God's Plan

For those that followed our blog, you know that we had a "plan". This trip taught us to appreciate those times when God sent us in a new direction. The blown out tire in Mississippi not only kept our family together, but it reminded us that there people out there...strangers...who are living as Christ would..who would impact out lives in ways that we could not imagine.

The "plan" as we headed for Vegas was for me to catch a plane home (so I could teach). Suzi was supposed to drive home with a stop somewhere in the middle of CA. My arrival would be Sunday and the family would drive into Woodland on Monday. There was something about this that did not sit right with me. I finally shared my heart with Suzi. "What do you think about going home together?" It would be a very long day of driving, but we would finish together. We talked about it as a family and reminded the kids that we would have to leave VERY early. Everyone was game and we got excited about the idea of finishing this trip as one family.

As we settled down for some sleep before out last drive home, we learned that the Grand Canyon was flooding. Yet another example of God's hand watching over us. The "plan" was for us to be in the Grand Canyon that night...yet He watched over us and directed our path!

We got up very early and headed off to Woodland. God gave us the most magnificent sunrise.....EVER. It was so spectacular, that people were actually pulling over to take pictures. The sun was rising over the mountains and the moon was setting on the other side. We spent time just thanking God. Whatever pictures we took would never be able to describe just how great this morning was....nor how great this trip was.

We arrived in Woodland in the late afternoon. This trip was better than we could have imagined. What was once a dream for Suzi became a reality for us and we will never be the same again. Even as I right these words, all that comes to mind is, "Praise God".

Hargadons Meet Las Vegas

No, we did not gamble and we did not take in any shows! We did manage to hit the pool (one of many). There was a family from France...at least they looked like they were from France and had French accents. There were two guys acting all macho trying to impress the girls that were with them. Wanting to get in on the action, I asked Suzi if she would be up for challenging them to a chicken fight. Despite my best efforts, I was not able to persuade Suzi to get up on my shoulders.

Bed-Head Sunrise

As we left Gallop, there was the most beautiful sunrise. Michael managed to stumble out of the trailer and even managed a smile for Dad!

Who Made this?

We arrived in Gallop, New Mexico. We actually spent time on Route 66 and even picked up a T-shirt. The travel is starting to wear on us as we are running out of energy to fix dinner. Thank God this campsite provided a BBQ dinner. We spent time in the pool and then headed to dinner. We were tempted to eat some of the peach cobbler.

Suzi and I commented on how good it was. I asked the kid (actually...he was more like a teenager), "How made this?". He replied, "I did." Turns out he wasn't to be a chef...he is well on his way. Despite all the razzing I get for asking questions...this is how you get to know people!

And what better way to leave Gallop than to take a picture with the Statute of Liberty! Onward to Las Vegas.

Amarillo Fun

The only thing better than having a water park inside the campground? Having one across the street! Once we landed our trailer, we walked across the street to a water park. They had water slides, a wave pool, and one of those rivers where you just float around. It was a great way to relax after a long trip.

Suzi and Courtney took the taco water slide head on - you know...the water slide that looks like a taco shell. The boys looked on and decided the floating river was a better place to be. Besides, the river had a lot of bubbles which gave me Dad the opportunity to pretend like he was letting off some gas....or was he pretending?

Then, you could the storm coming. We stayed as long as possible and then headed back to the trailer. We stayed inside as the thunder and lightening let loose. All I remember was thinking to myself, "Jiminy...that is real close."

Wall Drug Meets Meteor Crater

Somewhere along the trip, someone told us about all the signs we would see encouraging us to visit Meteor Crater. It was supposed to be similar to our experience in South Dakota with Wall Drug.

As we headed through Arizona, I started to see the signs. We didn't have time...at least that is what I thought. I was planning on driving right by - we had a long drive to Las Vegas. Just before we got to the exit, Suzi woke up and announced she smelled burning rubber. Oh no! The tires! I immediately took the next exit (Meteor Crater), stopped at the gas station, and checked the tires. They were fine. I figured we might as well gas up.

As we finished up, I suggested we take an adventure and check out the crater. It was pretty cook to see and learn about how astronauts used to train there. Turned out to be a good stop - we managed to get some walking/exercise...fixed some sandwiches...and hit the road again.

Related by relationship

We count it a blessing to have been able to spend time with Kirsten, Savannah, and Frank in Dallas, TX. They invited us into their lives for an afternoon/evening. We had such a good time just hanging out. All too often when friends/family get together, things can get complicated. We have to prepare special meals, get the good china out, and "entertain". Not so here...just good plain hanging out and pizza.

As we left, Savannah got in the truck and wanted to head home with us!