Well we made it to the Grand Canyon state. I can not believe we have been on the road across the nation for almost a week now... actually, I might believe it if you ask me when all five of us kids are trying to pick a movie "together". Haha

Yesterday, before we left New Mexico, Dad wanted to stop in Gallup, where our Papa used to enjoy buying native American jewelry. Here is a route 66 sign that passes right through the town.   

Although the terrain in New Mexico is similar to Arizona in it's ruggedness, our route in Arizona has more cliff-like and sharp-pointed structures. 

Our view shortly after entering Arizona 

Some more beautiful landscapes visible from the highway! 

Our first stop in Arizona was our first national park, the Petrified Forest National Park. The cool thing about this park is that you tour it via car; about a 45 (or 2 hour Locklear style) minute ride. There was always a view, and no picture can completely capture the essence of such amazing... rocks.

Our first "stop"

 

The first part was in resemblance of a mini grand canyon, only the rocks where not as layered in color. Viewing it felt like viewing a picture; it did not seem to be a real landscape in front of you.

Maybe I will get a picture of him smiling on this trip...

Quote from dad for the day: "As far as the eye can see"

As we moved through the park, the scenery changed. 

Here are some more beautiful rocks. 

Unfortunatly, we got off at one stop and Schaeffer realized that his brand-new beloved bike was no longer on the back of the RV. We did not think someone would have been able to easily steal it, so we sped down the road the other direction. Thankfully, some cool guys pointed us in the direction of where they had seen a bike on the side of the road, and we where able to rescue it. The bike is repairable and will survive this trip!

After that experience, we explored the rest of the park and then headed to Winona Arizona where we boon-docked  at a beautiful sight in the middle of nowhere. 

                                     

Our next post will be all about what we did today: The Grand Canyon!

We made it to the land of enchantment! Overall, I would rate my experience of this state with a nine out of ten. New Mexico is so beautiful, and I often found myself getting frustrated because my pictures could not encapsulate the essence of what is zooming past our RV windows. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy the pictures.

We stopped at a pretty rest area and McKenna and I had a mini photoshoot. ( :

She is very silly....

"Let the fields be jubilant, and let everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy."

Psalm 96:12 

From Amarillo, we headed along 40 through Santa Rosa and then north to Santa Fe, where we got to see our beloved Brittany Linkenheimer. We also got to see her puppies, Patty and Gomez. We camped out on her street, and in the morning we made breakfast together.

Eventually, we had to say good-bye, but hopefully not for long.

We piled back into the RV and started driving again.

Downtown Santa Fe 

Mom thought we should ask this guy where he got his signs... We need one. 

Outside town

We where thinking that perhaps these people where excessive in their RV selection... We don't judge though....

The roads go on forever. Dad needs a break.

Downtown Albuquerque. 

Schaeffer brushing up on biking skills for their upcoming Moab ride! 

Everything is bigger in TEXAS

Oklahoma was great, but everything is bigger and better in TEXAS. Texas is a very interesting little country (LOL), in fact, did you know the armadillo is the official state mammal? Or that Texas includes %7.4 of the nations land area? Super cool facts, but don't hold me to them, I found them on the internet... 

Another cool fact about this state is that our cool cowboy Cameron was born here on Octover 28, 2002. He was a fat little baby, 10 lbs. 14 oz. healthy. Here is a picture of the dandy chap from this afternoon at a rest area.

  

Back to yesterday. After we left the bike trail, we headed off the the Schaeffer's house in Wichita Falls. They have been our good friends for a long time, and we think they are pretty cool for living in Texas. Or at least cool enough to name a kid brother after, who is also pretty cool. 

They served us some delicious burgers, amazing coleslaw made by beautiful Jacqueline, and some awesome root beer floats whipped up by Jonathan. We enjoyed great conversation as if we had never parted ten years ago. We missed seeing you JT and Joshua!

DJ made a special friend named Maggie, here they are hanging out in the backyard, along with a (BIG) frog named Grogey. 

 

The boys also enjoyed a morning of fishing in the Schaeffer's pond out back. I thought it was pretty cool until I spotted a snake about four feet long... I was gone real quick. 

Anyway, we eventually had to say good-bye and get back on the road. We can't wait for y'all to visit us sometime Schaeffer family!

We hopped into the RV once again to go explore Texas some more on our way to New Mexico. Here are some pictures (including the one of Cam above) of our experience at fun rest area with a playground. 

It was nice to get in a stretch.

We enjoyed seeing some different views... 

That is a sheep in that crate (cool!)

Here we are getting a taste of Texas at the Big Texan Steak Ranch.
  Dad slays the cardboard facial hair....

Seeing all these cattle outside our window was a really great way to end our meal... 

God created some amazing country out here! 

Tune in tomorrow to see what we do in New Mexico!

Even the coffee is bigger in Texas!