Col, Ren, Charli & Kobe's USA Holiday

Today was the day the we left Oklahoma City, and drove to Dallas. The direct drive would have been about 3 hours, and would have given us scenic views of a multi lane highway, and probably lots of overpasses. Instead, we took a longer route which was more scenic.

We took off in the morning at about 10am and headed towards Lawton Oklahoma. The main reason for going out that direction was nestled in the Wichita Mountains was the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. This was an area of about 60,000 acres was established in 1901 to protect the American Bison, Rocky Mountain Elk, and Texas Longhorns from extinction. There is no cost to going there, and you just drive, camp, walk around and see the animals in their natural environment. There are no cages, and the animals can go anywhere they want. While we were there, we saw both the American Bison and Texas Longhorns. The Texas Longhorns we were no more than 10 metres away from, and American Bison was about 20 metres away from where we were. They are impressive creatures.

The Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center	The view from the lookout
Charli and Kobe playing in the visitor centre	Charli looking around
Texas Longhorns	American Bison

After seeing the animals we went to the visitor centre. It had a video on the park, and also showed and had the animals that you could see in the park. Charli and Kobe both seemed to enjoy this, as there were things they could see and do, unlike the Oklahoma City Memorial that we were at a couple of days prior.

A little bit down the road, after passing multiple Indian Casinos, we entered Texas!

Yeehaw!
Driving the streets..	Sometime making sure you are on the right road can be a little challenging

A little further down the road, we arrived in Wichita Falls and stopped at a playground so the kids could get out and have a run. There was a nice playground which I think the kids appreciated.


After that, we got back on the road and headed to the hotel in Dallas. We arrived shortly after 5pm. After originally thinking of taking a 3 hour trip, we took a route that took over 7 hours from departure to arrival. While tired when we arrive, it was worth the extra effort.

We considered having tea at the hotel, but instead chose to go to Sonny Bryans Smokehouse. This is an old BBQ Smokehouse that has been here since 1958. Since then they have opened up another 8 locations, but we went to the original one. The dining room (if you would call it that) was a small coridor which had seats and desk like tables attached to each. The meat itself was delicious and had a flavour I hadn't tasted before. Between us we had Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken, Ham, Sliced Beef, Sausage and Ribs.

Sonny Bryans Steakhouse	Where you order the food
The dining room was about 20 of these chairs and desks	The Food :-)

After tea, we went to the supermarket around the corner to stock up on a few things. Then back to the hotel for bath, stories and bed for the kids.

Every time we are referring to the hotel room we are staying in, both Renee and I say we are going back home or something to that effect. Every time we mention it, Charli will instantly correct us "Its not our home, its our hotel".

Kobe got very excited a couple of days ago at the hotel as in the room cupboard was what Kobe called 'A Rocket'. I called Renee over to show her what he was talking about. Apparently, Kobe doesn't know what an iron is. But then again, why should he?? We never use one :-)

We thought that was the end of it until yesterday he was looking in the cupboard and got excited because he thought there was a skateboard. Yep, you guessed it. An ironing board.

Anyway.. Thats it for today. Tomorrow will be Dallas World Aquarium and 6th Floor Museum.