The opening sequence is intended to portray the family's cross-country move from New York City to California. However, in the St. Louis shot, the camera is facing south with the Gateway Arch in the center. As the vehicle moves toward the camera, it pans left and reveals more of the Mississippi River...which clearly shows the family driving east of St. Louis, not west.
In one kitchen scene, JR calls Sherry "Heidi"--her real-life name.