******Note: this is an extremely LONG post with lots of words and a few pictures spread throughout*************
Just before we left, a friend told me that it sounded like camping with our family would be an adventure. Let me tell you - she had NO IDEA what an adventure this trip would turn out to be.
And, let me just say that not every unplanned activity is fun and turns out better than the planned one.
We started off the week before the star party by pulling the trailer out of the backyard because of all the storms moving in. It's a good thing since we go enough rain to pretty well saturate the ground and would have made getting the trailer out impossible. We spend the week packing and loading and shopping and organizing.
The PLAN: Leave Thursday when Craig got home and spend the night in Dinosaur Valley State Park. On Friday, spend the morning visiting the dinosaurs and their tracks and then driving to San Angelo State Park. On Saturday, spend the morning visiting Fort Conco in San Angelo and then driving to Fort Stockton. On Sunday, worship with some friends and then head to Fort Davis where we would spent a leisurely week of staying up till dawn and sleeping till noon and some sight-seeing in the afternoons. We planned to visit the National Fort Davis, dig for agates outside Alpine, visit the Big Bend museum, tour the McDonald Observatory and the Chihuahuan Desert center where everything was to be in bloom - since we were 2 weeks too early last year and we are going 2 weeks later this year.
The Actual Events:
We left Thursday afternoon when Craig came home from work (just like we planned) and hit the road fairly early - like 3:00pm. We exited from I-20 to US 67 to head towards Glen Rose and the Durango's temperature gage pegged the HOT! So, we stopped and let the engine cool down and refilled the water in the radiator and headed back up 67 toward I-20. To pass the time, we looked up the local auto dealers (since all the good car deals are in Arlington, just 10 minutes down the road) and found 2 descent looking options for us! We stopped at the first dealer and they wasted our time. NONE of the cars listed online were available in their shop. However, they could get us one from Kentucky in about 10 days. So, we went on to the next one, in-between letting the Durango cool off and refilling the radiator and trying to decide what to do. The next dealer was much more reasonable and willing to work with us. So, we decided to skip going to visit the dinosaurs and instead stayed at the Cedar Hill State Park in Dallas. It was very windy. The people were pretty nice the 1st night. They, however, have no problem solving capabilities or imagination.
We decided to purchase the vehicle provided they could get it outfitted for pulling a trailer on Friday. So, we spent Friday trying to get a hitch and appropriate wiring installed. By all day, Friday, I mean ALL DAY!! We spent the morning waiting at the hitch install place for the dealer to bring the vehicle over. Then, the installer was exceptionally SLOW! We waiting while the hitch was installed and they worked out what wiring would be needed for pulling a trailer with brakes (should have been our 1st clue). Then, while they finished installing the wiring, we feed the kids at McDonald's with a playground and we repaired the radiator cap and holding on the Durango. This was a contibuting factor not the cause of the overheating - which the local dealer has now idea about what's causing it. Remember a previous post?
After this, we went back to the dealer to wait for the vehicle and we waited and we waited and we waited. They finally showed up about 1:30 and the brake controller still wasn't installed because the "certified hitch and wiring installer" had no idea how to wire a brake control. So, we hurried back to the state park, because check out time is 2:00 and they told me I could move but I couldn't keep the same spot because it was already booked. I told them I had no brake control and they still refused to reassign the reserved place (to a nicer place), but I was welcome to move my trailer across the hilly park without brakes if I wanted to stay. So, we got the brake controller working again on the Durango and left the park. I'm not sure we'll ever be back!!! They had 75 other spots available and they refused to upgrade the person assigned to our spot because it has been reserved. It wasn't even the nicest spot in the park!!
So, we took the Durango, the trailer, and the new vehicle back over to the dealer to determine why the brakes weren't working. And, we discovered there was no brake hardwiring on the vehicle. Apparently this model is the only 1 ton vehicle leaving the Chevy plants without the wiring harness already installed. So, we went over to a very nice Uhaul dealer who does install the wiring and spend the next 3 hours waiting yet again. Then, we went back to the dealer to get the Durango and trailer and to switch the tow vehicles because we were leaving the Durango at Uncle Charlie's house.
While at Uhaul, the kids and I were involved in organized chaos!! There were follow-the-leader games around the boxes and there were jail keeper Z closing all the misbehaving children into the box cell. The box cell is where they are sitting in these pictures. H really made herself the life of the party!
Well, we plugged in the wiring from the trailer to the new wiring harness. The brakes worked like a charm!! The rest of the lights and turn signals didn't! We had brakes lights on one side and taillamps and turn signal on the other side. So, being 9:00 at night, we decided to spend the night at Uncle Charlie's and then deal with the wiring issues in the morning.
Fortunately, Nichols RV is willing to help stranded RV'ers on short notice. It's the only one in the DFW area!!!! I know, I called every one of them, including the place we purchased the trailer from!
We spent Saturday morning at the RV store getting the wires corrected. Apparently, they used the correct harness but didn't plug it into the correct vehicle control box. Once that was done, presto - everything worked!!! The technician also used a torque wrench to tighted the hitch since the bolts were only hand tightened (the 1st place is starting to look like a fly by night place). They also checked the hitch weight on the trailer and hitch.
Finally, at 12:00, we stopped back at the dealer to drop off all the invoices for all the work the dealer agreed to do in our contract! By 1:00pm, we were finally headed to West Texas. We drove straight to Fort Stockton and pulled into the RV Park about 10:30 pm. It was a long long drive, especially for a little lady who can't read yet and gets bored very quickly at home.
Sunday, we worshiped at the Fort Stockton congregation with some friends and fellow homeschoolers from Katy and then had lunch with them. Their children are close to Stephanie in age and all the girls got along great! Maybe we can pull off the original plan next year? It would be nice to visit again with them.
Sunday afternoon, we headed to Fort Davis and got there about 4:00. Fortunately, it was still check in time at the ranch because the spot we were assigned was already occupied! We talked with the TSP coordinators and discovered that the person in 22 was suppose to be in 23 so we just swapped. It actually worked out better for us because 23 was a little bit bigger and nicer spot.
We finally got the RV settled in and Craig picked his spot on the lower observing field. We fixed a quick dinner and settled in for some observing. All of us went out for a few minutes and then H, Z, C, and I went back to the trailer. It's been a rough few days and we were tired. A and S stayed up for quite a while with Craig. I think S came in about midnight and A came in about 2:30am. Craig stayed up a little longer - 4:30am, I think. It ended up being the best observing night.
Because of the lighting restrictions during the star party, all of the windows on the trailer are covered with an aluminum insulation product (I don't know the real name - it just blocks out all the light). In the morning, we have to rely on our watches to let us know what time it is. If you are staying up until odd hours of the morning, the window covers are great.
Monday, we spent the day getting a telescope cover for Craig's new telescope and checking in with the star party registration. We also ran into several people from our local Astronomy club, one of whom Craig works with. Then, we took our 1st sightseeing adventure to the National Fort Davis. This year, we didn't walk the entire site, just the hospital where renovation work was performed this past year and to the commissary where the kids like playing the wagon train game. A, C, and Z also toured the original fort foundation area. A was very interested in where it was this year. We were hoping to find a public Memorial Day ceremony. They did have one at the fort, after hours and all the people showing up were way more dressed up than we were.
(L)The flag in the center of the parade grounds.
(R)Walking up to the base hospital
Walking among the foundations of the original, pre-civil war, fort.
Playing the wagon train game in the commissary.
Monday night, we all stayed outside a little longer. H was amazed at all the stars! She kept pointing to the and telling us to look. Very cute!! The 1st night, Craig didn't get his mirror set right, so this night, we went out early to get everything set correctly.
S thinks this is her telescope. However, A became master observer with it. She amazed several people with her ability to find things and to make the controller work. She did have a great teacher - Thanks S!
This night, Craig and A also walked up to the upper observing field to visit with some friends. They came back down and were some of the amazed people. Craig also received several compliments on his mirror and how clear it is!
Tuesday, we went to Alpine to hunt for agates. However, in the few days we were off-line, the ranch where you can hunt them changed their website and their hours They are now only open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. So, we just visited the Museum of the Big Bend on the campus of Sul Ross University. We also were able to hear a bagpipe practicing Amazing Grace, see a mounted horse unit practicing, and hear a 21 gun salute. We later learned that Governor Perry came to town on Wednesday for a fallen officers ceremony on the campus.
We also found the closest McDonald's and had a wonderful ice cream treat!
Tuesday evening, the storms moved in and we were even under a tornado warning. Given that we have relatives from Alabama, we decided to spent the evening in the ranch house. When the weather moved off, it was a pretty sunset and extremely cloudy!! While waiting for dinner, A and Z decided they needed to rest. Poor Craig - if A takes a nap, she's up forever!
No, that's not fire, just the setting sun among the thunderstorms. These storms did start several fires which were quickly put out. This is also the sunset that Z told me looked like what he pictures the burning bush to look like and that God was responsible for this beautiful burning bush. I also think he was listening extra hard to see if God would talk again :-)
Tuesday evening, we also ate a watermelon. The kids ate lots and lots. Craig and I only had a few small bites. Good thing it was cloudy and Craig wasn't out all night looking at the stars. EVERYONE of the children got sick about 2:00am. Within 15 minutes, they were ALL up. Let me just say that you can find any cleaning supply you could possible need and you can rent a Rug Doctor in Fort Davis!
We spent Wednesday morning cleaning and cleaning the entire trailer. What little carpet there is - was cleaned, the couch was cleaned, all the hard surfaces were cleaned. I now own the coolest mop ever! and a bucket just right for it and a trailer!
We then spent Wednesday afternoon at the local laundry mat. I had planned every so carefully not to have to visit the laundry - it's not a very good one. The washers take 30 minutes to fill for the rinse cycle and the dryers don't always dry even after 2 runs. What we do, the kids play (in the past we've done school work) while the laundry runs. We let the dryers run once and then take everything back to the trailer and layout what isn't dry. Basicly we get things to where they won't drip everywhere and let the AC dry them.
Thursday, we toured the McDonald Observatory. A and S were able to move one of the telescopes and Z really enjoyed watching the platform move. Also, behind the observatory dome, is the highest mountain in the Davis Mountain Range.
And the sunset Thursday evening. It all looks like clouds. However, after watching the horizon for a while, we discovered that some of the clouds were actually smoke for another fire, close to the Observatory, which as of publish time is still burning. The fire fighters moved it away from the Observatory and toward open county. Unfortunately, the clouds and the smoke obsecured viewing for the rest of the trip.
Friday, Craig attended the swap meet and found a $20 finder scope for his big telescope. That's at least a $150 piece of equipment! In the early afternoon, we visited the Chihuahuan Desert Center. It wasn't as pretty as we were hoping. Many of the cactus flowers either didn't bloom this year or bloomed early. Because of the lack of rain, it looked very dry and in some places dead. C did get her cactus jelly and found some syrup and honey also. This is her favorite thing about the trip. Guess what we had for breakfast Saturday?
Also Friday afternoon, we went swimming in the Prude Ranch swimming pool. I think it was being spring fed this year because it was freezing cold!!! We only stayed about 30 minutes.
Here, we are walking over to the Friday evening activites! Aren't they such good buddies!
Every evening during the star party, there are guest speakers talking about one thing or another related to science and space and astronomy. This year, the 1st several evenings didn't strike Craig as interesting. Friday evening (and Saturday evening), the talks are combined with the Great Texas Give-away. After the talks, the door prized are awarded. This year, S, A, and C all won a door prize in the 6 to 12 age range. C was the very 1st child to win and she very bravely went to the front to receive her book. It is a Bedroom Astronomy book which includes glow in the dark stars. The book also tells about some of the constellations - did you know there are animals in the sky??
Apparently, C did not! All of a suddenly she is reading about all these animals in the sky and some of the stories behind them. Astronomy has never been this interesting to her! She even came home and drew planets to hang on her wall to accompany her stars. This from the girl whose favorite thing about the past 2 star parties was getting to play games inside the trailer with Mama!
S's door prize was the book "Faces of the Moon" and A won the accompanying moon chart. What's great about their prizes is they can be used even at hom - we can always see the moon whereas we have a hard time seeing stars and most constellations.
This is the sunset Friday evening. If you look close, you can see that the white isn't just clouds - some of it is smoke from the fire. At one point - in the wee hours of the morning, Craig said he did see the flames. Fortunately, it was pushed west of our area and all the local homes.
Saturday afternoon, Craig and the kids found some interesting afternoon talks they wanted to attend. One was about the building of one of the local personal observatories. Another, which I also was interested in, was Astronomical Sketching. The kids were given instruction on how to blur and fade and all sorts of good techniques for sketching what they see in their telecope. At the end of the class, the instruction ask everyone to submit their drawings and the best one would win a acid free, hand sewn (bound) sketching journal. Guess who had the best drawing???
This horse is "Classy". He was mine when I was younger - like in High School. The kids enjoyed meeting him. It looks like he is giving Z a hug and a kiss.
Also at my mom's, we went through some of the cabinets and found some more cool stuff to bring home. We found some china cups with antiques cars on them and several bowls and cups which are similar to ones we already own. There are also some electric tea pots which the girls are very excited about. Tea parties are a favorite activity at our house.
And now, for what you've been anxiously reading to find out.......
What vehicle did we purchase?
Just before we left, a friend told me that it sounded like camping with our family would be an adventure. Let me tell you - she had NO IDEA what an adventure this trip would turn out to be.
And, let me just say that not every unplanned activity is fun and turns out better than the planned one.
We started off the week before the star party by pulling the trailer out of the backyard because of all the storms moving in. It's a good thing since we go enough rain to pretty well saturate the ground and would have made getting the trailer out impossible. We spend the week packing and loading and shopping and organizing.
The PLAN: Leave Thursday when Craig got home and spend the night in Dinosaur Valley State Park. On Friday, spend the morning visiting the dinosaurs and their tracks and then driving to San Angelo State Park. On Saturday, spend the morning visiting Fort Conco in San Angelo and then driving to Fort Stockton. On Sunday, worship with some friends and then head to Fort Davis where we would spent a leisurely week of staying up till dawn and sleeping till noon and some sight-seeing in the afternoons. We planned to visit the National Fort Davis, dig for agates outside Alpine, visit the Big Bend museum, tour the McDonald Observatory and the Chihuahuan Desert center where everything was to be in bloom - since we were 2 weeks too early last year and we are going 2 weeks later this year.
The Actual Events:
We left Thursday afternoon when Craig came home from work (just like we planned) and hit the road fairly early - like 3:00pm. We exited from I-20 to US 67 to head towards Glen Rose and the Durango's temperature gage pegged the HOT! So, we stopped and let the engine cool down and refilled the water in the radiator and headed back up 67 toward I-20. To pass the time, we looked up the local auto dealers (since all the good car deals are in Arlington, just 10 minutes down the road) and found 2 descent looking options for us! We stopped at the first dealer and they wasted our time. NONE of the cars listed online were available in their shop. However, they could get us one from Kentucky in about 10 days. So, we went on to the next one, in-between letting the Durango cool off and refilling the radiator and trying to decide what to do. The next dealer was much more reasonable and willing to work with us. So, we decided to skip going to visit the dinosaurs and instead stayed at the Cedar Hill State Park in Dallas. It was very windy. The people were pretty nice the 1st night. They, however, have no problem solving capabilities or imagination.
We decided to purchase the vehicle provided they could get it outfitted for pulling a trailer on Friday. So, we spent Friday trying to get a hitch and appropriate wiring installed. By all day, Friday, I mean ALL DAY!! We spent the morning waiting at the hitch install place for the dealer to bring the vehicle over. Then, the installer was exceptionally SLOW! We waiting while the hitch was installed and they worked out what wiring would be needed for pulling a trailer with brakes (should have been our 1st clue). Then, while they finished installing the wiring, we feed the kids at McDonald's with a playground and we repaired the radiator cap and holding on the Durango. This was a contibuting factor not the cause of the overheating - which the local dealer has now idea about what's causing it. Remember a previous post?
After this, we went back to the dealer to wait for the vehicle and we waited and we waited and we waited. They finally showed up about 1:30 and the brake controller still wasn't installed because the "certified hitch and wiring installer" had no idea how to wire a brake control. So, we hurried back to the state park, because check out time is 2:00 and they told me I could move but I couldn't keep the same spot because it was already booked. I told them I had no brake control and they still refused to reassign the reserved place (to a nicer place), but I was welcome to move my trailer across the hilly park without brakes if I wanted to stay. So, we got the brake controller working again on the Durango and left the park. I'm not sure we'll ever be back!!! They had 75 other spots available and they refused to upgrade the person assigned to our spot because it has been reserved. It wasn't even the nicest spot in the park!!
So, we took the Durango, the trailer, and the new vehicle back over to the dealer to determine why the brakes weren't working. And, we discovered there was no brake hardwiring on the vehicle. Apparently this model is the only 1 ton vehicle leaving the Chevy plants without the wiring harness already installed. So, we went over to a very nice Uhaul dealer who does install the wiring and spend the next 3 hours waiting yet again. Then, we went back to the dealer to get the Durango and trailer and to switch the tow vehicles because we were leaving the Durango at Uncle Charlie's house.
Well, we plugged in the wiring from the trailer to the new wiring harness. The brakes worked like a charm!! The rest of the lights and turn signals didn't! We had brakes lights on one side and taillamps and turn signal on the other side. So, being 9:00 at night, we decided to spend the night at Uncle Charlie's and then deal with the wiring issues in the morning.
Fortunately, Nichols RV is willing to help stranded RV'ers on short notice. It's the only one in the DFW area!!!! I know, I called every one of them, including the place we purchased the trailer from!
We spent Saturday morning at the RV store getting the wires corrected. Apparently, they used the correct harness but didn't plug it into the correct vehicle control box. Once that was done, presto - everything worked!!! The technician also used a torque wrench to tighted the hitch since the bolts were only hand tightened (the 1st place is starting to look like a fly by night place). They also checked the hitch weight on the trailer and hitch.
Finally, at 12:00, we stopped back at the dealer to drop off all the invoices for all the work the dealer agreed to do in our contract! By 1:00pm, we were finally headed to West Texas. We drove straight to Fort Stockton and pulled into the RV Park about 10:30 pm. It was a long long drive, especially for a little lady who can't read yet and gets bored very quickly at home.
Sunday, we worshiped at the Fort Stockton congregation with some friends and fellow homeschoolers from Katy and then had lunch with them. Their children are close to Stephanie in age and all the girls got along great! Maybe we can pull off the original plan next year? It would be nice to visit again with them.
Sunday afternoon, we headed to Fort Davis and got there about 4:00. Fortunately, it was still check in time at the ranch because the spot we were assigned was already occupied! We talked with the TSP coordinators and discovered that the person in 22 was suppose to be in 23 so we just swapped. It actually worked out better for us because 23 was a little bit bigger and nicer spot.
We finally got the RV settled in and Craig picked his spot on the lower observing field. We fixed a quick dinner and settled in for some observing. All of us went out for a few minutes and then H, Z, C, and I went back to the trailer. It's been a rough few days and we were tired. A and S stayed up for quite a while with Craig. I think S came in about midnight and A came in about 2:30am. Craig stayed up a little longer - 4:30am, I think. It ended up being the best observing night.
Because of the lighting restrictions during the star party, all of the windows on the trailer are covered with an aluminum insulation product (I don't know the real name - it just blocks out all the light). In the morning, we have to rely on our watches to let us know what time it is. If you are staying up until odd hours of the morning, the window covers are great.
Monday, we spent the day getting a telescope cover for Craig's new telescope and checking in with the star party registration. We also ran into several people from our local Astronomy club, one of whom Craig works with. Then, we took our 1st sightseeing adventure to the National Fort Davis. This year, we didn't walk the entire site, just the hospital where renovation work was performed this past year and to the commissary where the kids like playing the wagon train game. A, C, and Z also toured the original fort foundation area. A was very interested in where it was this year. We were hoping to find a public Memorial Day ceremony. They did have one at the fort, after hours and all the people showing up were way more dressed up than we were.
(L)The flag in the center of the parade grounds.
(R)Walking up to the base hospital
Walking among the foundations of the original, pre-civil war, fort.
Playing the wagon train game in the commissary.
Monday night, we all stayed outside a little longer. H was amazed at all the stars! She kept pointing to the and telling us to look. Very cute!! The 1st night, Craig didn't get his mirror set right, so this night, we went out early to get everything set correctly.
S thinks this is her telescope. However, A became master observer with it. She amazed several people with her ability to find things and to make the controller work. She did have a great teacher - Thanks S!
This night, Craig and A also walked up to the upper observing field to visit with some friends. They came back down and were some of the amazed people. Craig also received several compliments on his mirror and how clear it is!
Tuesday, we went to Alpine to hunt for agates. However, in the few days we were off-line, the ranch where you can hunt them changed their website and their hours They are now only open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. So, we just visited the Museum of the Big Bend on the campus of Sul Ross University. We also were able to hear a bagpipe practicing Amazing Grace, see a mounted horse unit practicing, and hear a 21 gun salute. We later learned that Governor Perry came to town on Wednesday for a fallen officers ceremony on the campus.
We also found the closest McDonald's and had a wonderful ice cream treat!
Tuesday evening, the storms moved in and we were even under a tornado warning. Given that we have relatives from Alabama, we decided to spent the evening in the ranch house. When the weather moved off, it was a pretty sunset and extremely cloudy!! While waiting for dinner, A and Z decided they needed to rest. Poor Craig - if A takes a nap, she's up forever!
No, that's not fire, just the setting sun among the thunderstorms. These storms did start several fires which were quickly put out. This is also the sunset that Z told me looked like what he pictures the burning bush to look like and that God was responsible for this beautiful burning bush. I also think he was listening extra hard to see if God would talk again :-)
Tuesday evening, we also ate a watermelon. The kids ate lots and lots. Craig and I only had a few small bites. Good thing it was cloudy and Craig wasn't out all night looking at the stars. EVERYONE of the children got sick about 2:00am. Within 15 minutes, they were ALL up. Let me just say that you can find any cleaning supply you could possible need and you can rent a Rug Doctor in Fort Davis!
We spent Wednesday morning cleaning and cleaning the entire trailer. What little carpet there is - was cleaned, the couch was cleaned, all the hard surfaces were cleaned. I now own the coolest mop ever! and a bucket just right for it and a trailer!
We then spent Wednesday afternoon at the local laundry mat. I had planned every so carefully not to have to visit the laundry - it's not a very good one. The washers take 30 minutes to fill for the rinse cycle and the dryers don't always dry even after 2 runs. What we do, the kids play (in the past we've done school work) while the laundry runs. We let the dryers run once and then take everything back to the trailer and layout what isn't dry. Basicly we get things to where they won't drip everywhere and let the AC dry them.
Thursday, we toured the McDonald Observatory. A and S were able to move one of the telescopes and Z really enjoyed watching the platform move. Also, behind the observatory dome, is the highest mountain in the Davis Mountain Range.
And the sunset Thursday evening. It all looks like clouds. However, after watching the horizon for a while, we discovered that some of the clouds were actually smoke for another fire, close to the Observatory, which as of publish time is still burning. The fire fighters moved it away from the Observatory and toward open county. Unfortunately, the clouds and the smoke obsecured viewing for the rest of the trip.
Friday, Craig attended the swap meet and found a $20 finder scope for his big telescope. That's at least a $150 piece of equipment! In the early afternoon, we visited the Chihuahuan Desert Center. It wasn't as pretty as we were hoping. Many of the cactus flowers either didn't bloom this year or bloomed early. Because of the lack of rain, it looked very dry and in some places dead. C did get her cactus jelly and found some syrup and honey also. This is her favorite thing about the trip. Guess what we had for breakfast Saturday?
Also Friday afternoon, we went swimming in the Prude Ranch swimming pool. I think it was being spring fed this year because it was freezing cold!!! We only stayed about 30 minutes.
Here, we are walking over to the Friday evening activites! Aren't they such good buddies!
Every evening during the star party, there are guest speakers talking about one thing or another related to science and space and astronomy. This year, the 1st several evenings didn't strike Craig as interesting. Friday evening (and Saturday evening), the talks are combined with the Great Texas Give-away. After the talks, the door prized are awarded. This year, S, A, and C all won a door prize in the 6 to 12 age range. C was the very 1st child to win and she very bravely went to the front to receive her book. It is a Bedroom Astronomy book which includes glow in the dark stars. The book also tells about some of the constellations - did you know there are animals in the sky??
Apparently, C did not! All of a suddenly she is reading about all these animals in the sky and some of the stories behind them. Astronomy has never been this interesting to her! She even came home and drew planets to hang on her wall to accompany her stars. This from the girl whose favorite thing about the past 2 star parties was getting to play games inside the trailer with Mama!
Saturday afternoon, Craig and the kids found some interesting afternoon talks they wanted to attend. One was about the building of one of the local personal observatories. Another, which I also was interested in, was Astronomical Sketching. The kids were given instruction on how to blur and fade and all sorts of good techniques for sketching what they see in their telecope. At the end of the class, the instruction ask everyone to submit their drawings and the best one would win a acid free, hand sewn (bound) sketching journal. Guess who had the best drawing???
S's sketches
C's sketches A's sketches
Sunday found us back in the car headed for home - sort of. We made our annual stop at my Mom's house for an overnight visit (or really to stretch our legs and let H escape from her carseat). And, since the cousins are about to move again, it was a great time to visit one last time. This visit, was H's 1st visit to see the horses. Since my parents moved down into my grandparents house, we haven't been up to their house and thus haven't seen the horses is a very long time. Both H and Z thought they were pretty cool! H also found the ride on tractor just her size and kept coming back to it! It was almost as interesting as the horses.
Walking up the road to the horses
This horse is "Classy". He was mine when I was younger - like in High School. The kids enjoyed meeting him. It looks like he is giving Z a hug and a kiss.
Also at my mom's, we went through some of the cabinets and found some more cool stuff to bring home. We found some china cups with antiques cars on them and several bowls and cups which are similar to ones we already own. There are also some electric tea pots which the girls are very excited about. Tea parties are a favorite activity at our house.
And now, for what you've been anxiously reading to find out.......
What vehicle did we purchase?
Why?
We've talked about it for several years now. It's big, it's roomy, and it's strong enough to pull a travel trailer without blinking an eye. The gas mileage was the same pulling the trailer as on the Durango, just a bigger tank, and who doesn't love a 1 ton vehicle!
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