Day Ten - Amarillo to Black Canyon of the Gunnison

I had been awake for awhile when the alarm went off. I physically couldn't get out of bed though. Brogden had a rough night. Fussy and sweaty, he could not get comfortable. George stirred, took the ladies to breakfast, allowing myself and baby a chance to rest after a big burp and vomit.  These moments remind me that I thought the beignets were worth it. I was able to pack up the room quickly alone and set out personal items.

They picked outfits for the day and George quickly bathed them. Baby took the opportunity to require a bath by peeing everywhere. Now we have one bed clean and one with pee and vomit all over. Guess which one Biscuit wants to be on. ​

All cozy in the car

George picked out two places he wanted to visit on the way out of town. Thrift stores. ​

First one was waaaaayyyy too classy for him and only sold women's clothes. On the way to the next one, I chimed in that I wanted to try Texas Tea. A building with a drive thru that seemed to only sell tea, water, and ice. ​

Pretty accurate statement. They did also sell snacks, water bottles, and all things Yeti. I selected sweet peach ginger green tea. Added cherries, strawberries, and blueberries as the add-ins. So yummy. ​

George spied another place called Roasters across the street and retrieved coffees for us. I still hadn't eaten and it was evidently clear. I had been asking for street tacos for a few days now. The answer presented itself in the form of this tiny box. ​

Lupita did not disappoint on the chorizo/egg burrito and the Clothez Exchange did not disappoint on great finds. It's all about the hunt.  George found his 'Texas jeans' and a pair of shorts. We took turns while the girls stayed in the car. I found Brogden leather shoes that I wanted to get before we left home but never found time to. He also was awarded sunglasses because his future is so bright.

Biscuit will have a birthday on this trip and for some reason she has asked for a monkey book bag with a leash. I would have never bought her one except if it was $4.98 in an Amarillo thrift shop. Minnie Mouse dress up doll will be added to the bag for $2.98. I also picked her up a pair of shorts, swim shoes for Bubble, and a skort for myself (Turns out it was a youth girls skirt.  Boo.  Anyone want it?). I contemplated boots for the girls and myself but passed. Might regret that. ​

Finally got on the road for real. We had a long 8 hour drive to Colorado. And we chose to add to the drive to see Santa Fe. I cannot wait until stops are closer together. But until then, I can deal with the landscape views. ​

State line picture for New Mexico took a little forced perspective to turn out. The dry heat is noticeable. George's sweat cools his head like it should. Bubble, always cautious, keeps repeating "it is hot, I will not touch anything metal." Over. And. Over.

Tiny wants to be free

Stopped for fuel at the next exit and found a car museum inside so the whole family got out to see.

Make it to Cline's Corner for restrooms, nursing, and stretching. I realize that my talent in life might be having 5 people in one regular stall. Brogden nurses while three potty and Biscuit does her duty of holding while I used the bathroom.

Santa Fe is wild to me. Houses blend well. Almost too well. It is like a Where's Waldo to find the houses within nature. Dinner was the last try for the DDD app. It was good but not worth the time and hype for us. Bye bye, app. I noticed all the picnic areas off the interstate. We both would have preferred sandwiches out there and letting the girls run. ​

Tried to sleep in the bathroom

Picked up coffees walking back to the car.  Prepared by the world's slowest barista meant twenty more minutes added to our trip.

FaceTime with grandparents and Biscuit has to tell each of them that she rode a trolley. New Orleans has her heart. George stopped to fill up on the edge of town and gave me $10. I was confused at his request- beef jerky? Then I saw the trailer.  So doubtful of what was happening in that moment. I fulfilled the order with lemon pepper jerky, in a gallon bag. It was delectable. I was wrong. Thin and crunchy, like a cracker almost. Biscuit, George, and I had to stop ourselves. The sketchy jerky redeemed Santa Fe.

Trailer beef jerky and expensive coffee

More impressive views. I feel small among the clouds. ​​

Colorado state line was one sign. Passed it. Reversed. Girls got to run, fall down, and scrape legs while George set up for the shot. Biscuit found her monkey book bag. She was delighted and I acted clueless. ​

Getting her stance just right

Their expressions are priceless

George watched storms in the distance. Girls watched Tangled. I watched the computer not upload videos and pictures from Saturday. ​

Ten minute driver change. George didn't like being cramped in my seat and wanted to be back at the helm. People back where they belong for him to drive to KOA. George called at dinner to let them know we would have a late arrival. Found information taped to the office door for us. ​

1:00 am select the site. 1:32 am sit in my sleeping bag typing this after girls are in bed. Still have Brogden in the Baby K'Tan. Big Bear makes his grand entrance and Biscuit cuddles him tight. ​

We only pack the important stuff for a cross-country excursion.

​1:39 am brings a family trip to the bathroom. Bubble is the only one that puts on shoes.

I think I remember washing their feet

1:57 am George changes baby diaper while he nurses to keep him quiet. 2:28 am finished today's post. All quiet on the western front. 
Steps taken: 5,988 + 1,385 (technically Thursday)
Miles driven: 623.4