Going Home

We left Moms house with the usual emotional goodbyes. The long drive through the night was just too much for me , so we stopped in Williams AZ and got a Hotel room for a few hours. Got back on the road by 1:00 PM and by 6:00 Pm I knew we weren't going to make Tucumcari safely. I called and cancelled the reservation and we stopped at the Albuquerque KOA. That place is a pit. It is a big gravel parking lot with no trees, and crappy service. We decided to go on down the road a few miles and see what we could find. After a brief stop at Sonic for dinner, and prayer by Bekah asking for help finding a place to stop, we headed off down the highway. We got off the highway to check out a campground and got lost because of construction. We stopped at a gas station to use the restroom and get directions back to 40, and on a whim I asked if the store clerk knew of a good campground. She pointed over her shoulder and said yeah, right behind me. I thought she was joking, but this place, Hidden Valley Camp Ground on route 66 just outside Tijeras NM is beautiful. Its literally a hidden valley over a short hill just behind the gas station, It is so nice we stayed an extra night to try to rest up for another hard drive home. I finally took the kids for their ice cream, and Mim learned that we are in "Albuturkey". She is a funny little monkey.

Independance Day

What a wonderful cap to our visit. We spent the day at the beach at Camp Pendleton. The beach was clean , and very safe. I've never seen such security. Miriam was quite surprised by waves, but came to find the water fun. Uncle Tim even took her boogie boarding. I taught Adam and Sarah boogie boarding. They didn't really like it much, but Sarah spent hours trying to body surf. Bekah found a crab, hatchery and went crazy hunting them. It was all catch and release. All in all we just had a great time.
Saturday we Dee came for another visit, and we had some wonderful talks that included some discussion of religion. She still isn't ready to believe, but she is weakening :) . Heather has had some problems with school very similar in nature to the ones I had my first year at RCC , and it all blew up that night. I took a walk with Heather and she calmed down. I hope she just makes a decision, and goes with it. I don't think she is going to be able to grow anymore staying at home, but that isn't my call. I also spent several hours talking to mom, and letting her know that this is not a failure. It's just another step. The conversation of course turned to matters spiritual. I wonder if Mom is one of those people who struggle to find happiness for themselves all their lives, but instead of finding it, they bring happiness to others. I wish I could be there for her, but in the past more than just a short visit, and we start to antagonize instead of build up one another.

Whew!

The long all night drive from Bryce to Riverside just about did me in, but we made it. Bryce has a shuttle service that takes visitors to most of the highlights, so we availed ourselves of this service and, I did not have to drive again, yeah! Miriam and Adam both earned their Young Ranger Badges, and in Mim's words, "(she is) a young ranger girl". That little face climbing up on the counter to be sworn in was just cute. All of the kids were amazed at the hoodoo formations. Just ask them to explain what a hoodoo is and they will.
We just rested on Sunday, after that hairy drive the night before. My sister came to visit and we had a nice conversation. Martha and I stopped in to see Jim Squire and his mother. Jim has a good job and seems to be doing well.
We were supposed to get started early on Monday to go to Big Bear, but mom had some plumbing problems I had to take care of first. After snaking her main drain we did finally get on the road. My Aunt Deb has reserved some very nice Condos for us, and its about 20 degrees cooler here. Again, Yeah! I think we forgot our camera, so we may not get any pics, but we are looking forward to a nice relaxing time before the hectic fouth week end.