Happy 4th!

Happy 4th America! We celebrated the majority of the 4th in the car. But that's okay, as it was anywhere from 99-101 degrees en route to South Bend, Indiana. We left this morning to Toledo, Ohio. What's in Toledo, Ohio you ask? Well, Tony Packo's Cafe of course. This diner has been around for some time, 1932 in fact. Apparently, it became a frequent stop of Jamie Farr. You would know him better as Corporal Klinger from the M.A.S.H. Television series. My wife was/is a big Klinger fan and she insisted this be one of her stops. So, we went there for lunch. Dale and  I had the Tony Packo's #1 meal which was a bowl of Chicken Chili, a Cucumber salad and a hot dog with their special sauce. And for those of you wondering, it was gluten free! Craig and Luke had Mini Corn Dogs. Although, Lucas couldn't figure out what they were until I cut one in half. Once he realized it was a hot dog, he peeled off the corn bread and was all excited. It was like finding a surprise. Each and every one. Now, why on earth would I go into such detail on our lunch? Well, to show you what Timothy had. It was called a the Bunker Buster or  M.O.A.D (Mother of All Dogs)

He cleaned his plate like he always does. Good little boy! The dogs came with a side of pickles. Um, watch out for those jalapeno pickles? Let's just say we didn't dare eat the Jalapeno pepper after the pickles. To finish off the meal in Fourth of July style, he ordered an apple pie a la mode.

  So, after lunch, we continued to South Bend with every intention to walk the Notre Dame campus and check out the bar where the movie RUDY was filmed. However, about 10 miles out a Ford explorer pulled up to the side of us to inform us that our Car carrier top had come off. So, we pulled over. Apparently the front latch decided to commit harry carrey. So, my son, the Hulk, pulled the car carrier town and put it in the caravan. I had to push the front seat all the way up... and well let's just say that gave new meaning to knees to the chest. So, Dale and I switched roles and I drove the last 10 miles. Tim and Dale then went to the hardware store and got some Bungie cords and we should be good to go. I'll keep you updated.
  Needless to say, we didn't make it to Notre Dame. The hope is tomorrow morning before we head off to Chicago. We decided to eat dinner and go swimming to kill the heat. We finished our night watching the Nathan Hot Dog Eating competition on TV and Joey Chestnut pound down 68 hotdogs. Pass the TUMS please.
  Note: Our Hotel is 3 miles from Notre Dame and they are huge fans. They pay homage down every hall. The 2012 schedule is in our room. If you ever pass through South Bend, I would recommend the Waterford Estates Lodge.
  Good Night from South Bend.