Cute Stories in Oklahoma

By January 31, 2014, the Twin Cities had 33 days of below zero temperatures...not below freezing...below zero.  A couple of my girlfriends posted the photo to the left on Facebook recently.  It expresses my feelings perfectly.  Maybe it should say, "It's so cold I can't breathe.  Why do I live in a place where it's so cold I can't breathe?"  Every winter I ask myself that question as the wind sweeps through and literally takes my breath away.  I know, without a doubt, that I love living in Minnesota from late-March through December.  My loving husband knows me so well and strongly encouraged us to finish the torturous winter in Oklahoma.

Travis went home to Minnesota.  His travel schedule brought him  to Iowa and Ohio for work.  Oklahoma has been home for me and the kids for nearly two weeks now.  We are not vacationing...we are doing life in a warmer area.  We've gotten into a regular routine - that includes a typical school day, home-cooked meals, a consistent bedtime, and more funny kid stories.  It's always a blast to spend time with Jim and Linda.  We've played lots of card and board games.  Linda loves to sew and has helped the kids make their own aprons and other fun projects.  Linda taught Lincoln a few reading lessons.  The kids have played outside in the snow - and Jim drove them around the yard on the golf cart to see if it had enough traction to pull them on a sled.  (It didn't. ;-))  The neighbors came over to watch the Super Bowl.  We've visited the library three times - and everybody has done lots of reading.  Linda's birthday was Wednesday (February 5th) so we enjoyed a delicious meal, visited the the Grove Cinema 6 for the movie "Frozen," and treated her to Braum's for some of their famous ice cream.  (It was more of a treat for the kids, but whatever.)

The Kids with Grandma Boots

We traveled to Tulsa Friday to visit Grandma Boots (everyone else calls her Nanny Boots).  Grandma moved from Ottawa, Kansas, to an assisted living facility in Tulsa last August.  This was our first time at her new home.  We all had fun visiting and touring the facility.  After our time with Grandma we went out to lunch with some of my Tulsa girlfriends, Emily, Samantha, and Holly.  I met these gals through MonaVie and they've become wonderful friends.  We ate at a sushi restaurant called In the Raw.  Calla's favorite is the caterpillar roll and Parker tried a Hello Kitty roll.  (What 4-year-old girl wouldn't love a Hello Kitty roll?!)  It was fun to visit with the girls.

Playing basketball in the barn

Saturday we returned to Tulsa to visit with our friends, the Holloway's.  Travis and Jeremy attended Barnes Elementary school in Owasso, Oklahoma, together.  They've stayed connected over the years - Jeremy was even in our wedding.  It was fun to see them, their new home, and their aging children.  I can't believe they have a 13-year-old son!!  Ugghh!!  It all happens too fast.  The kids played lots of basketball together and enjoyed each other's company.  They are a fabulous family.  I always leave their presence inspired.

Ty and Addi Holloway are on the right.  Their friend Tristen is in the back.

Calla climbs to the top

After church Sunday we drove into Rogers, Arkansas, to see our friends, the McLean's.  Rob works at Family Heritage like Travis, starting their businesses just months apart.  Rob and Debbie have been our friends ever since.  (Over nine years now!)  They have three boys - Brayden (nearly 7), Cooper (5), and Bennett (18 mos).  We parked our rented minivan in their driveway and Brayden was at the door welcoming us!  Cooper helped us with our coats.  Bennett took Calla's finger and showed her around the house.  We went over to a store called Lewis & Clark Outfitters (similar to REI) and the kids did some wall climbing.  The Tropical Smoothie Cafe was calling our name after some tough climbs.  Then we went back to their house for some of Debbie's homemade fajitas.  The kids played and played, and the adults talked and talked, until it was nearly bedtime.  It was a blast!  Those boys are as wonderful as their parents!

Besides all that, the Olympics are on television.  They have been a big hit around here.  We've spent time each night cheering for U.S.A. and learning about Russia's history.

I have really funny children (and one exceptionally funny child).  I've been documenting stories and thought I'd share them with you.  I hope they make you laugh like they make me laugh.  Enjoy, until next time...

Getting out of Work - Again
Time to fold laundry.  The kids' job is to match socks and fold undies.
Lincoln:  Um, Mommy.  I've never heard of elephants folding laundry.
Parker (always following Lincoln):  Yeah.  Or a princess!

Looney Tunes
Parker:  Bombs away!  Done.
Me:  What are you doing?
Parker:  We are playing Tom and Jerry.  We are in a cave, but our cave can drive.
Me:  (clarifying)  Cave?
Parker:  Yeah.  You know, I'm Tweety Bird and this is Tweety's cave.
Me:  Cage?
Lincoln:  Yeah.  
Papa Jim introduced our kids to Looney Tunes and Tom & Jerry.  Apparently they are interchangeable and worth re-living.  With Lincoln involved, I'm a little concerned that a homemade bomb will go off or something.  Praying.

The Blood of Christ
Jim and Linda attend an alive Methodist church in Grove.  We always go with them when we are in town.  They celebrated communion at church Sunday.  Because of bad weather and illnesses, the childcare was cancelled.  The kids did a GREAT job sitting in service and (what I thought was) pretending to listen.  After we went up for communion, Lincoln looked at Papa Jim with a concerned face and asked, "Is that real blood?!"  That's a good question.  And I'm glad he was actually listening.

Preparing for the future
Linda:  Lincoln, what are you doing?  (She noticed Lincoln standing on the bed wearing only underwear - multiple pairs.)
Lincoln:  Getting dressed.  I've got four pairs of underwear on!  One for today, one for tonight.  One for tomorrow, and one for tomorrow night.  I'll just take this one off tonight and I'll already have another one on!  He pointed to the outside layer.  He tried to put seven pairs on, but he couldn't get his pants over them. ( I guess it's better than not wearing any underwear.)  
Parker:  I've got three undies on.  One for Friday and one for Saturday.  (It's only Wednesday.)

Apples to Apples
Me:  I'm the judge.  What does the green card say?
Lincoln and Taite (on a team):  The green card says 'Useful'
(Everyone throws in their card.)
Calla:  I don't have any good cards.  I just have a throw away card.
Me:  Brothers.  Bathrooms.  Lifegaurds.  Scouts.  The Headless Horseman.  Hmmm...Not the Headless Horseman, but all these other ones are really good...all very useful.  (I choose the winner and its not Calla.)  Calla, which one was your throw away card?
Calla:  Brothers.

Sequence
It was Taite's turn.  He didn't know it.
Nana:  Taite!  It's your turn.  I'm growing a beard over here waiting on ya!
Taite:  Oh, sorry.
Lincoln:  (Studying Nana closely.) Oh, yeah!  I can see your hair on your beard, Nana!

Nana's Birthday Present
Linda's birthday was Wednesday, February 5th.  We didn't think we'd be with her on her birthday, so when we were there before Christmas we left her birthday gift in a guest room.  We had packaged up some lotion and shower gel - her favorite scents - and a study Bible.  The bag was visible, but not in the way.  Since we were there for her birthday, we gave it to her ourselves over a birthday lunch.

Busted.

Linda:  Oh, you guys.  I have a confession to make.
Taite:  I already know what you are going to say.  You looked in the bag and know what your present is.
Linda:  Yes!  How did you know?!
Taite:  It was a good guess.
Linda:  I looked a long time ago - after you left at Christmas.   I was so excited about it I've already started reading it!  (She opened the book and showed us her bookmark!)  I've already read all of Genesis, Revelation, and part of Exodus!  (Ha!  She's like a kid.)

Hearing
While we watched the Olympics Saturday night Linda warmed up with Lincoln and Parker on her lap.  Lincoln was being funny and Linda grabbed him to tickle him.  Have you ever heard Lincoln scream?  I wouldn't even say he screams like a girl.  It's an ear piercing, high pitched shriek.  He always screams like that when he gets tickled.  It's awful and we try to avoid it at all costs.  Linda must have forgotten - especially since Lincoln was right next to her ear!  She tickled him, he shrieked.
Linda:  Lincoln!  My goodness!  I can't hear out of this ear!!
Lincoln (defending himself):  Well, I didn't know you had a hearing problem in that ear.

Maps
Linda pulled out a map and the kids showed her the places we've been.  She opened to Oregon.
Linda:  So, where in Oregon were you?
Me:  Wallowa.  It's by the Wallowa Mountains, south of Walla Walla, Washington, about 100 miles.
Linda:  I'm not seeing it.
Lincoln:  Nana, is it over here?
Linda:  You know, I can't find it.  Can you see it, Lincoln?
Lincoln:  Well, can I use your glasses?

Grove's movie theater

Frozen
We went to see Disney's Frozen.  Along our way home we reviewed the movie.  The questioning got around to Parker.
Me:  Parker, what was your favorite part of the movie tonight?
Parker:  It was so funny when the snowman said, "Catch my butt!!!"  That was so funny!
(Ha!  I was so surprised she remembered that part of the movie.  That was funny!  I'm telling you what, Frozen was one of the best Disney movies I've seen.  Olaf was the prize character.  Loved it.)

Sewing aprons

Reading

Calla's reading where it's quiet

Always doing her own thing

Racing cars

Someone gets to sleep with me each night.  They drew to see who goes first and then rotate.

Nana did the girls' nails

Dancing during the Super Bowl halftime

Connected Indians

Nana's birthday lunch

Braum's birthday treats

"You all going to work at a construction site?" asked Papa Jim.

FAQ's

People are often perplexed by our travels, especially since we aren't yet senior citizens.  These are the most frequently asked questions we've heard on this trip:


Do you homeschool?
This questions, of course, comes from people we meet along the way.  The answer is 'Yes.'

Where do you sleep?
Typically, Travis and I have the queen-sized bed in the back room.  Lincoln prefers to sleep in the recliner by himself.  The dinette collapses into a bed.  Taite usually sleeps there.  The couch works like a futon and folds into a bed as well.  Calla usually sleeps there.  Parker will sleep with either Calla or Taite...depends on the day.

When we have friends join us, like the VanSumeren's, we let the other adults sleep on the bed in the bedroom.  That's where Stacey and Tim slept.  We have a twin blow-up mattress.  Travis slept on the mattress.  Connor slept with Taite on the dinette bed.  Tyler started the trip in the passenger chair.  We turned it around 180 degrees (facing Lincoln) and leaned it back.  He chose to share the bed with Connor and Taite the rest of the week.  I shared with Calla and Parker.  There is a little bit of a downward-sloping lip on the couch.  With Trav's blow-up bed next to us we had no worries about anyone falling off the couch/bed.  As these kids get older we won't be able to continue to sleep like this.

One funny/cute thing we experienced was our nighttime salutations.  When Travis and I slept with the kids we became the Walton's.

Taite:  Goodnight, Mom
Me:  Goodnight, Taite

Linc & Bug

Calla:  Goodnight, Mom
Me:  Goodnight, Calla.  Goodnight, Lincoln.  Goodnight, Parker.  Goodnight, Connor.  Goodnight, Tyler. Goodnight, Dad
Connor:  Goodnight, Miss Kate
Lincoln:  Goodnight, Mom
Tyler:  Goodnight, MissKate
Parker:  Goodnight, Mommy
Connor:  Goodnight, Mr. Travis
Taite:  Goodnight, Dad.  Goodnight, Connor.  Goodnight Tyler
Tyler:  Goodnight, Lincoln.  Goodnight, Parker
Travis:  Goodnight, Connor.  Goodnight, Taite

You see where I'm going with this.  Every last person said goodnight to everyone else in the room.  Instead of counting sheep, you could help yourself fall asleep by remembering each person in the room and bidding them goodnight.  I'm sure by the time we were done there were a few kids already asleep.  I could take up 4 pages on this nightly event alone!  It was seriously long, drawn-out, hilarious, friendly bedtime love. 

Like last year, I regretfully don't have a picture of the sleeping arrangements.  One of these days...

A one month bucket of mail at my mom's house.  Neatly organized.

What do you do with your mail?
USPS lets you put your mail on hold for one month.  We did that, had it delivered, and (with a reminder set in my phone) put it on hold again.  My mom was kind enough to pick it up.  (Thanks mom!!!)  She sorted it and found tons of junk mail, a couple of bills (which we pay online anyway), some tax statements (we'll need in March for our tax appointment), and a few other random items.  Almost all of our communications and payments are done electronically.

Doesn't Travis have to work?
He does.  And he is.  We traveled to his meeting.  He's spent time everyday (except weekends) on the phone with co-workers.  He's led webinars (internet meetings) and conference calls.  We've stopped and connected with many of his co-workers in person.  We call this adventure 'a trip' not 'a vacation.'  We are just doing life in a different place other than 15250 Nautica Circle NE.  




Are you still doing your business, Kate?

You betcha.  (Throwing in a little Minnesotan there.)  I have been able to get on conference calls, make phone calls, and stay updated on the happenings through www.monavieonthemove.com.   We went to Las Vegas for MonaVie's semi-annual meeting mid-January.  I've met people along the way who have either had an interest in health or making more money.  (Perfect candidates.)  I've taken time to set goals and review my purposes. 

How do you do school?

Linda bought me a jean dress and bonnet.  It's perfect.

When ever and however we can fit it in.  We are mostly doing 'unschooling' and learning through the experiences we've had along our trip.  We've kept up really well with our history and science reading.  We've also put a great dent in our math.  Normally Grammy (my mom) does reading lessons with Lincoln and we haven't really squeezed those in along the trip.  (Nana is starting to fill in for Grammy a bit just to keep him learning.)  Taite and Calla have read tons of books on their own.  And for writing, the kids are journaling.  More important than all those subjects, we've remained consistent in our Bible studies, we've worked on manners and interpersonal skills, and we've all worked on our character - especially choosing our words, managing our emotions, and thinking about our actions before we act.  It's not just our children who have worked on those things.  We have all grown immensely on this trip.  This trip is a bit like selling books - you either stay the same, quit, and go home or you change, develop your character, and become stronger.

Did you notice the special herbs in Colorado?
Boy did we ever!  We were walking the streets of downtown Grand Junction and the scent was overwhelming multiple times as hemp smokers walked past us .  When we arrived in Denver, there was a corner store called "Cannabis Care."  I went to Google and typed in "Cannabis Care Denver" and eight different sites came up.  ;-)  The store next to Cannabis Care was called Voodoo Doughnuts.  The line for them was out the door and down the block!  We are guessing there are some special herbs cooked into those doughnuts.  

Cannabis Care Center

Have you seen much wildlife?
No.  Nothing compared to last year.  Last year we saw wild dolphins, whales, sea otters, big horn sheep, pronghorn, and more.  This year seems to be more geology- and astronomy-focused.  Not intentionally.  Different, but cool.

Do you miss home?
Of course!  We miss our family and our friends.  We have the best of the best family and friends in Minnesota.  But when it's so cold outside it's not even fun to visit friends because you have to walk from the car to their door.  ;-)  I also find that we sometimes go two months without seeing some of our very best friends because of everyone's hectic schedules.  We'll be patient and plan playdates and dinners for when we return.  We plan to shower family and friends with love when we get home.  They will barely notice we've been gone.  (And maybe next year some of them will visit us in Costa Rica. ;-))

Have you sold your home?
Not yet.  It will remain on the market until February 20th.  

I plan to wear this on the farm.

Did you buy a farm yet?  or Where is your farm?
Again, not yet.  (Which is why it's probably a good and God-thing that we haven't sold our house yet.)  Travis has already returned home and is researching our favorite parcels.  We'll see...

How is it, being together all the time?
Usually people ask this with wide eyes, imagining what it would be like to be with their own children and spouse all the time.  Travis and I really enjoy spending time with our kids and each other.  I suppose when you spend this much time with each other, you get to know the others better.  You learn what makes the others tick (or flip-out).  You understand all the small things that warm the hearts of your children and spouse.  You learn how verbally, visually, and through mannerisms to most effectively deliver the message.  It's less about manipulation and more about managing your environment.  It's also fun, when you've experienced the same things, to reminisce or sympathize.  I guess it's fun to be on the same page.  

How is this year's trip different from last year's trip?
Since we are traveling to the same general area, you'd think we'd do and see many of the same things.  Not so.  Last year we experienced cool weather everywhere we went, including Southern California.  (We didn't even pull out our swimsuits.)  We saw lots of wildlife.  We were gone for six weeks.  We traveled where we wanted to go, and saw friends who lived in those areas.  (The people we visited were fabulous!!!  So glad our paths crossed.)  Last year we traveled according to our schedule.  Travis was great about planning where we'd stay and for how long.


This year we experienced lots of hot weather - and cool weather where we expected the cool weather.  We swam so much this year Taite's face dried up.  We saw very little wild life - a few mule deer in California and some pronghorn in New Mexico.  This year we planned our travels around who we wanted to visit instead of what we wanted to see.  We went sight-seeing in the places where those friends live.  We didn't see very many of the same friends as we saw last year (sadly).  But we have absolutely loved our time with the friends we've visited this year.  We'll be gone nine weeks this time.  Nine weeks is definitely do-able.  Especially when Minnesota is having their 13th coldest winter on record.  Brrr.  Finally, this year we have a much more general and flexible schedule.


Both were amazing trips.  I'm pretty sure our kids have no idea how cool it is that we get to do this.  Likely, it won't be until they have their own families and contemplate doing something similar that they understand what all goes into a trip like this.


How do you pack clothes for a trip like this? 
That is a great question!  I am no expert.  We packed 10 layer-able outfits for each person.  (Everyone only has one cubbie or drawer.)  Of those 10 outfits, one had to be a church-worthy outfit.  Everyone had between one and three sweatshirts.  We needed one swimsuit for each person.  (We accidentally had an extra for each kid in the RV's dirty laundry bin - oops.) We needed skiing/sledding gear.  Helmets, goggles, boots, hats, scarves, mittens, snow pants, and winter coats got thrown into duffel bags and stored under the bed. 

KC and his buddy/cousin Ruger

Where is KC while you are gone?
I have an amazing mom.  She's taken care of KC the majority of the time we've been gone.  She's also flushed our toilets and turned on our sinks on extremely cold days to make sure our pipes don't freeze.  (We'll have to consider that for next year.)  She watered my plants.  And she's picked up our mail and packages.  She's really been there for us.  I have no idea what we would do without my mom.  There was a week she joined us and our stupendous neighbors took care of everything for us - including KC.  (Why are we considering moving?!)  They have definitely watched out for us and our home.  The neighbor boys are even shoveling our driveway.

What day is it?
That's the question I most frequently ask.  It's hard to keep track of the days when you really have little reason to keep track of the days.  ;-)

Calla

When are you coming home?!
Although it's changed a few times, we've settled on February 20th.

Are you going to do this next year?
Absolutely.  And every year the Lord allows.  Costa Rica, here we come.

Can we join you next year?
Undoubtedly, YES!  Usually people are joking when they ask this, but we aren't!  This is our invitation for you to join us, meet us, and/or travel with us.  We don't yet know where we'll go for sure.  We're going to check out Costa Rica in April as we'll be there for the wedding of our friends, Rich Strobel and Jessie Hounsell.  We'll make a decision then.  (Thank you Rich and Jessie for getting married in Costa Rica!!!)

Linc

Do you miss home?
"I can't wait until we go home," said Lincoln with a very sad and desperate voice.
"Why do you want to go home?" I asked.
"Because then I could see my friends.  And I could have frozen strawberries and frozen pineapple.  And I could have roast beef.  And I could have raspberries and blackberries and blueberries."
"You can eat those things here.  Why do you have to go home for them?" I asked.
"Well, not frozen pineapple and frozen strawberries," Lincoln assumes only Minnesotans eat frozen fruit?  "I'm hot.  When I'm hot I want to have frozen things.  That's why I want to go home."

As for the rest of us, we are super excited to go home.  We'll see Grammy and Mimi.  We'll see our friends.  We'll get back on a schedule/routine.  We'll engage with our church family again.  The kids will go to their homeschool school and co-op where they both learn and see friends.  I'll get to go to BSF, attend my Christian Health Cooperative gatherings, and get back to business.  We'll all sleep in our own beds and have a wide variety of clothes to wear.  We'll be able to get groceries from our typical sources.  We'll have a mailing address for letters and packages.

Yes, we're excited to come home.  But we'll only be gone for a total of nine cold, winter weeks.  No rush.

How do you get around?  Do you drive the RV everywhere?
Yet another great question.  No.  We often set up camp and rent a vehicle.  The RV can stay in one spot and we can drive in a smaller vehicle that can fit in more places - like packed parking lots, sharp turns, and Starbucks drive-thru's.  We love our Honda Odyssey, but our research strongly discouraged us from pulling it behind the RV.  (Something about ruining the transmission. ;-))
 

What's been your favorite part of the trip? 

Poo

Calla:  Going to the Ferré's ranch.  (See 'A Visit with the Ferré's in Northeastern Oregon)
Lincoln:  Going to the zoo.  (See Mile High Fun)
Taite:  The Ferré ranch.
Parker:  The whole thing.  (Not really an acceptable answer, but we'll work on it.)
Travis:  The flexibility of this trip.  It's been great to make last minute decisions to change directions, return dates, and attraction plans.  I like the spontaneity of the trip.
Me:  I love that we've gotten to visit so many of our favorite people all over the country.  Boy, God has absolutely blessed us with amazing friends.  A gift.




I'm sure there are more FAQ's.  I'll add them as I hear them.  ;-)

Now what should we do?

Denver’s weather was sunny and gorgeous Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  As we left Pike’s Peak we watched the storm clouds roll in toward the city.  It was at that moment we should have thought, “Hmmm…if a snow storm comes through, that might make it difficult to close down the RV.  We should do it tonight.”  Instead we said, “Brrr!  Get inside!  Do you need an extra blanket?!”  

It was cold in Denver Monday.  Not like Minnesota's extreme -40°F.  We were grateful for a positive 20°F.  Notice…20°F is below freezing.  It wasn’t until we attempted to leave that we realized we had made a grave mistake. 

The water pump froze Sunday.  That means we didn’t have any running water.  That means we had nothing for flushing toilets, washing hands, or doing dishes.  We bought baby wipes for hands.  We could flush, but now we just have an outhouse instead of a toilet.  We had a sink full of dirty dishes. 

Tuesday the water filter froze and busted.  The water hose froze.  Travis had to put it in the rented Tahoe to thaw so we could coil it small enough to fit in the storage bin.  The brand new dump hose busted (thankfully we had a spare).  The gray water (sinks and bathtub) froze.  Even the black water (toilet) froze.  We couldn’t drain anything. 

We started to pull in our slide-outs.  We couldn’t get the front one in all the way.  Where the slide-out did pull in, there was a wall of ice melting onto the carpet.  The ice formed a barrier around the outside edge and the slide-out remained out about a half inch...just enough to cause a serious draft. 

“Our outdoor thermometer said -8,” my dear friend Megan told me about Minnesota's weather Monday.  “So I figured it was nice enough to get outside.  We needed to run around.  I bundled up the girls and myself and put skis on the girls.  It only took a couple minutes until Amelia’s face was frozen.  I ran in to get scarves.  I wrapped our faces until you could only see eyes.”  Pause…only a Minnesotan (and a North Dakotan) would think -8°F is outdoor playing weather.  But after so many inside days, children and moms go crazy - I can see what she was trying to accomplish.  Resume…"Within a few more minutes Amelia was crying so I gave up and we returned inside.  We were outside less than eight minutes.  I realized my temperature gauge was in the sun so it wasn’t -8, it was -14, but my temperature gauge doesn’t factor the wind chill.  I looked it up, and it was actually more like -40.” 

Ginger

That’s what it felt like at the top of Pike’s Peak.  It was an all-too- familiar feeling.  The goal is to avoid that feeling as much as possible.  We aren’t going home until March.  (Seriously.)  If we went home, we might never get the Flyer thawed.  We started driving south Tuesday morning.  Interstate 25 led us first to Colorado Springs where we had lunch with our friend, Ginger Gueffroy and her new baby, Jax.  Then it led us into New Mexico.

Calla holds baby Jax

“P.U.!  Why does it stink in here?!” one of the kids asked.  We find that anytime we open a window, it creates a vacuum.  The open window draws out air from other parts of the RV, especially that from the toilet tank.  It was not warm outside.  We didn’t have any windows open.  The half-inch slit around the slide-out was the culprit.  So now it was cold and stinky.  Eventually we adjusted and didn’t notice it anymore. 

Not until we stopped.  Travis had to run an internet meeting at 5:00 mountain time.  We stopped in Raton, New Mexico – the largest town we could find between Denver and Amarillo.  'Raton' in Spanish means ‘rat.’  Nice.  It was a rinky-dink town, but big enough to have a Best Western.  Travis parked and went in to ask if he could have the internet code.  They kindly gave it to him.  He returned to the RV and was overwhelmed by the smell.  Travis ran his meeting in the RV while we went inside the Best Western's restaurant, Mulligan's.

I'm pretty sure we all stunk like toilet.  To top it off, the girls hadn't brushed their hair yet.  It looked like a small bird had nested in Parker's hair.  Calla's was only slightly neater.  We were a mess!!  “Wilson children,” I gathered my kids around me, “before we go in to eat, let’s talk about manners and etiquite."  I figured it was a good opportunity to practice our manners and, maybe if we had great manners, our stink and ratty hair wouldn't be so overwhelming to the restaurant and hotel staff.  "The waitress is going to ask you what you would like to drink.  How do you respond?”

“Please,” Taite and Calla said.

“Um…well please is good, but you haven’t asked for anything yet.  What will you ask for and how?” I asked.

“I’ll have some water,” tried Taite.

“Try again.”

“May I please have some water?” asked Calla.

“Excellent!!!  That was perfect!  Now, who would you be looking at when you say that?”

“Um…the waitress?” asked Taite. 

“Right.”  We had a few more role plays and we were ready to enter the restaurant.  The kids did a fabulous job using their manners, speaking clearly, and confidently interacting with the restaurant staff.  At one point Parker accidentally dumped her water on the ground.  The waitress checked on us.

Melt your heart...

“Um, I’m sorry.  I spilled my water on the ground.  Do you have a rag I can use?” Parker asked in the most polite, sincere way.  She had big, round puppy dog eyes with a soft, remorseful voice. 

“You are the most well-mannered little girl I have ever met!  Of course I’ll get you a rag,” responded the waitress.  We are on a mission.  The goal by the end of this trip is for me to never have to say, “what do you say?” or “use your manners, please.”  We are moving in the right direction. 

We ordered Travis' meal.  He joined us when he finished the “Corporate Spotlight.”  The plan for the evening was to eat, then continue on to Amarillo.  After dinner, with a full belly and glossy eyes, Travis wondered if we should just stay in Raton. 

“So we have the option of staying in this hotel for the night, and you kids can swim for awhile.  Or we can keep driving and find a spot along the road to stop.  We’ll stay in the RV and have to deal with the cold and smell, but we’ll be closer to Nana and Papa Jim’s,” Travis offered as the options.  Taite was the only one who wanted to keep driving.  (He’s decided swimming pools make is face dry – he had some majorly dry skin in Arizona – so he’d prefer lakes over pools.)  The votes to stay outnumber Taite so we checked in.

“This Best Western looks brand new.  When was it built and what’s the draw to Raton?” Travis asked as he signed the check-in documents.

“This was built in 2012.  It’s the NRA,” the gal behind the desk informed us.  The NRA’s 33,000 acre Whittington Center is one of the world’s top outdoor recreation destinations.  It's located 10 miles west of Raton.  Interestingly, Ted Turner also owns land near Raton, New Mexico.  According to Wikipedia, Ted Turner's Vermejo Park Ranch is 590,823 acres of conservation, hunting, fishing, and other recreation.  That makes the little 80-acre parcel we are considering buying seem like a dust particle.  ;-)

We headed to our room for a swim.  It was an indoor pool and the rooms surrounded the pool and atrium.  “Wow,” said Taite.  “This is probably the nicest hotel we’ve ever stayed in.”  Hmmm…J.W. Marriott Starpass, L.A. Live, and the Best Western.  We are sticking with Best Western from now on!  (Plus, why do inexpensive hotels give you free breakfast and free internet – things everyone has a use for – and expensive hotels make you pay ridiculous amounts for them?  Best Western, Thank you.)

The kids enjoyed swimming – even Taite, we all enjoyed a warm and fresh-scented night of sleep, and the complimentary breakfast was delicious.  Our next goal was to get to Oklahoma City through Amarillo.  We made another attempt at school.  History – check.  AWANA – check.  Math – check. 

“Ok, let’s do English,”  I pulled out the books, dry erase boards, and markers. 

“Can I do English?!” asked Lincoln excitedly.  I’m sure he was most excited to draw on a dry erase board. 

“Sure!”  We worked on the sounds each letter makes then played the games the curriculum suggested. 

“English is fun!” Lincoln declared while laughing during one of the games.  The Logic of English is a great curriculum!

Capulin Volcano in New Mexico

"Hey!  Look at that!"  Guess who.  I looked outside and saw very unique terrain.  Travis told me it was lava rock with grass growing on it.  (Seriously...how does he know all this?!)  I did a bit of Googling and found that Capulin, New Mexico, is home to the Capulin Volcano National Monument.  This extinct volcano was an unexpected treat.

"We've never seen a volcano before!" exclaimed Calla.  "'So, what are some of the coolest things you saw on your trip?'," Calla pretended to be someone asking her a question.  "We saw a volcano!!"

Our journey pressed on and we landed in Amarillo.  The RV had thawed enough to dump (yea!!).  We made a Wal-Mart stop for some new parts.  By 7:00pm we were driving through the western suburbs of Oklahoma City. 

“Mom, can we take a 12-minute detour?” Travis asked.  He went to middle school in Mustang, Oklahoma (near Oklahoma City).  He showed us his home, his school, and the homes of a few of his friends.  He told a few history stories - including ones with Kyle Mayberry, who the kids met while we were in Newport Beach.  It was fun to experience part of his past.

Some time with Virgie

By 7:30 Wednesday night we were in Edmond at Pho Bulous for dinner.  Our long-time and great friend, Virgie Sandford, met us there.  (She resides in Waco, but just happened to be in town working at OU.)  We laughed and talked.  The kids asked her about her trip to Columbia.  She entertained all of us with stories and pictures.  We asked her about the Excellence award she recently won (the highest honor anyone can earn at the book company at which we all met.)  Virgie even shared a Thai Tea with Tapioca Pearls with the kids. 

It was wonderful to spend time with another amazing friend.  We spent the night in Edmond, Oklahoma.  Thursday we drove past Tulsa and on to Grove.  We called Jim and Linda Monday to ask them if they were open-minded to us plopping ourselves in Grove, America for three weeks.  They have a second home located just 6 miles northeast of their main home.  Could we stay there?

Jim and Linda - brave grandparents

"Oh, no!  You don't need to do that!  You can stay here with us.  It'll be great!" was Linda's response.

I know I've mentioned it before, but I'm confident I have the best in-laws in the world.  Travis had to go home for work, but there would be five more noise-makers and eating machines at their house.  We'd be buying food, but still.  With open arms Jim and Linda welcomed us...knowing we'd be there for three weeks!!  Now that's love!

We walked in the door and made a disaster of the place Thursday afternoon.  We brought in dirty dishes (so many, Jim had to run the dishwasher immediately).  We brought in 8 loads of laundry.  Six of them had to get done Thursday because Travis was flying out Friday and needed his clothes.  We had school books - so many Jim brought in a bookshelf for us and set it up in the dining room for our stay.  The RV was a stinky mess.  The inside is now fresh and clean, but the outside hasn't been touched.  And the atrocity is parked crooked on their north lawn. 

We spent the afternoon and evening cleaning up, getting organized, and sharing stories.  Soon it was time for children to go to bed...we needed to get used to the Central time zone.  The kids had been in bed for close to an hour when (at 9:45) we all heard too much talking and fighting.  Travis checked on the chatter-boxes, Lincoln and Parker.  They were standing in the hallway.

  

Crazy Lincoln

L:  Dad, can I sleep in your bed?
T:  Sure.  (He let Lincoln go into our room.  Separating Lincoln and Parker was a good idea.  Trav went in to snuggle with Parker for a minute.)
P:  Daddy, I'm tired.
T:  I bet you are.
P:  I want to go to sleep.
T:  Ok.  You can.
P:  Can you get out?
T:  Oh, ok.  Good night.  (Kisses)  (Travis went in to snuggle with Lincoln.)
L:  (In a very sad, whiny voice.)  Daddy, I wanted to talk to Parker, but she wouldn't listen.
T:  Really?
L:  I've got crazies.  I just need to get my crazies out.  She wouldn't even let me sing to her.  She just wanted to go to sleep!  (Lincoln began singing a personally composed song to Travis then told him a few made-up-on-the-spot riddles.)  Call him butter!  Lincoln was on a roll.  Travis was laughing at him and with him until eventually it was way too late and crucial to get to sleep.

These have all been very memorable days.  Each day we are reminded how blessed we are...and that we should stay south for the winter.  I think we’ll plan to be somewhere even warmer from mid-December to mid-February again next winter.  Costa Rica?  I’ll start working on that.  Consider meeting us there for awhile!