On The Road Again...

Olivia - 2 1/2, Miles - 3 1/2, Grandma, Owen - 5 1/2, Grandpa, Abby - 9 1/2 months


We took a road trip for nine days and eight nights. Gas prices were steep so we're glad for a car with fairly good fuel economy. We covered just over 3000 miles. The main purpose of our trip was to see the Hawkins family. This was our 3rd visit in 9 1/2 months to see them. It was Owen's Spring Vacation. We had given them accommodations in New Braunfels, Texas as a Christmas gift. The unit slept 8, so we ended up joining them for part of the time. We had a great time but remind me to never travel to places of interest during March or the first two weeks of April when everyone in the country is on Spring Break! I don't like crowds, long lines, busy restaurants, congested traffic etc.

We stayed four nights in Texas and four nights in New Mexico. We never pushed it too hard or for too many hours. One of us would drive and the other usually read. Reed completed a new Tom Clancey book with 950 pages. I read two Amish books. We enjoyed our car's navigation system. Most of the time we were guided accurately though a few times we were lead astray. We stayed in Marriott properties where available for the bargain rate, compliments of Candace's employment. The nice units have really spoiled us. One night we had to stay at a Super 8 which was a 'fleabag' place. I took pictures that I might send to the corporate headquarters.

The weather was great with temperatures in the mid-70's to upper 80's. Many trees were in blossom, some had completely leafed out and others were just starting to green up. In a couple of weeks the deserts should come alive with color from blooming cacti. The trip was a wonderful diversion from a long, cold Cache Valley winter. We had good traveling conditions and didn't hit storms until we were two hours from arriving back home. We were greeted with snow on the ground our first morning back.

When we left we had anticipated returning home to boxing up and moving during the first week of April. We had received earnest money, the uniform real estate agreement was signed, disclosure statement filled out, the buyers had their financing and a title company was working towards a closing on March 31st. The buyers were also going to purchase most of our big furniture. While in Texas we received a phone call in which they backed out...cold feet due to the uncertainty of the economy. That's twice a sale has failed. Maybe the third time will be the charm.

The posts below tell about our vacation.