You're gonna hear me roar: Day Four

Benny was singing Katy Perry in the swimming pool today. I'm not sure which adult in the house introduced him to Ms. Perry, but her musical stylings rarely (every?) grace my play lists. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that if my kids had the same access to technology that Ms. Perry uses, they too could have a hit record from that recording I shared a few days earlier... but I digress. 

As you may have read, yesterday was tough. Mostly becuase we were late and then we were greeted by severe weather, standing water on the highway and someone's suitcase where the left lane was supposed to be. I swear I saw a flipped car on the other side of the median, but I have no corroborating witnesses on that one so let's just say it was a rough entrance into Amarillo. Once we got there, however, we had an hour of happiness at Chik-Fil-A. All the workers said "my pleasure", the bathrooms played lyric free worship music (subtle huh?) and the staff even treated the kids to free ice cream. If you work in the service industry and don't know the name S. Truet Cathy then you are doing yourself, and your customers a huge disservice... and let's face it - we are all in customer service.  

In between Oklahoma and Texas we got off at the Wellston exit on I-44 West and stopped off at Pop's for fries and rare soda pops in glass bottles. A huge thanks to high school classmate Paul Ryckbost for the tip. From what I've seen of his current vacation, he knows where to find a good milkshake as well. Thanks again Paul! 

The crew at Pop's

Maddie liked the stop at Pop's

In quick review yesterday was a long day in the van with kids who had to use toilets and at least one grown up who struggled with keeping the kids happy and making the destination on time. Turns out he failed at both. Amarillo is probably a nice place but the rain and late arrival did it no favors. Our campground was located at the cross section of regional air port, train line, and highway. Around the corner were homes that looked less like homes than the camper we pull with us. If anything has stuck out so far, it is in the "homes" I (we) see people living in. It makes one grateful for what is hopefully sitting safely back home. 

This video is being shared simply because with the thunder in the distance and the squeak of the swing I can only think of a bad horror film. That my daughter is in said squeaky swing has nothing to do with the horror. Yet.  

Today started a little rough, had its rough times, but overall was a great day. We are dealing with some sibling love on the trip. It seems that when in doubt punch it out is the motto for all of them. Some a little more than others, but hopefully the kids are learning to keep their hands to home and use words instead of body parts. That said, our little combatants are sleeping soundly next to each other at the moment so that is a great thing. We were a little slow in getting out of Amarillo as we drove through Historic Route 66 (6th st. in Amarillo) which turned out to be lots of old shops and a few bars We then needed gas and coffee - yes needed coffee. Once on the road though it was nearly four hours non-stop to Albuquerque. We arrived at a great time and were able to peacefully setup camp for the night. After that, we swam in a very nice pool, had a good dinner and after showers we celebrated Madeleine's 2nd Birthday with Loft House Cookies. I'm not sure why I needed to share the cookie brand... maybe I'll get a kick back. 

Madeleine is our little independent. She's smart and a little conniving like her sister, she can also be sweet and charming like her brother, and all in all she's a little package of hurt just waiting to happen. I just hope she moves out before she lets out her full fury :)  

This is random but I did want to say that Oklahoma has some incredibly straight and hilly roads, Texas had some flat roads, and New Mexico has some beautiful scenery to welcome you to the state. This is the farthest west I've driven as an adult and the scenery is fantastic.  

Tomorrow we take our last showers and head off to the Grand Canyon. I've promised the guys at work that I will not hurt any squirrels, nor will I ask the kids to take my picture as I climb over the guard rail. Neither event ended well.  

So with that I say good night from Albuquerque.  

Here are a few more highlights:

Coincidently the same shirt he wore two years ago on the day of little sister's birth. He fills the role well. 

Our campsite in Albuquerque. That wall in the background separates us from the highway. 

With apologies to the inlaws... it isn't a "Van Dyk" camping trip until the baby finds a beer bottle. 

Daddy and the birthday girl. 

We told them it was bed time.

They recovered well from the bed time news. Maddie, as is custom, doesn't care to be a conformist. 

The best giggle in the world. 

Blurred Lines: Day Two

I saw a sign yesterday advertising Robin Thicke and PitBull putting on a show. I kept on driving. If you aren't familiar with Robin Thicke he is the referee that Miley Cyrus attacked on that fancy award show. I could send the YouTube links to study up but this is a family blog. 

Speaking of family things today was our second day on the road traveling from Pacific, MO to Claremore, OK. We are staying at the luscious Will Rogers Downs KOA which magnificently blurs the lines between campground and parking lot. On the one hand we are on a grassy lot with electric... on the other I'm half a block from a horse track and casino (Do they deliver drinks?? Family Blog, Steven, Family Blog). The other good news is we are right by a gas station that seems to have good rates on ice, Mt. Dew and Coke. It was 90 (bazillion) degrees when we arrived to our shady spot (ha) and now it is a nice cool 70-something with a slight breeze. The Michigan summer sure hasn't prepared us well for the heat.  

Today started pretty well. The kids woke up a little later than usual and for the first part of the trip they were in good spirits. Kayleigh and Ben learned how to do dishes after breakfast so Kristi and I can sit back and eat bon bons while sipping grown up lemonades. Tear down of the camper went very quickly and we were off just before 10. I should share that we had a "Van Dyk Middle Child event today. Years ago I remember my sister Sarah (middle child) throwing a fancy frisbee thing into the Atlantic Ocean. I was crushed. Today Benjamin  (middle child) threw a similar frisbee into a cemetary. I was spooked. So our drive started into the cemetary to retrieve the frisbee and off we went down part of historic Route 66. I had absolutely no idea how pretty and hilly Missouri is. We saw so many trees and rock faces along the highway, and when we weren't appreciating the scenery we (ok I) was lamenting the fact that we were either powering up hills or screaming down them. There were a few hills tops that would make a great retirement retreat... but only if I have a helicopter to get to it. 

Oklamhoma started with lots of heat, and a speed limit sign that said 75... and another one saying road construction. Actually, construction today was non-existent compared to yesterday, we had good roads and the kids held up pretty well too.  

Bedtime was another story, as evidenced by this video:  

All is quiet now, and hopefully it stays that way.
  
What we learned today:
1. Kids are getting easier to camp with, despite the bed time issues. 
2. Oklahoma is home to mosquitos. I'm not impressed. 
3. There is simple joy in finding "Free" beverages at the Oklahoma tourist center where you can fill up a water bottle for free. Mix in a Crystal Light Pack and it's like a gas station stop with cleaner bathrooms. 
4. God kept us safe another day and let us see some of his great and varied creation. 

Here are some of the hot shots of the day:

Breakfast at our makeshift kids table.

Kristi trained them well. 

The driver for today. 

This has Christmas card potential.

Proof of travel on Route 66

We didn't eat here, but it's open 24 hours so it must be good. 

Welcome to Oklahoma. You will pay the toll. 

Oklahoma where the water is free and the wind comes following the rain. 

Can't you just see the nature?

Bed time innocence. Soon to be disrupted.

Casino to the left of me, sunset to the right, here I am stuck in the middle with you...