A road trip can feel like someone who is pressing pause on life’s chaos – a rest button with snacks, laughter, and music that only sounds right when the windows are rolled down. Our trip to Kansas was exactly that … family, football, and the simple joy of being together.

We shared quiet evenings, a night of JackBox tv, being surrounded by thousands of roaring fans in red and gold, and dinner of Mexican.

While we were staying at the Airbnb, I caught this peaceful moment – my youngest and her dad were sitting side by side at the piano, hands brushing over the keys. There was no sheet music, just the soft sound of laughter and trial-and-error melodies filling the room.

Sunday morning, the sun greeted us with full force when we arrived at Arrowhead Stadium. Its bright rays stretched across the concrete like a spotlight on the sea of fans pouring in. The energy was already contagious — everyone buzzing, dressed head to toe in red, ready for game day.

Because it was our first game, we had to stop for a quick group photo at the Hy-Vee Gate, soaking in the excitement before kickoff. The smiles say it all — the mixture of anticipation, pride, and maybe a bit disbelief that we were finally here. The stadium loomed tall behind us, ready to come alive.

Uncle and nephew standing there in their jerseys, side by side, they looked ready for the field themselves. This photo captured more than a memory — it caught tradition, connection, and pride all in one.

This one makes me smile – young love and Chiefs pride on full display. Their jerseys matched the sunshine, their grins said everything. It’s the kind of shot that feels like joy bottled up in a photo.

Everywhere we looked, there were more and more fans – like this couple who were matching vintage shirts that caught my eye. My brother, Brandon, and his girlfriend, Nicki wore the same matching vintage shirts. It didn’t matter if you were local or traveling from states away, once you stepped into Chief’s territory, you became family.

After the game, we ended up at a cozy Mexican restaurant, tired but happy. The table was crowded with iced teas, salsa bowls, and quiet chatter as we replayed the game moments in our heads. Phones were buzzing with game highlights; we shared real conversations – the kinds that make a trip memorable.

Kansas gave us more than a football game. It gave us connection — through music, laughter, food, and shared excitement. It’s the little getaways that just don’t fill your camera roll, but they fill your heart.