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!

Day 32 - 3,330 miles

Still chilling in Clearwater. Pretty much caught up on the chore list. However, activities are picking up. Rain today. Beach day Tuesday. Errands on Wednesday. Rick and Susan arrive Thursday for a few days to visit. Friends from Canada arrive Friday. Desi and the kids also come in Friday for the Resurrection Day weekend visit. First part of next week we begin the last phase of the vacation. Then the mileage really piles on. We have made reservations at 7 National park campgrounds, from Carlsbad NM to Yellowstone in WY and a couple of motels. We'd better stay on schedule or we'll loose 8 deposits. Yikes! Pray neither one of us gets ill. So far, Judy's back is holding out fine. Thanks for all the prayers.
Ron