Trip To Kansas To Visit Friends

 I did a friend post a few posts ago and said I would do a separate post for my friend Ashley. She lives in Kansas and so I don't get to see her very often. I had not seen her since dece in branson. Although we talk everyday. I am lucky to have tons of skymiles and so used some to go visit her end of july. Only cost me 5.00 for the flight. Cant beat that. When I arrived Ashley was still at work so I got the shuttle and went to a hotel by the aiport and waited for her. It was nice to relax after the early start I had had that morning. She came and after a lot of screaming at seeing each other we set out for the evening. First stop was Liberty Jail where Joseph Smith had stayed for a few months. It was amazing to see this for the first time and very overwhelming at what he had gone thought and in such a calm manner. After that we headed out to see the Kansas Temple. I had no idea there was one there so that was a thill for me. Ashley is not a member although she attended church with Jay Os for the three months she dated him, so it was very nice for her to plan such a fun evening for me. After seeing such a beautiful temple (I love the old style from the Midwest)  she took me to a restaurant called Strouds. OMG! I have never had chicken like it! Im still craving it so bad now and want to go back. lol. It was set in a beautiful garden, it looked like we were going into someones house and our table had a darling view of the grounds. We were saying what a wonderful place for a wedding it would be. It was amazing. We laughed and talked all night. Then we went to the store and back to our hotel for the evening. Next morning we headed to breakfast and then off to Mayatte which is about 90 mins from Kansas. Theres a casino there that the brothers were playing at. We arrived there around the same time as there band. We also met the brothers when they arrived a few hours later. Jay was thilled to see Ashley again. He knew I was going but I had kept her as a surprise. We caught up a bit and then went to a steakhouse in the casino. Wonderful, best steak ever. The band kept us laughing at dinner. We then all sat around the hot tubs for a few hours and just visited and caught up. Next morning we couldn't get ahold of Jay for brunch so went with Merrill instead. Spent a fun few hours talking to him. He had forgotton his belt for the show so Ashley and I drove to the closest walmart to get him a new one. When we were taking it to his room we bumped into jay finally. He had had a rough night poor guy. We hang out with him for awhile and then took Merrill his belt. That evening was the show and it was wonderful of course. Jay made sure to find us in the crowd and come give us a hug. He knows I expect him to find me and he always does. After the show I had him sign a book he had written. He signed it To my friend Debbie, Awww!! We wanted to go back to the steakhouse with the band and brothers but decided not too. It was pretty pricey, we went somewhere else but then wished we hadn't and had gone with the other choice. lol. After that we met everyone at the hot tub again and had a fun evening of just talking and laughing. We had been given 25.00 of free play so we did that. I had never gambled before and I was bored before I even spent my money. lol I won 14.00 on my free play tho so that was cool. Then ice cream and bed at 3.00am. Next morning up for ride back to airport. Sad goodbye to Ashley and I waited for my plane. All of a sudden Jay and Merrill come rushing over to me at the airport. Seems we were all on the same flight going home to Utah. How cool was that!!! They were sitting just two seats ahead of me and jay came and talked to me during the flight. Best flight ever lol. Said goodbyes to them and was thilled to meet Ralph at the airport and head out to dinner. Amazing trip. Loved it!!! I only took pictures the first day. I don't know why but the brothers treat me as a friend and not a fan and so I didn't want to become the fan and start getting pictures. I will at some shows but this just didn't feel right to spoil the time I had with them taking pictures. They are not the Os when I am with them, they are my friends and so yea just wasn't right taking pictures this time around. Grateful for the time I got to spend with them. Im very very lucky they treat me the way they do.

 This is where we ate at. Isnt it wonderful?

 Our view from out table.