thanksgiving trip part 1

My trip was full of so many wonderful things and I will try to break it down one by one.

The driving-
There are few things better than loading up everyone in the car and watching the kids get all cuddled in, wrapped in blankets, snuggled into car seats, and nestling in for the a long night of driving.

I always say that we drive at night for two reasons: it’s quiet and it’s cheap. There is very little talking from 4 sleeping mouths and also no one is hungry at night so we don’t spend 60 dollars a meal to eat out. But the truth is that I love to get the kids in the car and watch them snuggle together, decide on a movie and nestle in for the long drive. I love to look into the rear view and see their sweet faces sound asleep. I love to hear the silence but have them all so near me.

There is nothing better than watching the sun set in one state and rise in another. Watching the Georgia sun set over the tall trees and orange sky is indescribable. I said to Mr. B. “if this was a painting, it would look fake”. Watching the sun rise in New Mexico in the desert was AMAZING! The desert mountains, the cactus, the HUGE sky… too much describe! The desert sky is like the ocean; it goes on and on as far as the eye can see.

It was a privilege to be a witness to one of the most beautiful, natural sights. By the time we had gotten to New Mexico, we were tired, it was 7 degrees outside and we were low on gas, but I truly felt lucky to be there. To be in a beautiful place at the very moment a breathtaking sunrise is occurring was an honor. It occurred to me as we watched the sunrise, the children slept and we crept along that cold highway; so many others were in bustling airports, gathering bags, pushing through crowds and standing in lines. Did they know what they were missing out on? Do they know that the sun was rising over the silent desert at that moment? By rushing through the holidays, flying to make things quicker there are things you miss out on- the sun rising over Carrizozo New Mexico, the excitement that a long drive brings as you see your family waiting anxiously on their porch for your arrival, climbing out of the car over siblings just to get the first hug from your Mama-G and Grandpa Red, bringing handmade gifts because you had the space to pack them and knowing that they were waiting just especially for you! All that and the most beautiful desert sunrise too. There is nothing better, I assure you!