Day 8-June 12,2010

Day 9- June 13, 2010

Day 9- June 13, 2010

Pictures

Day 9- June 13, 2010

Well, we woke up very late. it was all good though. Today we are going to the Alamo. We talked about it all morning. The history and what it meant for us today. When we got there, there were protesters at the site. They were noisy and distracting. I found it frustrating.They were protesting that the Mexicans should have control over the Alamo not the state of Texas...crazy?? We used the opportunity to talk about the freedoms of our great country. There is beautiful statue of David Crockett. I had a lot of information about him that the children had read before we even left on our trip. SJ was the one who remembered all the facts and stories so he reminded the little kids, another family was standing close by and was impressed about how much SJ knew. so, he explained he was our cousin and he had been studying about his life for awhile. It is a sacred and beautiful place. It is nothing like I had imagined it. Much smaller, and not as well preserved as I expected. The site is run by the Texas Rangers, and private donations. This is a site that should be run by the National Park Service. It was really amazing. What brave men and women! Now days we say "remember 9-11" but in Texas they still say "Remember the Alamo". They are right. Remembering the Alamo, reminds us of the sacrifice for freedom, and what freedom really means. So, in our family: Remember the Alamo!!

Day 8-June 12,2010

Dean and Bekah got in just fine last night. Dean really wanted to go to Six Flags, so we did. SJ wasn't feeling so well, I think he got dehydrated the day before. But he wanted to go so we went. it was a hot day. We started off in the park and quickly realized we should go over to the water park side. which we did. So fun. Luke, Ellie, and Bekah went off with Dean to ride a bunch of rides. SJ and I hung out at the lazy river until he felt better. He and I went on a few of the slow rides together. The water was so cool. It was a perfect day for it. SJ was a trooper, he would ride some rides, puke, then ride again. At midnight they had a huge fireworks show, beautiful!!! It was so fun. treasured memories. I asked them all, what was you favorite ride? Luke: water slide with dad. Bekah: roller coaster with dad. Ellie: water slide with Bekah. SJ: roller coaster with ME!! This was a day to remember!

Day 7-June 11, 2010

The kids and I met the Earl clan at the State Capital of Austin. We really got a hands on education about the great state of Texas. for instance, Texas is the only state in our country who has a pledge to the state flag that is said everyday for school children. The state flag can never be flown below any flag no matter what. It can fly next to another flag but never below. The capital was wonderful. The children really got to see all the wonderful things about Texas. They have a portrait of David Crockett (our cousin), so that was really interesting. It was a hot, good day. After the capital we went to the LB Johnson Presidential Library. He was an amazing man. he took meticulous notes. They told us that he has more "papers" than any other President. They went 5 stories high in the library. Lady Byrd Johnson was an incredible First Lady. She loved Texas and she helped with the preservation of flower and plant seeds to be continued for the future. Her office was so fun, she was known for her filing system. It was all over the floor! I loved it!! Great women think alike!! Dean and Bekah come in tonight. they fly into San antonio, Tx. So the kids and i drove about an hour to San Antonio and checked into our hotel and swam untill it was time to go to the airport. Can't wait to see them!!!

Day 6- June 10, 2010

Day 6- June 10, 2010

Day 6- June 10, 2010

We got into Austin (Shauna's sister in laws house). We went to meet Ty Detmer (he is in her ward). Now, my boys love football, but they love BYU football more. They have heard their dad talk about Ty Detmer and the glory years of Cougar football. Here we are three mom's and 14 kids. Brother Detmer let us right into his home like we were family. he was so gracious with all the questions and signatures. Just a really amazing man. So sad our hubbies weren't there. They would have LOVED it!!! Brother Detmer played catch with all the kids, it was a good afternoon.

Day 6- June 10, 2010

On Day 6 we drove through the Hills of Texas. We saw the most beautiful wildflowers on the side of the road. They were everywhere. In every color. Just amazing. We stopped to smell the flowers. we drove through a town called Fredrickburg. It was so charming. I would go visit there again in a heartbeat.

Day 6- june 10, 2010

Well, we ended up at the Days Inn. I would give it a thumbs DOWN!! It was safe and if you squinted, clean. The breakfast the next morning was yummy!! No waffles there, they sent you next door to the steak house for some vittles. This place was a hoot. It has antique guns all over the wall, so there was a lot to look at. It is the morning diner that all the locals come to, to get the morning coffee and chat. I had biscuits and gravy with ham. How could you go wrong?? (I was in heaven) Beverly our waitress, was a bit...hum whats the word...rough around the edges when we first sat down. But we started to visit and she warmed up really fast. It was a delight. It is a four hour drive to Austin. We drove through what they call the Texas Hills. It was gorgeous. I saw a goat farm for sale, and started to imagine Dean in overalls milking goats. (its a thought??) A little bit of rain, but a beautiful day.

Day 5-June 9, 2010

Carlsbad Caverns, NM

What an amazing natural wonder. I have never been or seen anything so amazing. As we walked the lighted path I wondered about the explorers doing this in the dark. EEK!! The main cave is 15 football fields long and 750 feet tall. Jim White discovered the caves in the late 1800's. He wanted more people to see it, so he contacted the National Geographic Society. They came and did a survey of the caves. Then in 1923 it was made a National Park and Jim White was the very first Park Ranger. It was fascinating to see these caves that took so long to be created. It was a long walk but well worth it. The kids all did well and found it interesting. I think they were hoping to see bats. We didn't. After the caves, we had lunch in the parking lot in the backs of our cars. Yum! then on the road for 3 hours to get as close to Austin, TX as possible. We ended up in Sonora, TX.

Day 4- June 8, 2010

Long drive in New Mexico.

It was about a four hour drive to Carlsbad Caverns. We stopped in El Paso Texas to enjoy some texmex. I had heard some many bad travel reports about El Paso that I was nervous. We stayed close to the freeway. Eat our tacos and kept on moving. El Paso wasn't what i thought. It was bigger. You could see the border from the freeway. Well, we did not stay long. we had to get on the road. In the middle of no where on our way to Carlsbad there was another state line border station. these guards suggested we have proof of citizenship for the children. I guess we need to have passports for everyone. Knowing this was going to be a long drive day, I had planned some fun activities. Ellie, learned to latch hook a rug. Simon, and Luke played with Lego's building all kinds of things. It was really a lot of fun. We made up stories about things we saw. I had no idea they were all so creative. We ended up in Sanora, about 20 miles out of Carlsbad. As kids went to bed, and fell asleep. I thinking what a great day it had been. They got along, no conflicts, and we had fun. What a blessing. I missed Dean and Bekah very much. Some of the funny things that happend...Luke asked when we were in the middle of no where if maybe this is where the Nephites had fought their battles?? Good question. He felt it was a good area since nobody lived there. At home is was voting day, so I was trying to figure the internet out on my phone and find out who won what. Dean finally filled me in..sorry Chad didn't win, but glad that Bill Gonzales did. Well, it was a day in the life. My crazy life!

Day 3- June 7, 2010

Deming New Mexico. Three hours from Tombstone and 1 hour from the Mexico border. This is the La Quinta pool. which we enjoyed. We did not have a reservation when we got into town. so, we just stopped at a few hotels, but they were awful. A little smelly to say the least. We had Bryce working on leads with his computer back home. So, we got the LQ phone number. With tourism down, we knew there was wiggle room in the price so, I called and struck a deal. It was a great hotel. Clean and new! Perfect. We had yummy grilled cheese and oranges in the hotel.

Day 3- June 7, 2010

Day three lands us in Tombstone, Arizona. It was so great to catch up with the Earls. Shauna's sister Katie was along for the ride with her sweet kiddos. It was an amazing day. We went to the Six Gun City Gunfight. It was interesting and kept the kids attention. The "real" history of Tombstone was really neat. We had no idea that it was a mining town. It was a real cowboy town. On this day it was very hot and dusty. Tourism was obviously low, at least for the Monday we were there. The gun show was exciting, then we walked around town and the stage coach driver gave us a bargain for three mom's and 12 children. (poor horses) He drove us all over town and told us of all the history, he was a hoot. This was a great stop and the kids really loved it. On our way to Tombstone we drove through St. David, AZ and Benson which was just beautiful. Your driving through the brown desert and then you turn into this little green valley with lots of trees. Nut trees, everywhere. Pecans mostly. Dean has a brother buried in St. David. After Tombstone we headed to New Mexico. On our way we met up with our first state line border crossing. It was the first time I would be asked to show proof of my citizenship. Which I did so proudly. We were very close to the Mexican border, these guards meant business. I asked if i could take a picture, "Ma'am, please move on." That meant no I guess. I moved on. Tonight we will stay in Deming, NM.

Day 3- June 7, 2010

Yeah! sears replaced my car topper with a much better one!!

Ellie waiting for the car to get done!

Ellie passed out the night before at the hotel in Tucson AZ.

Go to Sleep.

Day 2- June 6, 2010

Day 2-
Well, it has certainly been an adventure. We are now in Tucson Arizona. Okay, PHX yesterday 110. HOT! HOT! HOT!
On my way to Tucson I see this sign that says Beware, blowing dust area. I say to myself hum, it bad enough they have to put a sign up?? Then I see a car pulled over trying to tie back down this make shift tarp and suit case thing on their roof. I say, "self so glad you have our trusty hard-top carrier that Dean so nicely installed." Just then a convoy of army truck were passing, the kids waving and smiling. The last truck starts to pass and the driver is point up in the air, and I am like, "Hum, wonder why he is doing that." Simon says, "Mom, somethings wrong on the roof." Panic sets in!! I pull off to the side. (note: convoy does not pull off to help?) Sure enough one of the latches was completely torn out of the carrier and the top was flailing in the wind. Thank goodness, we lost nothing. I know that I was being watched over. We were a sight. Simon on the roof pulling it all a part. Ellie finding a place for everything in the van. Luke waiting calmly. Simon helped get this monster in the van, off we drove again. We managed to go see Dean's Uncle Donn and Aunt Margot. They live way out in Oro Valley. it was sweet to visit with them, realizing it has been way to long. They gave the kids a much needed snack. Well, were off to Tombstone this morning. i am also off to Sears to figure out the car top situation. We are meeting with the Earls this morning!! YEAH!!!!
Much Love, Kim

Day 1- june 5, 2010

DAY 1

June 5th, 2010-this is the first day of our big great American adventure. For 2 years, my friend Shauna Earl and I have talked about this adventure. She went last summer and did the pacific northwest., and this year it is a 3 week trip across the southwest and a bit of the south. The kids are thrilled. So, as you can imagine getting ready for a regular trip is crazy enough--getting ready for this trip NUTS!!!! Bless our sweet husbands, they are keeping the home fires burning and then meeting up with us along the way here and there. We crossed the Colorado river in Laughlin and Ellie said "mom, is this where we are going, is this the big adventure?" My reply, "Ellie no there is so much more", she says "Whew good i was going to be disappointed." So, that was that. Luke is still wondering how the swamp borrowed alligators from the zoo, he didn't know that was allowed. My poor city kids are in for a real SURPRISE!! We stopped in Kingman at sonic to grab a corn dog, and I proceeded to run over Simon bottom retainer (sorry, Dr Whetten), the good news is Simon wasn't wearing it at the time!! Now we landed at Grammys house in Surprise and Shauna diverted off from me and took the carefree Highway (sounds funny, huh) to go to her sisters. (who I think is n Cavecreek,AZ???). We will meet up again in Tucson on Monday morning to caravan down to TOMBSTONE. For now, it is sleepover e at Grammys, which usually means homemade waffle and chocolate milk. YUM!!

There is this great song (It's a Beautiful Life by: Fisher) and I put the words up in my office so the kids would know why I wanted to do this trip so badly. I want them to see the beauty of this world that was created for us. We are so blessed!!

Much Love, Kim

Sunday

This was the first Sunday after Ellie's baptism, seems like yesterday it was her Blessing Day!