Last night we discovered the Hot Air Baloon museum in Albuquerque and that it gives free admission to all on the first Friday of the month. Today is that Friday! So we went! It set us back a couple hours from our plan, but was well worth it!
Kids having fun
I... don't remember what this one was
This girl!!
The kiddos would have liked to stay longer, but we needed to hit the road!
As we went to leave, we found a warning light on in our van. Learned something cool--we didn't have to go check codes as the dash had a useful message about the warning, saying the tire pressure needed checking.
The first gas station had air, but no tire pressure gauge. The second had no air, but I bought a gauge... only to find out it maxed out at 50psi and our van tires are 80psi.
So we went to this Meineke and the guy had a truck tire gauge.
Turned out our back two tires were a bit low. The guy there got us all set, no charge, and was totally helpful! They're definitely getting a good Google review from me!
So a little delay getting on the road, but glad the issue was rather benign!
From there we made it to Roswell, NM where we had lunch. The whole alien theme wasn't as wide-spread through the city as I had expected, but it was definitely present.
An extra option
Cosmic Salad -- Where we ate lunch
The road then took us into the Lone Star State!
Benjo struck a pose
Hidden Picture -- Can you find the three kids hiding?
Finally we made it to our hotel a little after 10pm in San Angelo. Our longest car rides are over -- whew! Just a few more hours tomorrow and we arrive! We've had a good time on the road, but we're excited to arrive and settle down a bit!
For those interested, here are some things that have helped make this work well:
1) We prepped picnic food for all three meals plus snacks to eat in the car on the way. This is not only less expensive and more healthy, but is helping us keep momentum going as we don't have to stop for each meal.
2) Hotels with breakfast are desirable even still. It gives some flexibility with the food we have in the car.
3) Give kids each their own trash bag. Way helpful!
4) We got these awesome lap desks for the kids. At least I think these are the ones--they look a lot like these. They are the best! It makes it easy to give them food as the side-walls help prevent food getting everywhere.
5) No screens. I'm sure this isn't for everyone, but for our kids, if they have screens very long, they tend to get cranky. I'm amazed at how well our kids have done attitude wise after two looooong days of travel. I know screens would have made it much worse!
6) Entertainment. No screens does *not* mean no entertainment, however. We've been listening to music and audio-books, talking together, reading, sleeping, eating, etc.
7) Duffel bags. We have two carry-on size bags and those, along with the pack and play, is all we have to bring into the hotel room each night. Well, and my backpack to have the computer I'm using to create this post. :) But no hauling everyone's tub of everything to the room each night. This was a *brilliant* idea by Bonnie!
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