Day 22: Kentucky
Today kicked off with an unexpected wake-up call at 6:15 am courtesy of Dallas, who clearly has a talent for getting everyone up bright and early! Emotions were running high as we realized it's our last full day together. There was excitement bubbling up about heading home to see friends and family, mixed with a tinge of sadness knowing we'll be leaving behind all the great friends we've made.
We wasted no time hitting the road, starting our journey in Illinois with a scrumptious breakfast of donuts that definitely hit the spot. The drive wasn't too long compared to our recent adventures, clocking in at around four hours. Finally, we made it to Churchill Downs, where we discovered (much to Reed's surprise, I'm sure) that it has nothing to do with Winston Churchill! It's all part of the charm of traveling and learning new things along the way!
Lots of naps on the bus today!
Coop sleeping with MC.
Tucker taking a much needed nap...
Ella Kate and her friend sleeping!
Gabi taking a nice nap!
Donut and grapes for breakfast this morning!
Crossing into Indiana!
The boys very tired after being woken up early and sleeping on the bus.
Happy birthday to our beloved Ian!!! 23 has never looked so good!!!!
MC and Scarlett getting drinks at the Pilot gas station!
Reed getting sturdy...
Miss America selfie!
More naps...
Gracen putting on the state sticker!
Coop taking a much needed nap.
Addison putting on the Kentucky sticker!
Before we embarked on our adventures off the bus, we fueled up with a lunch spread that could rival a gourmet picnic: bread (surprise!), pepperonis, cheese that was almost too cheesy, popcorn for that satisfying crunch, and donut holes! It was a feast fit for champions, or at least for hungry travelers like us.
After satisfying our appetites, we gathered for a quick photo op in front of Churchill Downs, capturing the moment in all its historic glory! Then, it was off to explore! We explored the museum, where we couldn't resist trying on some jockey gear—because who doesn't dream of riding like the wind at the Kentucky Derby? Of course, no museum visit is complete without a glance at the gift shop(where a large variety of feathery, big hats were on display… which we obviously tried on and quickly put back due to the pricing).
Our next stop was a cinematic masterpiece—a short, but incredibly dramatic movie about the Kentucky Derby that had us on the edge of our seats. Fast horses, fierce competition, and nail-biting finishes.Then came the highlight: the tour! Led by our knowledgeable guide, we strolled through the iconic race track, soaking in the history and imagining the thundering hooves of champions past. It was a day filled with tales of triumph, glitz, and a touch of horse-racing glamour!
Laney doing her research on the Kentucky Derby
Reed presenting wise words on Churchill Downs
Luke rounding us out with the state of Kentucky
Ren watching a screen with horse race.
Ella Kate riding the horse display.
TWB participants watching the movie about the history of the Kentucky Derby.
TWB on our Church hill Downs tour.
Grey paying very close attention to Ferguson-- our tour guide.
We used the restroom and packed up to take a drive to… THE ORIGINAL KFC!!! On the bus we started practicing our talents for the talent show (well, what we have of them). We then finally arrived to KFC, where the cooks went to set up our AMAZING FOOD.
Fueled by the Colonel's secret recipe, we ventured into the KFC museum, marveling at the history of those 11 herbs and spices.We rehearsed for 15 minutes and then got called in to get our food. We toured the museum and made our way to take a group photo. After we loaded on the bus and took a short 7 minute drive to Levi Jackson State Park!
Happy :)
Bashful :)
Sleepy :)
Grumpy :)
Dopey :)
Two handsome boys enjoying their KFC.
Sneezy's hard at work!
Once we arrived at the park, we all gathered around a stage and performed our skits. The counselors even participated! It was a fun way of reflecting back on what happened, and we relieved many of the memories we made throughout the trip.
It was fianlly time for the reveal of our big winners! The Dopey's brought home first place with their busssss rein action that head everyone belly laughing! As for the best cooks of the trip, the Sneezy's brought home gold with their culinary expertise and teamwork! And now... drumroll... for the ultimate winners of the entire trip... TWB 2024 Trip 1... it's the... SLEEPY'S!!! Afterwards we gathered all of our stuff from the bus and vans for the last time, and now everyone is working hard to get their jobs done for the last night.
Stayed up until midnight for our THREE birthdays!!!!
Now, as we settle down under the stars for one more TWB sleep, we reflect back on the trip and try to make the last few hours we have together count!
For now, us Grumpy’s say goodnight!
