We are finally home from our month-
long vacation. It was indeed a long road trip that included visits to every city we have lived since Sandi and I have known each other. We started from home and ended up visiting 7 states. As you will see in the pictures below, we were encouraged very much by our family and friends. The kids had a great time visiting friends they have not seen in a very long time. The Lord provided in wonderful ways as usual.
Our first stop was in San Antonio. We always enjoy our time in and around the Alamo. The older girls got some alone time with their mom. They walked through the Alamo, watched an IMAX movie called
“Born to be Wild”, went shopping at the Sanrio Surprise store and then had dinner on the Riverwalk. The kids are blessed to have such a great mom!
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The Alamo
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...and the River Walk in San Antonio
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As a homeschooling family, we are always looking for field trips to learn. So, after San Antonio, we stopped in at the Carlsbad Caverns to view stalactites and stalagmites. Do you remember which one is which? Stalactites come down from the top. There were many of both types within the Caverns. The 1.5 mile hike was spectacular (clearly, the pictures do not do it justice). |
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Walked through the Carlsbad Caverns
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After the Carlsbad Caverns, we headed west to visit our dear friends in Arizona. Sandi and I lived just east of Phoenix for 3 years right after we were first married. We spent some time at, of course, the Trainors' house. They are some of the most hospitable people we know and it was great to see them again (along with other friends that stopped by to say hello). What great friends we have!
Afterward, we continued to head west. This could only mean one thing... recurring visits to In-n-Out Burger!!! Well, that was nice; but we were actually more excited to see my family and watch my brother graduate from nursing school. My other brother Tim is now a manager at his organization. I am so proud of them both. The girls love spending time with Grandma Raimondi. As you can see, they had a lot of fun together.
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| Lots of driving but the kiddos were troopers : ) |
We stayed in many hotels, most on air force bases
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| Getting ready to go swimming at one of the hotels |
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| A nice stay |
We were also able to spend time with my cousins. Brian and Rachel let the 7 of us stay at their house for a few days. This is no small feat! We were thankful for their hospitality and enjoyed the visit.
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| Cousins Brian and Rachel |
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| Celebrating cousin Charlotte's 4th birthday |
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| Visting cousins' Daniel and Elizabeth's church |
This is only .5 of our trip. There will be another post with the second half; so, visit again soon. We are very thankful for all of our friends and family. Bye for now.
- chad
