind of annoying, as you are just trying to drown out the road noise. I don't think I'll make a purchase anytime soon.
Last time I was in Omaha, I travelled with Ellie. It appears that we are probably doing the same itinerary. Our first stop was to the Mormon Trail center as well as visiting the temple, this time in daylight. I tried to impress upon Hayden the importance of the temple, and why we consider it so sacred. I think he understands. He was kind of disappointed that he could only enter the temple when he became 12 when he did baptisms for the dead. Still, it was hard for me to keep from breaking down when you saw the list of people buried there in the adjoining cemetery. So many children. What the mormons of that time had to do to ensure that the gospel would survive and so they could practice their religion. I feel so small compared to them.
The visit into the center was a bit less emotional. As we went by the exhibits, I told Hayden about what it meant. He seemed to have a good grasp of it, but he's never had to deal with it so it is still kind of foreign to him. He really liked the log cabin and how a family lived back then. I asked him how he thought our family would enjoy living in such a small house. "It wouldn't work." was his reply. The oxen pulling the wagon was also of great interest. He wanted to know what they were. Buffalo? Cow? He finally determined that they were "made of meat."
After the visit to the center, we then tried to find Old Country Buffet. I tried to let him know that if I couldn't find it, that he shouldn't be disappointed. I mean, I came down the hill and nothing but concrete and signs were presented to me. It was densly packed with people trying to sell me stuff. Well, we did find it and actually had a very good meal. I don't want to sound so surprised by that, but it was really a good meal.
We are staying in a Motel 6. In keeping with my expectations, it is firmly placed in a more industrial area, with lots of tractor sales and shops around us. The place really isn't that bad and I was kind of surprised at how nice the room is. Nice beds, good cable selection on the TV...and then I found the hole in the wall. Not that intrusive, but still, it made me come back to reality. It is a Motel 6. I was kind of put off that upon checking in the girl doing so was behind a small window with little access. Then I had to think that she was fairly petite and cute for that matter. Perhaps it is best that in this job, she is a little removed. Also of some pause was the police car that drove through the parking lot as we were getting our bags. Of course, that is exactly what I would want police to do so why it unnerved me a bit is rather paranoid.
Also when checking in, one of the other guests mentioned the indoor pool. Hayden became excited but I mentioned "Too bad we didn't bring anything for that." At which Hayden stood back, wagged a finger and said, "Let's not be too fast here. I have something." The boy plans for everything. Kind of cool how serious he takes his trips.
Tomorrow, off to the museums.
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