We had a great day with Punxsutawney Phyllis today! She made a quick stop at our house during her
World Tour and she had some wonderful stories to share with us while she was here. She also let us know that she wanted to be sure and get some kicks down on Route 66 before she left… so we went for a cruise this afternoon before she left town.
First we made a stop in Galena to visit an old friend, Tow Mater. Phyllis really enjoyed catching up with him and hearing about the glamourous days he spent in Hollywood working on his latest movie.
Always the jokester, Pete surprised Phyllis by showing up unexpectedly. We gave him a hard time about wearing a winter sweater in 80 degree weather… but he didn’t seem to mind!
Next we traveled to the Tri-State Marker. Phyllis thought it was so funny that she could be in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri at the same time!
By then the heat was getting pretty intense… especially for Pete in that crazy sweater! I suggested we go check out Grand Falls, Missouri’s largest natural, continually flowing waterfall.
We were all surprised to find a crowd of people swimming and jumping from the cliffs nearby. Pete jumped right in with them! Phyllis wasn’t quite sure WHY it’s so warm for March… but none of us were complaining.
After drying off, we decided to go to Cunningham Park to run around.
Phyllis was sad when I told her that the tornado in Joplin had torn up the park last year… but she was happy that it is so beautiful now!!! Volunteers from all over the world have been here to help rebuild the city and they started there to give everyone a place to play.
Cunningham had always been my son Collin’s favorite park, but today was the first day we went back since the storm. Phyllis was just as excited as he was and they went down the slide together A BILLION times!!!
Finally, we ended our visit the best way we knew how… with CANDY! Phyllis LOVES candy and said that the chocolate at Richardson’s Candy House is ALMOST as good as the maple candy she makes with her family back home.
We were really sad to see Phyllis go, but she had to head out to California this evening. But before she left, she told us a REALLY funny story… I’ll be sure to tell all of you about it tomorrow!
It looks like Phyllis had a great time! Your family was a great host! My son would love the Tow Mater — how cool is that!
This is SO FANTASTIC, Andi! I can see how much fun Phyllis had with you! Look at her smile on that slide! So many great sights she got to see. She’s going to be the most well-traveled groundhog in the history of the world! Thank you for taking her to so many neat places! You all continue to amaze me with your imagination, creativity, and enthusiasm (and with your photo-shopping ability where it was called for :)) Thank you so much for having Phyllis!
There’s been an ongoing debate in our house about where Tow Mater and all his pals really live. I had no idea is was Missouri! The pictures of Pete in his sweater are still cracking me up.
Galena is actually in Kansas (JUST over the state line from us). I’m STILL not sure where Lightning McQueen lives though… if you find out let us know!!!
This was so GREAT! Phyllis had a blast with you! This tour is amazing!
This was great! Loved the way Phyllis really got into things. I’m learning so much about different places, as well. (And I’m wondering how long I’ll be singing about Route 66 after reading this post?)
Very cool Andi. Loved how you have taken Phyllis around. Very interested in the “funny story” can’t wait to hear that.
(also can’t wait for her to turn up here)
It looks like Phyllis is having a great time. I can’t wait to host her Down Under
That park looks amazing.
Wonderful pictures! Cute kids! I, too, enjoyed learning about your part of the world!
You guys did an awesome job showing Phyllis around town! I love the picture of her sliding with your son
Great post and pics! Love your photoshopping capability.
Wow! What a great time for Phyllis AND Pete!
Looking forward to the funny story 😀
This is just great. Sorry I’m so late commenting. I just love the picture on the slide…so cute. I’ll bet your son had the time of his life helping to entertain Phyllis.
Love the post and all of those great photos! My 6 year old daughter would especially like the candy one, as that was her favorite part of the book – when the kids were all getting sweets. lol!