Quiet day in Pagosa

We didn't do much today...so no pictures. We visited Crosspoint Church where almost half those in attendance were visitors. The pastor said that was not unusual. We ate lunch at our room and hung out for a bit before hitting a local mini golf. Greg did not add up the scores, I think he was afraid he had lost! We attended a get together to learn about area activities and we signed up for a whitewater rafting on Wednesday. We did not sign up for the trip that could be life-threatening! Sabrina won a stuffed animal (my favorite...a chihuahua...Don't anyone tell Robin), I was so glad to see her win as she got so excited each time a number was called. You would have thought she won a million dollars. We also had free samples of a local caramel with nuts which was delicious. I would offer to bring some home, but I don't think it would make it! Ate lasagna and pasta for dinner while watching Merlin (new family show on NBC). We are planning to go to Mesa Verde National Park tomorrow.

New Mexico to Colorado

We left Tucumcari, NM after a good breakfast at a local restaurant. We got lots of advice from the waitress and other customers on what to go see and how to get to Santa Fe. We took a scenic route that took us on back roads through the grasslands and over the mesas. My big thrill was when a roadrunner ran across the road in front of our car. We made a few stops along the way enjoying the sites of New Mexico. We ate a quick lunch in Santa Fe and then made a stop at the Santa Fe National Cemetery where my grandfather, Courtney Long is buried. We continued on through the northern part of NM watching the terrain change. One area in particular was absolutely beautiful. The temperature today stayed near 80 degrees. It was wonderful.

We arrived in Pagosa Springs, Colorado late in the afternoon. I made a trip with Allison to the grocery and then we fixed dinner. We are looking forward to exploring the area over the next week.

From Arkansas to New Mexico

We had a long day of driving today. Andrew wants everyone to know that it took forever to get through Oklahoma. We stopped in Oklahoma City and visited the Oklahoma City Memorial. It was very touching. We also drove by the capital building. The dome was added in 2002 and features a Native American (thinking of you Dad). We ate lunch at a Long John Silvers/A & W. Too greasy to eat too often! We stopped at an interesting rest stop in Texas (thanks April for telling me about it) and then we stopped to see the Cadillac Ranch. I had seen this in a magazine once and was very excited when we drove by so we exited and found our way back. It is 10 Cadillacs buried in a field. Apparently people use lots of spray paint to add a personal reminder of their visit. We arrived in Tucumcari, New Mexico after 8 mountain time. We are staying at the Blue Swallow Motel on Route 66. It is a historic hotel that is very quaint. We had to convince a few of the kids of this! It was one of the hotels that inspired the scenes for the movie cars! Tomorrow we will drive up to Pagosa Springs, Colorado where we will stay for one week.

Alma, Arkansas

We made it to Alma, Arkansas today. Left the Brackers in Alabama around 9 am and arrived in Alma around 7 pm. Ate lunch at a Chick-Fil-A and dinner at Cracker Barrell. CB is having their porch sale in a few days....hope I am near one!

Soldier stories: Two fathers reflect on five generations of a military family

Soldier stories: Two fathers reflect on five generations of a military family

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June 24, 2009

Today we visited the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center with the Brackers. The boys had a good time on the Space Shot ride. The girls rode a smaller version. They also tried the rock wall and rode a space simulation ride. On the way home we stopped at a Sonic for "happy hour" for 1/2 price slushies. Problem was their slushie machine was not working well. After explaining our dilemma to them, they agreed to give the kids milkshakes. The ended up not charging us anything for all our drinks! Yummy! Tomorrow we begin our drive west.

Just beginning

I am just beginning to blog. I thought it would be a good way for friends to follow our summer vacation. I hope you enjoy.

Hello...we're blogging...I didn't have enough to do!