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!

Man am I glad to have another girl to play with

We were so happy to be able to stop in Dallas and spend some time with Kirsten, Savannah, and Frank. We caught Savannah's soccer game and witnessed as she kicked an amazing goal from the left wing position. Then we headed to their house for some swimming and pizza.

Courtney and Savannah headed to Savannah's room, where the door closed and the talking began. I had to pry them away in order for us to eat! Courtney was so happy to have another girl to talk/hang with.

The great adventure

When our family embarked on this trip, we did so with a sense of adventure...not knowing if we would actually make it to Maine, but knowing all the time that God would care for us along the way. No matter what might happen, we knew God would direct our paths.

Nothing brought this home more than our flat tire in Mississippi. I am reminded of Proverbs 16:9, which says, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." We had made plans for me to stay in New Orleans and have Suzi make some headway towards Dallas. Little did we know that God wanted us to stay together as a family.

Realizing that our trailer could not be fixed in time (they told us it would take over a week), we decided to trust God and head on home together. This has truly been a great adventure.

I found a new job

When we embarked on this trip, we looked for job opportunities for me. When we visited the Creation Museum, I couldn't help but wonder if this was my calling. What could be better than working a K-9 at a Christian museum?

Before and After

After a little....OK a lot of encouragement, Courtney finally jumped off the high dive. Enlarge the second photo and take a look at Courtney's expression. What I learned about Courtney on this trip is that she is a little daredevil...just like her mother. When we were in Hershey, Courtney was the only child to go on one of those roller coasters that goes upside down. Anyone want to guess which parent went with her?

The ever-elusive license plate

By the time we reached Maine, we were down two license plates - Hawaii and West Virginia. We had written Hawaii off as unattainable....until we reached Shaw's for lobster. Joseph gets out and announces he has found Hawaii! Who would have figured.

Family/leadership application? Be careful what you write off. In case you are wondering....we picked up West Virginia in Hershy, PA.