keeping the peace and Mike's memories from family trip

Stewart and Nigel have been irritating each other in the van. The boredom of a long days drive led to pinching wars. Our solution to the problem was purchasing a truck mud-flap which we used as a divider. It worked well for awhile, but they did eventually find a way around it. Here they are throwing toys over to eachother.

The other picture posted will only have meaning to Mike's family.

tucumcari tonight! [july 6]

We didn't stay the night in Tucumcari, New Mexico. But we did make it a point to stop here and we were so glad we did.
It was an eiry experience. What a great place it must have been in its early years, for it to be so fantastic now, with everything in shambles, wrecked and empty. For miles before you could see billboards shouting, "Tucumcari, Tonight!"

Cafe 66, Albuquerque

We enjoyed chili pepper cheeseburgers and fries at Cafe 66 last night. This was after a night late check-in and night swim.
We arrived at the hotel at 8pm, and the boys needed to use their muscles, so we swam in the pool and relaxed in the outdoor hot tub. It was 80 degrees with a cool breeze. Hunger set in, and after learning the the famous Cafe 66 was not open for breakfast, we decided to eat late (9:30).

wind farms everywhere

Why can't more of the country use wind power?
All along US 40 in Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico there were these massive wind farms with one windmill after the next. There must have been hundreds. They were impressive.
We wondered how much each one powered? How expensive are they?
In Fountain Square, at the new Keep Indianapolis Beautiful they have three tiny(in comparison) wind turbines. We learned that each one cost around $10,000 and that they powered 2-3 outlets each.

holidome of old

Has anyone ever been to a Holidome? It's a Holiday Inn with an inner courtyard play area that includes pool, arcade and usually a mini golf course.
Well, we went to a Holiday Inn that that had this type of courtyard (although it was lacking the dome part) . It was in Elk City, OK.
The kids loved it.
In fact, the hotels will probably be what the kids remember out of the entire vacation. Mike and I talked about our childhood experiences with Holidomes and "fun" hotels (hotels with pools). The hotel stays were always memorable than the destinations for us.
Mike and I are happy to witness their joy and thankful that we can do this together. And WE are having a blast at the destinations.

the deserted amazing

Our first experience of the deserted amazing was Sayre, Oklahoma. We passed through after our nights stay in Elk City. We saw one failed establishment after the next. It seemed pretty close to a ghost town to us. We couldn't believe what we saw! Had the owners just walked away and left these beautiful treasures to crumble? Really? And, did they have a choice?
I have always been a fan of interesting signs, so I hit a jackpot on this trip. I hope you like them like we did.
Oh, afterward we went through one of the few remaining truss bridges that are drivable on Route 66.

oklahoma!

Did you know that Claremore, Oklahoma is the home of Will Rogers, famous comedian?
Well, we passed through Claremore a few hours ago and we are approaching Oklahoma City, where we will stay the night.
We left immediately following the 4th of July fireworks, after enjoying Fountain Square's view of them with Dairy Queen benefits in hand. On the block's walk home, things seemed less like a war zone than in years past. We assume that firework sales are down for the year.
Now, we head west for a visit to the Grand Canyon and my brother's wedding in Phoenix.