"My soul is full of longing for the secret of the sea, and the heart of the great ocean sends a thrilling pulse through me." – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Author: The Great Kaysby
I’m a wife, mother, daughter, cat lover, believer in Him and His word, teacher, beauty consultant, actress, costumer, and avid volunteer. 👩🏻🦰 My biggest gift in life is how I can still experience the world with childlike wonder as an adult. 🤩 I love winning, prizes, shiny objects, travel, food, and games! I use emojis way too much but they make me happy! 😊
That phrase gets thrown around a lot. I mean A LOT. I’ve used it in my side hustle for almost 20 years in some form. Sometimes we called it “pampering” or “home spa time,” but the connotation was the same. As I’ve gotten older, “self care” has expanded from just surface level skin care to considering aspects such as gut health (a definite work in progress given I had Burger King for dinner), moving more, getting more than an adequate amount of sleep, and making sure that I drink a minimum of 64 to 80 ounces of water per day (also a constant work in progress because I LOVE COFFEE AND TEA). But what about my brain? Obviously, it benefits from non-interrupted sleep, water, diet, and physical activity, but what about doing things specifically for your brain? And I’m not talking about all of those apps that use buzz words like “Brain Age” and “Brain Health.” What am I actually doing to help my brain?
Some of the answers are obvious. I read, and I write. I try to do one of those daily just because they bring me immense joy. I am also a BIG learner. Seriously, I have always joked that you would know I won the Powerball if I just kept going to school over and over. Since being a perma-college student is not affordable, I take a variety of free online courses about various topics. Keeps me thinking! Plus, learning is a great way to work the brain. Trust me, you can teach an old dog (LilKsby thinks me and Mr Kisby are ancient) new tricks! Bonus, I enjoy teaching said tricks to other people which has been shown to help with brain health as well. I also enjoy playing games (and not just on the phone), putting together jigsaw puzzles, and listening to music. Binaural beats have become one of my jams along with my extensive playlist. As it turns out, I do quite a bit for my brain including giving it down time to pray and slow down.
What about you? Do you have a routine to provide your brain with some TLC?
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F Scott Fitzgerald
The days continue growing shorter, and there is a chill on the air when the sun starts to dip below the horizon. Leaves begin to change colors and beautify the landscape before blanketing the ground. Once more it will soon be time for hoodies, fuzzy blankets, and campfires. It’s the precursor to the best time of the year! Just one more sleep, and it will be…drumroll for excitement…
FALL!!!!
After surviving a sweltering and sweaty summer, there is nothing like the reprieve that comes with the arrival of Fall! Following a summer of avoiding heat, I am thrilled for it to be cool enough for outdoor activities! Hiking? Let’s go! Camping? Already booked! Thinking about visiting places like the zoo? Absolutely! Pumpkin patches? Yes, sir!!! Fall is the perfect time to get outside!
Are you ready for Fall? What’s your favorite part?
“I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.”
-Philippians 1:23-24
The only time I have ever heard someone cry out to the Lord to take them home was when I was 12. My grandmother had been sick and hospitalized for a very long time. During the hospitalization she had become very weak and trouble with walking. I distinctly remember that I was with her and my uncle, and my uncle was trying to help her get from the car to the house. While attempting to go up the one step, she fell, and she cried out that she just wished the good Lord would take her home. As I watched my uncle try to help her up, I was terrified. I was 12, and all I could think was that I didn’t want my grandma to die, and it scared me that she was willing to go to her Heavenly home. I was so scared and upset that instead of helping my uncle get her in the house, I went for a walk until enough time had passed that she was safely inside and feeling what my pre-teen mind conceived as better. That walk felt like the longest chunk of time, but the reality is that I just walked around the block. I was thankful that when I got back she was in the house and in her chair. This sight gave me the calm that I needed in that moment, and it assured me that my grandma was still with me.
Fast forward A LOT of years. During those years, she has since passed, but it was nearly 17 years later following a long health battle. My grandma was a warrior, but even as she fought valiantly, I would sometimes think back to those words. As an adult, I now realize that it wasn’t really that she was ready to go to Heaven when I was 12. Her cry to Jesus was more out of embarrassment from a fall, feeling physically weak, and feeling emotionally drained. Now, I know that we say things in the heat of the moment, and we often do not fully comprehend exactly what we are saying when we cry out to Jesus.
So how does this tie back to the scripture? Well, it’s been over 31 years, and I had never shared that story. Frankly, as far as I know only me, my grandmother, and my uncle ever knew it happened, and I’m not sure they remembered it. Earlier this week, upon discussing grief with a friend, I shared part of the story. Then today at Mass, the scripture at the beginning was shared. It made me think of their family’s current grief and my grandmother’s plea to the Lord all those years ago. Because of those circumstances, it made me think of losses in a different light. In many ways, those who are suffering from chronic or terminal illness, have lost most of their loved ones, etc may feel the words that St. Paul said: “My desire is to depart and be with Christ; for that is far better.” While I would like to live on this earth as long as possible (come on 100!), I have been around those who have come to peace with what is happening to them, and they mean it when they are not afraid and are ready. And who am I (are we) do deny them their joy and peace? To echo the sentiments of St. Paul, having our loved ones here in the flesh is more for us than them. Again, I am speaking of cases where our loved ones are terminally ill, have had long health battles, etc. I do not want to ever sound insensitive because to quote The Crucible, “Life, woman, life is God’s most precious gift,” and I believe that God wants us all to have a life well lived here on earth surrounded by those who love us.
But I think I finally get what my grandmother’s intentions in her words were. She may not have gone to church, but she knew her faith, and she knew her Bible. She believed that when it was time that she would be reunited with her husband, parents, and siblings and made whole in the likeness of God. When crying out to Jesus so many years ago, she was showing a desire to be with Christ, but she also knew that we still needed her. As I grow older, I’m starting to realize that a lot of losses can feel similar. While we want our loved ones with us in earth and feel like we need them in the flesh, we can take a lot of comfort – even though we are hurting and sad – in knowing that they are with Jesus, and that the end is just the beginning.
As anyone who has watched Hamilton knows, Alexander did not follow Aaron Burr’s advice. During a revolution, they weren’t the best words of wisdom. In a lot of ways they still aren’t great. However, when it comes to social media and keyboard cowboys, I’m thinking it might not be so bad for some people. Lately, I am noticing a lot of posts on social media that are seriously lacking integrity stemming from a refusal of people to keep their mouths (well typing fingers) shut. And couldn’t we all agree that when you lose integrity, you begin to lose support and relationships are damaged?
So in the spirit of talk less, smile more, here is my free advice.
Stop sharing screenshots of private conversations on social media. Even if you feel like you are the wronged party (because remember there are two sides to everything), it makes you look petty when you share screenshots. Also, it comes across as a desire to stir up drama in the comments.
Leave a person’s family out of whatever beef you have with said person. When you go trying to drag skeletons out of someone’s sibling’s, parent’s, or child’s closet in an attempt to make people not like them, that is a LOW blow. I don’t know a single person on this earth that isn’t without “a past” or some sort of flaws. And frankly if you’re going to throw people under the bus because of something their family did, don’t also brag about how you live like Jesus and love all people. As the priest said this past weekend, there is a difference in living a life about Jesus and a life of Jesus. If you’re living a life of then you love all people and show things like compassion, kindness, mercy, and forgiveness. You can’t do that while airing people’s dirty laundry.
Do not use the misfortune of others for your own gain. There is a big difference between actually wanting to do good for your community and volunteering to legitimately help and “helping” so you can post a photo op of how great you are. The Bible says to not let your other hand know what the first hand is giving. In today’s world that means don’t post every time you help someone in need and especially do not post pictures that might lower the integrity of the people you are helping. A giving, loving heart is about caring and not photo ops!!!
To all my friends who are hurting because you’ve been the victim of one of these low blows, then I want to remind you that when people spew hate, there is often something deep seeded that they do not like about themselves that they need to work through. Along the same line, remember that your self worth should not be determined by lies (perceived or real) that people spread about you. Your self worth should be based in the truths that you know are your core values.
My first memories of beauty go way back to when I was about 4. My mom put my hair in sponge rollers because we were going to the dinner theatre that night to see Big River. I still remember their incredible costumes (and the delicious food)! A few years later, I started playing in my mom’s makeup. Somewhere there is a picture of me dressed up in my mom’s clothes and makeup and my blonde wig holding a bottle of root beer like a model. That picture was hilarious then, and I’m sure I would still find it hilarious now.
At some point my shared beauty began involving Mary Kay. I think I was around 12. It started with going to a neighbor’s holiday open house with my mom. My senior year that same consultant walked me through makeup application for my senior prom. That #BeautyShared experience happened with my best friend! That’s where I learned to wear something that buttons or zips when getting makeup and hair done for an event. I wore my Dad’s shirt. Great times!
Other great times that involve sharing Beauty? I always loved that one of my grandmas said, “A lady never leaves the house without her lipstick.” She kept a lipstick by the back door, and there was a little mirror next to it. She would always put it on as we left. Of course there was also a matching lipstick in her purse, and she would ask “How’s my lipstick?” after eating.
My other grandma also wore lipstick, but she also shared with me the value of taking care of your skin. She faithfully used TimeWise skin care, and she would show her skin care routine to all her home health workers. She would also write the dates she started using a product on the box so she could tell visitors how long her Mary Kay lasted. When she passed at nearly 90, she didn’t look over 70. Impeccable skin care for the win!#BeautyShared is acknowledging that I kept some of their beauty products after they passed, and I’ll always keep them in a treasure box. Sometimes I also wear Bella Belara because it reminds me of my grandma.
Over the last 20 years, I have been able to share my love of skin care and glamour with more family, friends, and clients than I can count. I often share stories at those appointments, and I find that others can frequently relate to them. It creates connections and fosters community, and I think that’s the most important part of #BeautyShared.
Congratulations to Mary Kay on a beautiful, touching, thoughtful, and inspiring campaign!
Our names are like the first identifier we’re ever given. Unless your mine and Mr Kisby’s child. In that case you get your name three days later.
Names often have meaning. Even when we started picking our own handles for IM and email as teenagers, there was thought that went into those names. I’m guessing I thought dicaprio_cutie was somehow going to get Leo to fall in love with me. Spoiler: He didn’t. Fact: We’ve never met.
Every moniker we have says something about ourselves or “our brand” to use popular context. Just from The Great Kaysby you can tell I love The Great Gatsby. You could also infer that I think I’m pretty great. 🤣
So today when I found out I have to rename one of my social media pages to fit new standards, I was unsure of what to think. What do I want to convey? What am I okay with for at least 60 days? What will be catchy without inducing eye rolls?
There’s a lot to a name!
Anyone else get anxiety when coming up handles? Is it just me?
Photo by Du039bVu039e Gu039bRCIu039b on Pexels.com
10:44 at night and I find myself thinking about sushi. Makes me think that maybe I shouldn’t have already declared tomorrow an “at home day.” It would be so fun to have a sushi lunch! Maybe a bento box with it… If not tomorrow, then what about the next day? I start to think things like maybe sushi after church on Thursday morning would be good. After all, I’ll already be out. It’s just 30 minutes in the wrong direction to get sushi.
I’ll sleep on it.
Spoiler, I’m 95% most likely not going to get sushi either day.
It’s not that I don’t really want the sushi. Trust me, if there is an opportunity to eat sushi, I’m going to have at least a Tuna Roll. Perhaps even a California Roll, Cucumber Roll, or Thai Roll too! But I don’t need the sushi.
If we are always giving into our wants – like if we really go get sushi each time we want it – what are we illustrating about our willpower and want versus need to our children? Mr Kisby and I have really been attempting to stress to LilKsby the importance of whether a want for something is fleeting (aka forgotten by morning) or an actual want that is worth waiting for. We’ve tried to stress this to him when it comes to things like picking out toys and food to eat (especially going out versus staying in). What we’ve found is that often times the things we want are only wants for a brief time period. Then after we get it we find ourselves thinking “Why did we put money, time, energy, effort, etc into said item?”
With LilKsby we often discuss how much joy something will bring him along with a need versus a want. Oftentimes when I talk about these things with him, I reflect on my own things that I sometimes mislabel as a need like the sushi. Like I tell him, I need water, food (see maybe I do need sushi), oxygen, shelter, clothes, exercise, and good hygiene. Pretty much everything else is a want. Of course wants have their place! If someone offered me a legit free trip to the Bahamas just because I don’t need it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t go. Plus wanting things gives us goals, and our wants don’t have to be materialistic. For example, this month I want to complete a Digital Marketing course to help improve our businesses. I also want to be able to do 15 in-person skin care consults. These wants are not bad at all, and they have the possibility to be way more beneficial than wanting something like a box of crayons when I already have some!
Like anything with parenting, discussing wants versus needs is a work in progress. It also takes a lot of strength because I believe all of us would 100% get everything our kids ever asked for if it possible and reasonable. No offense, I’m never buying LilKsby his own pony. I barely like scooping cat litter. I am not cleaning pony poop!
11:00…maybe I should go to bed and see if I still want sushi in the morning!
As I was reading a book on homeschooling today (BTW if you’re new to this blog, you’re going to learn that I read a lot), I was reminded of how thankful I am that my parents never stressed that I had to get all A’s when I was in school. One of the first things that the author mentioned was how her parents expected (and did not tolerate anything lower than) A’s when she was in school. She then discussed all of the negative mental and physical impacts that this had on her. Reading this made me very grateful that my parents always understood that MY best is My Best. They knew that I always tried my hardest in all of my classes, and they were okay with whatever grades I brought home given that I had truly tried. For me this frequently meant bringing home B’s especially in math. I’ve always said that I was great at math up until Algebra I. It was all downhill from there (which is why I also recognize that when we get to higher math my homeschooled child will need help from Mr. Kisby). I graduated high school with a 3.75, and that was my best. Guess what? I still got into good colleges, and my parents were pleased as punch. Plus, I didn’t have any negative mental or physical effects from overstressing about grades.
The philosophy of my parents has also been evident in our homeschooling. Since LilKsby was 3 in Homeschool Pre-K, he would get asked if he was making all A’s. First of all, I feel like that is a really weird question to ask 3 year-old. No reason to start making them stress over a letter on a paper before they can read! Secondly, I would always explain that I don’t give him letter grades. I look for if he is learning a subject or if he’s mastered it. That simple. It’s a great no pressure way to determine if he needs extra assistance with something without giving him a complex about a red letter on a paper (side note, when I taught in public school, I tried not to use red pens just because I feel like they give a complex). As long as he’s doing his best, I’m pleased.
On a different note, I like that the doing my best mindset has been something that can be adaptable to the illusive “real life” where as when you go to apply for a job no one really cares what your GPA was. There’s a lot that can be learned for encouraging people to do their best and not just making them focus on an end result. Also, it is a lot more important to know how to learn as opposed to just being able to memorize and regurgitate information. True story.
Which fictional world would be the most fun to vacation in?
I love pondering this question. There are so many fictional worlds that contain factors that make them appealing, but all of them seem to have problems. For example, Middle Earth seems fun to a degree. Hobbiton looks calm and full of kindness, and Rivendell is breathtaking. However, if you find yourself in the wrong place, you have to deal with orcs and uruks. Not fun. Likewise Isla Nublar is a thrilling concept when the dinosaurs aren’t breaking out and eating people (and each other). If you can get past that, then you might just love the lush nature. Even a place as charming as Oz isn’t without problems. Sure Munchkinland is cute, but in the book the Emerald City was a sham. Plus, in the book you had to deal with wolves and desserts in addition to witches and winged monkeys. Suffice to say, I can’t really think of a fictional world I’d want to live in as they all have their problems. Plus, I really like my world with my people, pets, and bed.
I just finished a book where some of the characters were “richer than God.” Their words. Not mine. One of the lessons taken from the book was that while money can provide choices, it does not bring you love and happiness. I think this is a very true and often overlooked sentiment. Unfortunately we live in a society that seems to equate the experiences you can afford with your ability to have a good life. Seriously, look at social media. It can 100% give off the vibe of “Oh, you can’t afford to go to Paris randomly on a Tuesday with no planning? Wow…your life must be sad.” Frankly, I’ve never been to Paris, and I think I’m doing just fine thank you very much.
Now, I know some people are going to get their panties in a bunch, but I’m here to deliver a gut punch. If you are a loving, genuine, caring person, then you should NEVER assume someone’s level of happiness or their lifestyle based on how much money they appear or do not appear to have. Likewise, you should never make prejudgments about what people can or cannot do based on how much money you think they do or do not have. Unless you are them or their accountant that has access to their accounts, then the truth is you have NO CLUE about another person’s financial situation.
Okay…I’ll put my soapbox away. I realize that those two paragraphs were a little brash, but sometimes I can’t help it. I get so tired of seeing people marginalized because of preconceived notions about their financial status. My grandmother never had a lot of money in my lifetime, but she was one of the most courageous, giving, and caring people that I have ever encountered. Could she be a pistol? Absolutely! She was a survivor of The Great Depression, had a husband and a son who fought for our country, and combatted a variety of health issues. She would also tell you exactly what she thought usually with Southern Charm (if you know what I’m talking about then I’m sure you’ve said “Bless your heart” to someone). Also, she never went to Paris on Tuesday, but she had more adventures than I can count! She also knew what it was like to scrimp and save, and little things that she saved all year to buy me at Christmas are a 1000% times more valuable than diamonds, pearls, or any other extravagance. Why? They came from the heart.
Guess what? That’s the real thing that determines happiness and love: the heart. If you live in accordance with what brings joy to your heart, then I think you’re golden. I would rather be penniless and live with joy, laughter, love, and happiness than to be rich and miserable like a character from The Great Gatsby. I hope and pray that you are leading your life with your heart and not some misguided idea of needing money and living opulently to be happy.
Because spoiler: it’s not all about the Benjamins.
We all have things happening in our personal lives.
That just might be the one thing that everyone on this 🌍 has in common. What sets us apart from one another is how we react to what’s happening. Some people take to social media and air all their dirty laundry; some people only post a glimpse of their private lives on social media. Some people turn to prayer; some people turn to a vice. Some people will never tell you everything going on behind closed doors; some people will tell you way more than you want to know. We all react in different ways because (spoiler) we are all different.
The other thing that sets us apart is how we react to the things that others tell us (or the social media world). Some people are quick to offer advice even when what the other person really just needed was someone to listen. Side note, Mary Kay Ash used to say that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. Some people are quick to offer a hug or shoulder to cry on. Some are good at offering a distraction. Some will say, “What do you need me to do?” before anything else.
Imagine if instead of jumping to conclusions or doing what we think is best for someone else we took more time to ask, “What can I do to help you?” By making the question focused on the other person, we could show that we truly care about what is happening and how we can best meet their needs. Could the world be a better place by focusing more on the need of others than ourselves? Could we experience a Butterfly Effect just by showing others they matter?
I often think of the Story of the Starfish and the little boy tossing them back in the ocean. I recommend Googling it. The littlest things can have the biggest impact.
My challenge to you is simple. Next time you see someone struggling, ask them, “What can I do to help you?”
You just might help them begin to flush the 💩 and unpack the baggage.
My faith teaches me that we know not the hour when we will leave this earth; my faith teaches me to prepare by rejoicing in the love of Jesus and showing his compassion to others. It also teaches me that there is something bigger and better awaiting those of us who surrender ourselves to Jesus.
Having that faith helps, but loss still hurts. Experiencing loss is different for everyone. Some only grieve those that they knew personally. Some grieve people they loved and pets they loved. Some of us even grieve over the loss of people we never met yet still impacted our lives. I know a lot of people are experiencing the last one this week with the losses of Dolly Parton and Tim Curry.
Why are we grieving people we’ve never met? Well, as much as we hate to admit it, for those of us Millennials, the deaths of Dolly, Tim, and even Anthony Head earlier this summer hit hard because they are in the peer group of some of our most valued loved ones. Losing them makes us concerned about our own parents, aunts, uncles, and teachers. Likewise, people we’ve never met are often connected to us through an experience with our friends and family. When they pass, we start reflecting on those experiences, and we are saddened by the possibility that others will never experience that positivity, beauty, and grace. I think this is why I have had a strong urge to make a donation to the Imagination Library since Dolly’s passing. The Imagination Library helped foster LilKsby’s love for books, and we have read his “Dolly Books” over and over. I want to do my part to make sure that children and their parents have the opportunity to make memories together for years to come!
As I read back over this post, I’m not sure that it makes a lot of sense. However, it makes me feel better to put the feelings in words. In the meantime, I’m going to strive to Dream More, Be More, Learn More, and Care More. I’m pretty sure if we live like Dolly, then we will be living like Jesus taught us: Loving God with all of our beings and loving thy neighbor as you love yourself.
My maps app wouldn’t let me put all of the stops on one trip plan!
A couple of years ago, LilKsby and I were standing in line for a roller coaster, and we met someone who was working on going to 7 different amusement parks in 10 days. We didn’t get to chat much because there wasn’t a long line, but I remember thinking that it sounded like a fun adventure! After that day, I didn’t give the adventure much thought; however, over the past few days on a long car trip, I got to thinking about two things. One was that it would be fun to research travel itineraries and blog about them. The second was remembering the amusement park anecdote. Both of those things got me thinking about if money were no object, what would be a great amusement park journey?
Thus…18 Parks in 21 Days!
For this particular itinerary, I recommend starting at Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, KY. Its proximity to Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport provides an easy start to the trip as travelers could fly in from all over the country, rent a car, and be at the park within 30 minutes of landing as there is less than five minutes between the two. I also recommend purchasing a season pass while at Kentucky Kingdom. The pass will be beneficial at other parks that are owned by Herschend as they provide admission discounts to season pass holders. https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/
Following a day in Louisville, head south on I-65 for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to Bowling Green, KY. Here you will find Beech Bend which has an amusement park and campground. Highlights include The Kentucky Rumbler roller coaster and Sea Dragon which was purchased from MJ’s Neverland Ranch. It is a small park with a big heart! https://beechbend.com/
Next up is a drive to the Midwest experience Six Flags Saint Louis which is actually in Eureka, MO (approximately 4 hours, 52 minutes). Thought it currently has the Six Flags name, this park has been sold and is already being independently operated. In 2027 it will no longer retain the Six Flags name. https://www.sixflags.com/stlouis
Staying in the Show Me State, the next destination is one of the aforementioned Herschend Family Entertainment properties. Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO is approximately 3 hours and 21 minutes from Six Flags. Of all the parks that I have not been to that are on this list, this is the one that I want to visit the most. Why? They have rides and a cave! I have loved both since I was a kid! https://www.silverdollarcity.com
After a day in Branson, I would travel north to Kansas City, MO (approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes) to experience Worlds of Fun! When I would visit family as a child in the summer, I would always see ads for Worlds of Fun. For the sake of nostalgia, I added this park to the itinerary though it is a bit out of the way (if there can be such a thing when it comes to fun). Once again, I recommend purchasing a season pass. Several of the parks on this list fall under the Six Flags umbrella since they acquired Cedar Fair which will allow benefits to be used multiple times. As of this publishing, World of Fun is operating as a Six Flags park. After the 2026 season it will operate under its new owner: EPR Properties. https://www.sixflags.com/worldsoffun
So far on this journey, I have intended for parks to be visited on consecutive days. If you leave each park with an approximately four hour travel time around 7 pm, you can easily be halfway done with your drive – accounting for a brief dinner and fuel stop – and in bed at a hotel by 10 pm. Leaving the hotel by 8 am will provide 9 hours of sleep plus time for breakfast while allowing you to be at the next park by 10 am. The trip following Worlds of Fun is the first exception where more than one day will be needed for travel. The trip from Worlds of Fun to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL will take approximately 8 hours. This park is north of Chicago, and extremely close to the Wisconsin border. If you’re like me and have a goal of seeing all 50 states, you might as well check Wisconsin off the list by going through it! https://www.sixflags.com/greatamerica
The next stop on the journey (approximately 3 hours and five minutes) is Indiana Beach in Monticello, IN. For a park that isn’t owned by one of the major amusement park conglomerates, this one has a lot of attractions! https://www.indianabeach.com/
Staying in the Hoosier State, journey south approximately 3 hours and 52 minutes to Holiday World/Splashin’ Safari! Of all the parks on this list, this one is my favorite! We went here several times as a kid, and everything that made this park special then is still present today! This park has always provided extras like free parking, free sunscreen, and free non-alcoholic drinks. It is also the only amusement park that I have been to where one of the owners – a member of the Koch family – came up to us to ensure we were having a good time. https://holidayworld.com/
Last up on the first half of the itinerary is Kings Island in Cincinnati, OH (approximately 2 hours and 59 minutes). If you only get to do one thing at this park, ride The Beast. This incredible roller coaster lives up to the hype! I especially recommend riding it in the dark! There are also several other great coasters at this park! As it is now owned by Six Flags, that season pass will come in handy again! https://www.sixflags.com/kingsisland
At this point, you could easily loop back to Louisville and end the journey if 9 parks in 10 days has been enough for you. If you’re still up for more adventure, head north for approximately 3 hours and 23 minutes to Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH. Personally, I have never been to Cedar Point, but I have heard from MANY roller coaster enthusiasts that THIS is their park of choice! https://www.sixflags.com/cedarpoint
Once the day at Cedar Point is complete, travel approximately three hours and two minutes to West Mifflin, PA. Here you will find one of the oldest parks on this list: Kennywood. Given I have only been to PA in the off-season or for romantic mountain getaways, I have never been to any PA amusement parks. That said, Kennywood constantly comes up on travel blogs that I read. It’s 125 years old, and they have this great combination of old school rides and modern thrill rides! Add On: After I wrote this portion, I went to an amusement park with LilKsby, and we met three young men who work at Kennywood! They shared that some of their rides are among the oldest – and best kept – in the country. They also recommended Phantom’s Revenge for Hyper Coaster enthusiasts! Oh, and they told us that Kennywood is also a Herschend park now. https://www.kennywood.com/
Following the day filled with nostalgia and excitement, head to Hershey, PA (approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes) to experience Hershey Park! This is another park that has been recommended to me by coaster enthusiasts, but this one was recommended with a caveat. We all know that if you are traveling with children, you should make sure that there will be something they can ride based on their height (and sometimes weight). According to my source, this park is where they ran into the most difficulty finding something for their child to ride as they were too big for most of the kids rides, but they were not big enough for most of the thrill rides. Keep in mind that this would have been about 10 years ago. I also personally understand this frustration as the first time I went to Kings Island as a kid, I was in the dreaded in between stage (this was before they had a water park too). That aside, it looks like a great park from the Hershey complex parking lot. Be sure to checkout Hershey’s Chocolate World while you’re in the complex! This portion is open year-round, and I can attest to how much fun it is! https://www.hersheypark.com/
Next up is the shortest drive of the itinerary at approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes (which means you can enjoy Hershey Park even later)! This will take you to Dorney Park in Dorneyville, PA. This park opened in 1884! Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Lehigh Valley, at Dorney fun can be had by all ages be they ride enthusiasts or interested in shows! https://www.sixflags.com/dorneypark
After Dorney is the other drive where I recommend taking a travel day. Clocking in at 5 hours and 55 minutes, the trip to America’s Historic Triangle is the second longest on this journey. However, since the next park is in the Triangle, there is PLENTY to see and do on the travel day besides sit in a car. Side note, in the future, I will do a full blog on America’s Historic Triangle as part of my upcoming – and yet untitled – series about homeschooling and travel. Once you’ve rested up and perhaps brushed up on some history, you will be ready to tackle a place that was not part of the triangle during the Revolution: Busch Gardens. This park has rides, shows, and animal experiences! Oh, and they have a WIDE variety of food options beyond the standard amusement park fare. https://buschgardens.com/williamsburg/
Another short drive (also approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes) will take you to Kings Dominion in Doswell, VA. When it was originally built, Kings Dominion was designed to be a sister park to Kings Island. This provides a level of familiarity for those who have been to Kings Island as some of the rides at Kings Dominion are the same. However, the Rapterra roller coaster sets them apart from their sister! Rapterra is the second ever winged coaster built in the US. Fun fact, the first one was built at Holiday World! https://www.sixflags.com/kingsdominion
Three more parks to go! Can you believe it??? Next up is Carowinds in Charlotte, NC just about a 4 hour and 45 minute drive from Kings Dominion. Carowinds is also a Six Flags park, and if you are making this trip in 2027, you will get to try what will be the World’s Largest Log Flume Ride! They are also known for Fury 325 which America’s tallest and fastest Giga Coaster. https://www.sixflags.com/carowinds
After a brief stay in North Carolina, it is time to head to Georgia! In approximately 4 hours and 6 minutes, you will arrive at Six Flags Over Georgia. This is the last Six Flags property on the list, and I think it will be worth it! They have a multitude of attractions for the whole family! https://www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia
Last but not least, it is time to make the approximate 4 hour and 7 minute trip to Pigeon Forge, TN to spend time at Dollywood! Dollywood is the final Herschend property on this list and my favorite of their holdings that I have visited. Mr Kisby, LilKsby, and I have been to Dollywood during the summer and at Christmas. During both seasons we were able to experience great rides, entertainment, and food! There was something for all of us to enjoy! Dollywood is a must visit! https://www.dollywood.com/
If you bought a roundtrip ticket when flying into Louisville, you will need approximately 4 hours and 31 minutes to loop back to Louisville from Pigeon Forge. Afternoon or evening flight? You might as well pop back into Kentucky Kingdom again! After all, you’ve driven over 4,250 miles and spent 2 Days, 18 Hours, and 52 Minutes doing so. One way ticket? Spend the night at Dreammore Resort or Heartsong Lodge at Dollywood. Amazing accommodations! You can then fly home from Knoxville.
And there you have 18 Parks in 21 Days!
I would love to know what parks you’ve been to that are on this list and what you think! Drop a comment!
I haven’t blogged in a month and a half. I’ve had the intention to pause and post, but somehow the minutes, hours, days, and weeks have slipped passed me. When I look back over our calendar, I can tell that we’ve been blessed to have a full schedule. Yet at the same time, I find myself thinking: where did the time go?
Can you relate?
I would love to say that I have missed out on connecting with my readers because I have had something MAJOR, something EARTH SHATTERING, something GINORMOUS happening. Reality is I have spent a lot of evenings participating in summer reading challenges, playing Duolingo and Minecraft, and re-watching favorite shows.
Can you relate to me now?
I have spent a good portion of the time as Mama Taxi shuttling LilKsby around to different activities like swim lessons and summer reading. I have also spent a great deal of time going through parts of our house and purging unneeded items. I’ve also done my best to make the schedule as easy as possible on Mr. Kisby as he’s working to complete his Masters program.
If you’re a mama and wife, I know you’re starting to relate to me!
I’ve also been volunteering and working on publishing my next novel. “Maple Frost” is almost complete, and fingers crossed will be out within the next four days! ❤ I’m also ramping up for the school year to begin and having a plethora of ideas for projects to tackle next.
Can you relate?
What have you been up to the last few weeks? I bet I can relate!
XOXO,
The Great Kaysby
“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately…”
The older I get, the more I understand what Thoreau was implying when he wrote about his time at Walden Pond. Admittedly, I would have a difficult time adopting his practices of simplicity, but I understand the yearning to be around nature, pursue things that bring genuine joy, and declutter. Plus, if I have a friend who will let me build a cabin on their land for free, then that sounds cool too! Let’s say we don’t have a buddy with a lake and some woods or the carpentry skills to build our own house. Can we still live like Thoreau?
Maybe.
It wouldn’t be easy, but it would be possible to live with less material things. Likewise, it would be possible to unplug from technology and do things the archaic way with pen and paper. Plus, how much happier would you be if you daily took time to pursue your passions and purpose? Perhaps the world would be a more peaceful place!
