We made it! We're here! Our sweet little Honda has now made a round trip from Florida to Utah, and that old girl is still running smooth (thank goodness)! We are so grateful for the friends who came to help us load boxes, clean out the fridge, and dust blinds. We had a lovely but short visit with family in Colorado. We briefly saw my aunt, uncle, and cousin - I love those guys! We had a good time with all of the Colorado DeShazers as well. When ever I happen to be in the same room as 2 or more DeShazers I usually end up laughing until my cheeks hurt, that night was no exception. They're a funny bunch.
Our darling Amelia did quite well on the trip. She took long naps in the car, but most of her sleeping took place between Geoff and I on a queen sized bed instead of in the hotel crib. She also proved to have a rather sophisticated palate. Before we left Provo she enjoyed some yellow coconut curry and while in New Orleans she ate a hefty portion of etouffe and bread pudding...a girl after my own heart. She also started associating my camera with smiling, now when ever I point my camera at her she automatically smiles.
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| Don't be fooled, the Pak n Play is not her friend. |
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Lovin' some bread pudding
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After our stop in Denver we ventured to Amarillo, Texas. It's been one week since we were in Texas and I still have "Amarillo by Morning" stuck in my head. Thanks a lot George Strait. Other than that, there's not much to report on this leg of the journey. Well, while driving through New Mexico we did see lots and lots of Pronghorn as well as the Capulin Volcano. I never thought I would drive by a volcano, but now I have...I feel pretty good about that.
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| The view from the back seat |
On day 3 we headed to Arlington, Texas. This was a really good day. The night before Amelia was not keen on sleeping so we hit the road very early in the morning. Once in Arlington we met up with our dear friends Brad and Rachel Miller (they both stand well over 6 feet and are proof that everything really is bigger in Texas). Thank heavens for mamas who adore their grand-babies. My mom watched Amelia back at the hotel so we could have some honest to goodness Miller Time. Thanks for a great evening!
Day 4 we trekked on to NOLA...New Orleans, Louisiana. I was so happy to be here because I got to reconnect with and introduce Geoff to my first true love...the beignet. Cafe Du Monde stole my heart 12 years ago and I have pined ever since to sit below that green awning and cover myself in powdered sugar. I need to pine no more. We also stopped in Grosse Tete, La for some gas to find that the Tiger gas station has an actual tiger. Awesome surprise! Unfortunately, at the time of our stop he was napping and my camera was lost in the car.
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| If you have a balcony you must also have a green thumb. |
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| Bourbon Street, early in the evening |
The fifth day there were few stops. We were so ready to be done. Driving along I-10 for 8 hours can make one weary. Lucky for us the wildflowers were in full bloom. We kept seeing huge patches of yellow Coreopsis and pink Sweet Williams between the pine trees and cows. And then, miracle of miracles we were there and the driving was done.
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| Hello Florida! |
