Missouri Star Girls Trip 2 - Days 7 & 8

 It's morning and we have PLANS!  We have a 9:00 appointment to see the Clydesdales!!!  So excited.  Now to get all my little chicks in a row and get out of here. 

We arrive a few minutes early to our appointment and that gives me a chance to peek around and breathe.  This was the ONE thing I really wanted to do on this trip and we've gone WAY out of our way to do it.  Here is the Warm Springs Ranch LINK so you can see all that we say - including baby Clydesdales.  Enjoy.

From the ranch, we head to Columbia, MO (still NOT going the right direction and this is about to bite us big time.)  In Columbia, we find a great quilt shop and here is the link to the Appletree Quilting Center so you can see how great it is as well. 

Next town is Jefferson City, MO and at least we are moving south at this point.  Jen has found our LAST quilt shop stop for this trip and it's a good one.  

I find two items on my list here and others walk out with multiple bags.  Even with crazy computer issues --- it was a wonderful stop.  By now, it's almost noon, so let's get lunch and then get on the road.  Goodness, but this is a slow moving train.  Mel's Country Cafe is open (we've tried several places, once again and this time - one of the exits we needed was totally not there) and fits our need perfectly.

An hour and a half later, it's time to stretch the legs a bit and why not a super touristy place?  The candy part sounds great as I still need fudge for my sweetie.  We are in Phillipsburg, MO and I find that funny because one of the best candy shops in Montana is in Phillipsburg.

This is like a Buckee's - only with mostly candy.  Even the bathrooms are wonderful.

 

Yes, please.

So many taffy flavors.

And some fun candy too --- I can't believe Sherri didn't walk out with Pez.

There's even a kitchen at the back to watch them work, but not today.

Look at that cotton candy wall behind the taffy.

Oooooh, I likey.

In the same parking lot is The World's Largest Gift Store - well that at least needs a peek, right?

It's pretty big, for sure.

Ooooh, love me some wind chimes.

Mister REALLY would love some yard art.  NOT.

If you want it -- they've likely got it.

Time to go.

At this point, some reevaluation takes place and we know we have to put some miles on - even though that means missing some fun things along the way.  We just need one more day, but our driver really doesn't have it.  It is what it is.  By 6:30 - we've made it to Arkansas.

Hold your breath, y'all.

Thankfully, my sweet Mister has a hotel waiting for us in Fort Smith and after some dinner, I'm so ready for bed.  

Day 8 is here and that means it's our last day together.  We've parted ways with Gwen and Frieda as they need a different route now and that's super sad, but I understand that all good things must come to an end.  At any rate --- look out the window and enjoy the process.

THIS has us befuddled and I have to send this picture to Mister.  What would YOU buy?

There's our state ---- nice to be back.

We make it back to Dallas by 3, after dropping Lori off.  There is still time for Jen (3 1/2 hours) and Sherri (5 hours) to make it home tonight so good-byes are quick and they are off.  My heart is full and I'm so thankful to these women who take time from their lives to play.  Until our next trip -- Stay creative Y'all.