We are now heading back to Madison after spending the night in beautiful St. Louis, Mo. We got to see the Arch and enjoyed our first hot meal in a while. Although, we had to pretend we were Cardinals fans, it was a good ending to our trip.

A half-hour out of St. Louis we had an unexpected automotive crisis forcing us to make a detour through Litchfield, IL looking for a special on tires.

Andy was especially excited to use the emergency reflective triangle.

Continue to watch our blog for a trip recap including, but not limited to, more photos, stories and gas mileage statics.

Yes… this is it folks. The world’s largest McDonald’s.

Near Vinita, OK on I-44 between Joplin, MO and Tulsa, OK this McDonald’s is over 29,000 sq. feet. A quick Google search reveals that there are actually multiple websites and heated debate as to who owns this prize. Orlando, Beijing, and Moscow have also laid claim to this record. You would think that McDonald’s would issue a press release to clear it up.

McDonald’s Press Release Page shows that they are too busy counting down to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, so they are probably going to name Beijing as the world’s largest.

I don’t know… this McDonald’s seems pretty freaking big to me. I got a number 2, and Avi got a number 3. We did not biggie size them.

Another day has passed without any major weather phenomena. So, what does Andy want me to do? Golf. We had a little trouble finding a nice (any) golf course in Wichita Falls. Finally we came to a lovely place called Hawk Ridge. Although I haven’t played in years Andy strictly enforced USGA governing rules and I didn’t do half bad. We played 9 holes and Andy won 57 to 74 but I was a good sport. Tomorrow we should have something better for you but for now enjoy a few t-shots.

(As usual, click to enlarge photos.)

…went to a baseball game! For some divine reason our favorite baseball team, the Oakland A’s seem to follow us in storm chase country. Yesterday, the A’s played the Rangers here in Arlington and we got some decent seats. The A’s won 12-6 and we went home happy. Plus, a foul ball almost hit Andy while he was eating a smoked turkey leg. After the game we got a much needed opportunity to catch up on some sleep and woke up re-energized and ready to head north. We are currently driving to Wichita Falls, Texas where we will get set up for some severe weather potential tomorrow. Expect a forecast update from Andy (as soon as he is not driving) to follow. In the meantime enjoy some photos from the game.

(Click photos to enlarge.)