We've always wanted to make this trip, but did not think we'd do it until the kids were older. My parents lent us Aunt Maria, who was amazingly helpful with driving, cleaning, babysitting, unpacking, and moving heavy things.
We started at the cousins, who were kind enough to host us for 5 days while we got our home under contract. We painted, staged, added sod, and deep cleaned. I do not recognize the place now; but, thankfully, that earned us an offer the same day it went on the market and two more after the open house.
It was super sad to say goodbye to the cousins; but we are grateful for the time we spent together before. And we trust we will be seeing lots more of them!
We wanted to drive the longest stretch on our first day. So we drove to Nashville by Saturday night. [Snafu #1: The kids emptied DH's wallet the night before, leaving behind his driver's license. We realized 30 minutes into the trip. So, DH turned around to pick it up from Aunt Theresa, who had that with some other items we left behind.]
We stopped at Cracker Barrel, which I love despite their not serving amazing food. It's the experience. [Snafu #2: The Eldest left behind shoes; and we were able to obtain a pair of flip flops there for $20.]
The best hotel service we experienced was in Nashville! They did everything with a smile and were proactive about things we needed like the luggage rack returned and dryer sheets. They even offered us cookies when we arrived late after a long drive!
We attended Mass at Church of the Holy Rosary, which delightfully observed liturgical norms and offered a homily about the Gospel. A mom in the cry room lent me a diaper when we needed one unexpectedly. A couple there was celebrating 50 years of marriage, which was edifying. We are on year 9 only, but so much has happened that it feels like at least 15. Those ahead of us are an inspiration!
The next two days were "short" drives of only about 5 hours. We made use of our ASTC Passport, which let us into a couple of science museums for children. We could have used it more; but once we arrived in AZ, we wanted to do outdoor activities. Here we are at the Discovery Museum in Little Rock.
Our little diva:
The city was delightful, quaint, walkable, etc. We stopped by a Kilwin's sweet shop, which was everyone's favorite, and went for a morning walk.
Aunt Maria, the botanist, discovered a ginko tree:
The city is very proud of President Clinton:
Stop #3 was in OKC. We enjoyed exchanging notes with my brother and BIL who used to live here. It was raining when we crossed the border. I had anticipated taking amazing photos next to the state signs; but most didn't have a safe option to do so. Also, we didn't want to wake sleeping kids. I loved all the "Do Not Impede Left Lane" signs in this state!
There are tons of amazing museums and memorials on Remington, including this Science Museum, which was free with our ASTC Passport:
Must look cool:
These dinosaurs are native to Oklahoma:
[Snafu #3: trying to make a business call while children scream in background. Maria to the rescue!]
Tornado simulation:
This child loves learning; and I love watching him:
We went in with zero expectations here. It's a good thing none of us is vegan:
These waiting seats are supposed to be tailgates:
Totally gentrified area:
Well, that is, until...
(I once attended a party called "The De-Gentrification of Shaw," which this experience reminded me of. LOL. I was mostly impressed by the use of the word.)
Obsessed with duck-watching. I asked him if he wanted to get candy. He said, "No."
More duck-watching:
Sisyphus, whom DH recalled from his school days. Sisyphus's story is not at all like parenting small kids, LOL!
We decided to take the riverboat cruise because we wanted to get a feel for OKC.
[Snafu #4: Melting kids. To be fair, it was 100*.]
Deep in thought as always:
I love this candid. Even Mr. Serious is cute though he's not supposed to be the subject here:
Artist's rendition of the "sooner" origin:
Stop #4 was in Albuquerque after a quick lunch in Amarillo. Church's Chicken wasn't the healthiest, but we held onto the promise of foodie cities ahead. The terrain began to change in Western Oklahoma:
Our windshield was destroyed by bugs by the time we crossed the New Mexico border:
I wasn't sure what to make of this chapel at a large New Mexico rest stop. A Marilyn Monroe cutout is to the left of it.
The view from our hotel in Albuquerque:
Our favorite state of this trip was Arizona. There were so many different things to do outside.
Where's Waldo?:
Not cropped:
Petrified wood:
Crystal forest:
We did remove them from here after snapping this photo. When we stopped the car, they bolted as fast as their legs could carry them.
Petrified wood:
The drive to Flagstaff was one of the most beautiful. When we arrived, the temperature was a pleasant 70*. We ate chocolates and danced in the square:
Aunt Maria found animated renditions of Aesop's Fables for the little people:
View from our hotel room:
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
We drove to the Grand Canyon the following morning (Day 5). (Snafu #5: The altitude made some of us nauseated. So we headed out a little later than anticipated.)
When we travel here again, we will be sure to arrive when they open at 7am. There was a surprising number of people. The south rim was pretty crowded. It turns out, this is the most visited of the national parks that have entrance fees. (So, probably not more crowded than the National Mall, but you get the picture...)
It is impossible to capture this place with a lens. One just needs to be there. It was tremendous.
The most beautiful stretch of drive we made was between Flagstaff and Sedona -- on South 89A. We drove in twists and turns between soaring mountains, evergreens, and dried creeks. We were too close to the mountains to take a good picture. The entire thing reminded me of Cars 1 when they "just go for a drive."
Our hotel opened up to this backyard view. We ate on the patio and watched the sunset on these characteristic red buttes.
Really trying to get a great family shot:
This hotel said they are always busy. I can understand because I've never seen a place like Sedona. However, that leads to... (Snafu #6: They were not ready for us until well after check-in time, which was unfortunate given it was the witching hour. We went for a hike until the toddlers melted; and they were still not ready for us. Then, they wanted DH's ID to check me in -- even though we were there together earlier and I'd told him to take the big boys and Aunt Maria further hiking while I took the babies back. They resolved the issued when I asked to speak to the manager. The customer service was generally poor in Sedona.)
Afternoon storm rolling in:
Beautiful Sedona sunrise:
McDonald's is just a part of our lives now. In true, unique Sedona-style, the arches were different.
We also paid more than we ever have at a McDonald's:
We drove 7 hours on the last leg. Somewhere between Sedona and Orange County, we hit the longest patch of hot, barren dessert I've seen. It made me wonder at the persistence of the Western explorers. Had they decided to turn back during the most unpleasant time, they never would have reached the tremendous Pacific Coast.
It was 116 degrees for a few hours. When we stopped for lunch at the only half-way respectable place for miles, we felt as if we were entering a convection oven. (There was a breeze.) The service was great, however. And we were happy to be almost to our destination. We decided to skip Joshua Tree National Park due to the heat.
In the barren wasteland was a General Patton Memorial Museum.
On this leg, we were notified that our Pod arrived at our new home. And enter... (Snafu #7: Almost immediately a neighbor began calling to complain about where our pod was left We discovered later that this person was accustomed to parking in that spot, even though there is no assigned parking and the Pod was just fine. However, we worked it out with the HOA that we would have it emptied by the next morning. And so, DH and Aunt Maria cleared and cleared heavy items after 7 hours of driving -- breaking only to do the walk-through with our real estate agent -- in time for the Pod to be picked up by 8am the next morning.)
To be fair, many neighbors said "hello" and introduced themselves. One offered to help if we ever need anything. And the neighborhood is absolutely stunning! After a day of unpacking and setting up things, we visited Laguna Beach on Sunday.
This one said, "Thanks, Mom! You were right. I really like this beach."
We already feel terribly spoiled. DH returned from work by 4:30pm his first day. Everyone was nice. We are working in more time for prayer and family and trusting the Lord has a plan with all of this change. Thanks be to God!
