The Move & Road Trip

We began our south/eastward adventure by way of I-5 South. On day one we drove from Portland to Sacremento in record time. We thought if it was going to be this easy with the kids we might as well do road trips more often. Seriously, both Jack and Amelie enjoyed being in the car. We spent time talking, dancing in our seats to music, reading and playing the very back of what we loving call "The Truck" our Armada and of course watching lots of movies.

This was us at least 3 days a day - at the gas station filling the always thristy, beast of a SUV, ugh..

It was safe to say that if Amelie had a snack in her hand, she was a happy girl. Cheetos weren't the norm, mind you but we did give in an let her have the bag a once and awhile. She was a happy cheesy camper.

Jack on the other hand wasn't a car snacker but a couple of times. He was happy if he had his blankie, lovingly known as bubbles. (Why do kids name their blankie's?)  Jack's think is to hold his Mr' Bubbles up to his face and suck his thumb. What a boy? 

Our ride was awesome. What a camp that the truck pulled and braked for this almost 4,000 lb load for 3000 miles!

Driving across Lake Shasta in Northern California. 

View point at Yosemite National Park in California. 

Call us crazy but a goal on the trip was to camp at least 1 night. What a time. We didn't know is Yosemite was the best place but we were able to get a last minute camp space (who was of thought they sell out in the middle of the week in late September). It was fun to roast some hot dogs and marshmellows which coicidentally was about the only food we had to eat. Jack loves it, every bit.  

As you can see, he got the hang of cooking his own hot dog, after he took a big cold bite.

Self timed family picture taken practically in the dark.

Jack drinking from a fruit cup.

I think we slept from 9 until midnight when Jack woke up because it was cold (like 45 degrees). Then we slept again until 5:30am when Amee started crying in the truck where we had set up her pack and play. By 6:30 we were packing back into the truck to continue our journey. 

6am - ouch!

We drove through Yosemite National Park. The first part of the trip was shadowed by the controlled burns going on. I think this was to get ride of old trees that were fire hazards. ??

All of these photos were taken from the car while moving…we were on the move and didn't want to stop. They turned out pretty well. LOL

The Valley

The beautiful forests 

The East side of the park

The mountains as we exited the park.
This picture would not be complete without mentioning that Mike was driving while I was taking these photos. He was having a meltdown as the truck was literally shaking as we were braking for not just our SUV but also the 4000lb of cargo including the motorcycle and mini in the trailer. Ouch.

Many of the days on our 5 day road trip were long, ended long after sunset. But by day 3 with all the camping and stress of pulling the trailer we were all ready to get to Gran's house.

 Getting to Gran's was awesome. We spent several days in Oklahoma City just chilling and (me getting some work done). It was lovely weather and great to see the kids run around and have fun.

Fun and rest.

We have been so busy it has taken me a week to just post this but now we are getting settled in our new place and the kids are doing awesome in this new digs. This photo is taken from our new breakfast nook eating area. Morning snack before first day at the new school.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers for us … now in Houston!