Growing Up in Kansas

The Good Old Days

When I was five my family moved from Stilwell, Kansas to Urbandale, Iowa. There were many things that I remember, but quite a few memories that are vague. While passing out candy this Halloween, I realized that there’s something truly great about being a child and being completely innocent about the struggles of the real world.

I wanted to write down some of my memories that I have from when I was a little kid, back in Kansas. My parents both worked at Sprint and my sister (Grace) and I went to my neighbours house everyday as she babysat us. Our house was a tall, blue-grey building with a pear placed on the left side of the lawn. The driveway was a big drop down to the garage… Almost like a roller coaster hill.

My grandparents on my dad’s side lived there and were the closest family we’d visit. My cousin, Connor, was my cousin who was a month younger that I always wanted to go hang out with. I remember going to my grandparents house and playing games with Grace and Connor, for example: tag or climbing trees until one of us falls.

Another thing we’d do is my sister and I would travel to Crown Center. They always had great little playing centers that would set up special events. I enjoyed the candy, of course and picking out a few pieces from the candy store. As for our house in Stilwell, there were so many memories there too.

My fifth birthday was extremely exciting as I was allowed to have lots of friends over, including my babysitters daughters who I was close to. My grandmother, Paula, who is my dad’s mom made me the most wonderful cake ever. Being little I loved cake, so I was already thrilled. She made a unicorn cake, and decorated it to look as realistic as possible.

The day was great and I remember when I go one of my favorite toys. They were these plastic sea creatures that came with a little boat and cage. After I got it, my sister and I would place the animals in a large bucket of water and pretend that they were swimming in the ocean. My sister and I have always been close, but playing with those animals in the water was one of my most clear memories. 

Thanks for all of the fun experiences, Kansas.