April 17th Tardifs get-together from TX, GA, and ME

One of the scheduled stops along the route of our trip-of-a-lifetime included a stop in Dallas to refresh acquaintances with our Dallas relatives. My brother Rick and his wife Susan from Atlanta joined us. Roughly guessing, we had over 40 people. Most of the second and third cousins we had not met. Aunt Norma looked great. It was a fun time getting to know all of them. Gail and Donald were super hosts. Thanks again Gail and Don.





Marc and his wife Brenda



Gary and his wife Diane


Four of Six cousins, with their mom, Aunt Norma
Karen, Cathy, Norma, Michelle, Gail

Day 52 - 5,350 miles

We are now in Carlsbad, NM. We get to tour the Caverns tomorrow. Wanted to show you a few windmills we found along the way through Texas. Thought at first there were about a dozen of them. But as the horizon broadened, we estimate over a thousand of these windmills were running. The third picture shows you how huge these things are as I am standing at the base of one of them.





Our campsite for two days in Carlsbad, NM

On the Road Again

Today we began the tourist portion of our trip. We said out goodbyes to Sam, Desi, and the kids this morning and headed west, passing cattle and horse farms, azaleas in bloom everywhere, wisteria growing wild, green fields, huge plowed fields, corn 8 inches high - it's like June in Maine but the farms are much larger. We reached Mississippi around noon and Louisiana at 4. Now we are relaxing in a Day's Inn in Monroe, LA. Will be leaving for Dallas tomorrow morning.

Mississippi State Line


The Mississippi River - couldn't see much of it from the highway!


Louisiana State Line

Graduation Day - Sam is now officially a WO1 Warrant Officer

Wonderful ceremony. Glad we were able to attend. Sam's uncle Rick and wife Susan were also there. Rick was a captain in the Army, and now Sam can be added to the Tardif lineage of military officers.

Out of our entire trip, this will be the day that topped them all.



This part of the ceremony, the graduates turn to the audience and pledge their support to defend and protect us, the civilians of the US of America. Quite memorable.



Pinning ceremony. Wife Desi and son Aedon pinning the left shoulder. Dad pinning the right shoulder.



Proud parents of new Warrant Officer Tardif

Three generations


The Tardif family


Former Army Officer Cpt. Tardif babysitting during the ceremony, the daughter of Army WO1 Tardif

Day 41 - 3853 miles

We are now back in Enterprise Alabama at Sam and Desi's. Sam is still in isolation with training. Prior to the pinning ceremony on Tuesday the 13th, Desi has to go to several events with Sam. Most of those the kids are not allowed, so we will be babysitting. Will write more later.

Ron

Sunset Point, Clearwater, FL

Mom & Dad T

Family Fun

Some shots from this past week:

Acadia is determined to walk at 8 months!


Hey, Great Grandpa's machine is fun!


The Box Monster and Grandpa


Great Grandma and Acadia


Believe it or not, there was a cold breeze. Aedon shared his 'nuggle blanket with Susan and me.


This is FUN! Who cares if the water is still 65 degrees!


Aedon's idea of building a sand castle - Grandpa builds it, and Aedon stomps on it!


Acadia loved the beach - she thought the sand was very tasty!