Tuesday, June 30, 2009

June 30

St. Petersburg to New Orleans

We left at 7:00 am, drove 683 miles and arrived in New Orleans at about 5:20 pm (CST). This is scheduled to be our longest day of driving on the trip so it is good to get it out of the way.

We had no construction to drive through, had no accidents, left no children at the rest area, had no car issues, and reasonably few lively discussions between the children that required parental intervention. Praise God for His blessings!

We started the morning with our "Bible" hour and listened to Matthew 1-7 from the Message. Our in-car movies for the day were an episode of the Muppet Show, Madagascar 2, Sahara, and Nacho Libre (edited off TV).

We're were at our hotel in New Orleans and having the "what do you want to do for dinner" discussion and ended up at McDonald's because it was the only restaurant we saw nearby that we would consider going to. Much of New Orleans remains in rebuilding (at least the outlying areas).

We went downtown and walked on Canal and Bourbon Streets - for the cultural experience of seeing the French Quarter. All in all the kids we less than impressed ("too much smoking", "it smells", "don't look at that!") but at least they can say they have been there.

They are swimming in the pool and soon will be back and in bed. We have an early morning breakfast and departure to knock out our 550 miles tomorrow in getting to San Antonio.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Preparation frenzy - part 3

OK...kids are in bed (and some are even asleep), suitcases are being packed (almost done), driver is going to bed, navigator/in-car attendant working on last few things. Everyone is really excited and looking forward to the trip. We'll see if they are as excited after 10 hours of driving (probably 11 hours in the van) tomorrow.

No pictures or funny stories yet (other than the kids singing along to and creating syncronized hand motions to "Holiday Road" while driving to and from dinner).

Preparation frenzy - part 2

Dog is gone, bunny is gone, last trip to grocery store is completed, books are being returned to library...

Looks like we are coming down to the packing! We have various piles around the house and we just need to find the right balance between things to clothe the kids, things to entertain the kids and things to feed the kids.

Preparation frenzy - part 1

Well, the grass is mowed and edged, the pool is cleaned, the dog is bathed and laundry is being done. So, I guess we are getting a good start on preparing to go. Still need to take the dog to the Thomases, take the bunny to the Silks, wash the van, vacuum the van and run a long list of errands but we should make it with time to go to Cody's for dinner!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Preparation begin!

We just finished our annual church business meeting so I am about to start my "official" preparation for our departure on our trip out West. We have Monday to get our last minute things done and then we leave on Tuesday morning.

Here is our general itinerary:
St. Petersburg, FL
New Orleans, LA
San Antonio, TX
Carlsbad, NM
Tombstone, AZ
Las Vegas, NV
Grand Canyon, AZ
Four Corners, AZ
Canon City, CO
Denver, CO
Grand Teton National Park, WY
Yellowstone National PArk, WY
Billings, MT
Little Big Horn, MT
Devil's Tower National Park, WY
Belle Fourche, SD
Mt. Rushmore National Park, SD
Wall, SD
Mitchell, SD
Ashland, NE
St. Joseph, MO
Branson, MO
Murfreesboro, AR
Mobile, AL

We will try to keep you updated with funny stories, pictures and notable meals! Thank you for praying for us!

Tim