Diary of a Road Trip part 2: May 2006

May 22, 2006

We have been gone from home for 5 days and I have turned into an old lady. When I was younger I never wanted vacation to end, now all I want is to go home. I had to have a phone interview for medicaid today. It was very difficult to conduct business via the cell phone and I lost the connection twice. I was frustrated to say the least. Then I couldn't find the memory card for the digital camera that has all the Thomas pictures and video on it. I crawled on the floor for a long time and just almost cried. Then I looked at my wallet and there was the card in plain sight. I was much relieved. The weather outside was cool and rainy. We had breakfast and then hit the road. We decided to take the kids to Four corners. The only place in the US where 4 states share a common border. You can stand in all four at once. We took a little side trip to see a volcanoe, but ended up not seeing it. The kids got to jump around on a machine that made and earthquake--they enjoyed that. We left and headed for Monument Valley. A place where the wind and water have eroded mountains into shapes. The wind started really picking up on the way and we got into a major sand storm. Cayla, Zane and I didn't even get out of the car at the Monument Valley visitor center. Dad had been saying it is so amazing that water did all this. Then we drove down to see some of the monuments, with the wind beating the heck out of the car, the sand flying and ruts as big as the grand canyon in the road. Zane kept asking if we were going to drive into the river. It took me a while to figure out he thougth the water that had eroded everything away was still there. Pretty intuitive for a 3 and a half year old. We didn't spend much time at Monument Valley. We drove into Utah a little and then headed for 4 corners. When we reached the place it was about 7 pm. There was a closed gate with a no trespassing sign. Apparently Four Corners now closes and charges admission. I was not happy to have driven all that way and not be able to stand in this spot. Dad reluctanly took Amanda and Zane over the gate and they hiked off to see the monument. Another car full of people followed behind them. Cayla and I just waited in the getaway car. Nothing happened, no reservation police popping out to arrest them, so it was fine. At least we have pictures of Amanda and Zane in 4 states. Cayla and I just got a picture by the sign saying don't go in. From there we drove to Durango, Colo. Cayla didn't like the change in altitude and we missed all the scenary because it was dark. We were glad to finally get to a hotel.

May 23, 2006
Today we drove and drove and drove. I cried most of the way through Colorado. There were green pastures with horses grazing and log cabins everywhere. That was always John's and my dream to live in a log cabin in Colorado. Hard day for me. We did see lots of pretty scenery. We drove to Clovis, NM and stopped for the night. I was surprised that the kids continued to do well in the car. Zane had an accident in his pants when we stopped for him to play. The only one on the entire trip. He hates the car seat now. Just doesn't want to get back in it when we get out. But I don't blame him.

May 24, 2006
The last leg of the journey. We grabbed convenience store food and hit the road. Stopped just outside of Post to feed Cayla. There I learned that CW Post used dynamite to create rain. It worked 40% of the time. I was impressed even though no one else was. We finally reached home about 4:30. I was glad to see the house and get in the air conditioning. Texas is hot compared to the cool Colorado air.

Over all we are tired and cranky, but glad to be home. Amanda has to take finals tomorrow and then the rest next week. Cayla and I will rest and Zane will go back to day care. The memories of the trip will be just that memories. But happy ones. I am glad we did it even if I am feeling old now. It was well worth the driving to see the Grand Canyon and hear Zane squeal over Thomas.