We left my sis and bro-in-law's house and started to make our way to Colorado to see my dear friend and her family.
The weather was a lovely 80-ish degrees when we left Phoenix and as we started to get into higher elevation the clouds, the rain, and then the snow proceeded to show itself.
Spooky picture, eh? Just think of what those dark clouds were bringing our way!
As we hit Flagstaff the temp was cooler and I needed to make sure that our stuff wouldn't get soaked from the snow/rain. It seemed that I was leaving with far more stuff than I had come with! Nothing unusual - it seems to be my lot in life - always the one hauling extra stuff around (it is a family joke) and then having a life of constant purging!
This is a random picture that I whipped of the road for - just thought the "brand" was cool.
As we went headed towards Albuquerque, we popped into the Petrified Forest National Park. We were only able to look around in the Visitors Center as the park was closing minutes after we arrived. The kids quickly pointed out that Arizona's State Fossil was Petrified wood. Bummer we couldn't check it out for ourselves - but gave us something to put in our "Arizona - to see" file.
Albuquerque, New Mexico would be our 1,300 mile mark for driving "on the road". That didn't count all the "in town" driving while we were in Phoenix.
The clouds just went on for miles. I love that open space feeling. You just look and you can see for miles but things can change in an instant. In Montana, I have heard it said that the weather changes every 10 minutes and for the times that I have been there I can attest to that - I am sure that it is no different in these parts....
We pulled into Albuquerque at night with it snowing pretty steady. Visibility wasn't that great on the road but the kids and I had made it and we were able to rest our heads for the night before another day's drive.
While in Albuquerque, I wanted to check out Petroglyph National Monument, we woke up to late and so this to shall be filed under "New Mexico - to see". Pook was disappointed that we had driven over the Rio Grande at night - he wanted to see it - thanks to his geography class! Nothing like "pratical application"!
Another day down and a few more to go!
Happy Trails!
I'm lovin the pictures! You are seriously the coolest mom ever to take your kids on the road to see so many things! May God keep your travels safe and memorable. See you soon :D
Posted by: Maritez | March 21, 2009 at 11:20 PM
Gorgeous pics!!! I, too, love that brand. Did you find that on the way to Flagstaff or past Flagstaff? I don't remember ever seeing that. Hmmm...
By they way, I am happy you are home although I wish you were still here in my home! xox
Posted by: Karrie Baker | March 22, 2009 at 05:57 AM
I love the pictures and all that the kids are learning!! Have a wonderful time in Colorado!! Blessings!
Posted by: Karla | March 22, 2009 at 01:48 PM
Love the pics...boy you are sure full of gumption! I would be petrified (not unlike the wood-lol) to drive around w/o hubby. You go girl!
Posted by: Sonya Gala | March 23, 2009 at 03:59 PM