Day 4

After we left Cadillac Ranch we drove through New Mexico and into Arizona. Along the way there was a truck stop that was advertised for miles and mile. It had so many billboards I stopped counting.  We decided to stop there for lunch. Big mistake. There were a few trinkets. We took pictures of the kids with a Texas 66 sign they had for sale but the service at the Dairy Queen was horrible. We ended up waiting forever for our food.

Katie and Brady rode in the moving truck with Rick while I jumped in the back seat of the BMW with Trevor. Honestly Trevor and I slept most of New Mexico and I don’t remember any of it.

It was cold when we got into Flagstaff AZ but the pool was warm where we stayed. It was full of a biker tour and it was fun to glance around the parking lot at the different motorcycles.

Brady didn’t want his picture taken anymore.

Cadillac Ranch

Day 4

Because we drove across the border of Texas so late at night and the kids were asleep we decided not to stop to get pictures at the state sign. So these pictures are going to have to count instead.

Anyway right out of Amarillo Texas there is a place called Cadillac Ranch. A private owner decided to set up several cars in a row in the ground creating a beautiful sculpture. To add to the art expression it is open to the public to come in and paint the cars. Spray paint cans surround the cars waiting for you to add your mark. The kids loved painting the cars. It was a great start to the day!

Katie painted the heart by herself.

Day 3

We headed out across Arkansas the next morning. We had to stop just past the boarder because our rental truck had to clear a filter which takes 30 mins. Luckily we were right next to the state welcome center and were able to hike back with the kids for pictures. The ladies at the welcome center warned us of some heavy construction and gave us an alternative route to take. I was very grateful for this information.

We then got back on the road but we didn’t make it too far because our small trailer being pulled behind the BMW blew a tire. We drove into town to get a replacement. It took about an hour and then we headed on the back roads past the construction. It was really beautiful. The roads were narrow so I was glad I wasn’t driving. We past open fields and narrow bridges. A stream wove in and out along the road. But then there was an accident along the way that we got stuck behind.

We finally made it back onto I-40 and headed straight for Oklahoma  Just before we hit Oklahoma City we could see some debris from the massive tornado that had struck 2 days before. We didn’t see as much damage as I was expecting but there was crumpled metal in the middle of fields and signs down everywhere.

We had dinner at a 50’s style diner. They kept the kitchen open for us and closed the entire restaurant behind us as we left.

My dad and Rick were machines. Because we had stopped at Steve and Steph’s house the night before we were behind schedule. They drove well into the night and early morning to get us all the way to Amarillo TX. They were amazing.

 

Day 2

So we woke up in Nashville to find out that there was a massive tornado in Oklahoma the day before. We were so busy loading a truck we missed the news. I was just so glad we were not a few days ahead of schedule. My dad and Rick loaded into the moving truck and headed to Memphis to see Steve and Steph’s new place. My mom and I took the kids to the Parthenon in Nashville since the car was faster than the truck. We had fun learning about the Greek gods and looking at the huge statue inside. We hit the road again and it rained and rained and rained. By the time we hit Memphis it was pouring and only suppose to get worse. What do you do when you are stuck in a monsoon. You cancel your reservation in Arkansas, spend the night at your very kind brother’s house, and go get some good BBQ! Honestly Rick and I still crave the dry rub ribs.

Thanks to Steve and Stephanie for being gracious hosts to a whole house full of unexpected overnight guests. You are amazing!