We arived safely!!!!

About a week before we were to embark on our maiden voyage of driving to Utah and back home through Missouri and Ohio, I woke up in a panic drenched in sweat. The thought which was going through my head was, "What are we doing driving across country just the two of us!!!" I had never driven so far without Tom and was suddenly afraid, but remembering the little innocent voice on the other end of the phone each time Sam called to ask me to come to his house to play with him spurred me on.

The weather had turned cold the night before we were to leave, but the promise of better temperatures Monday morning settled the decision to only take sweaters and a trench coat. Docia's daughter was at her house upon my arrival and offered her Grumman for our use. Our lack of knowledge in the use of technology brought some hesitation, but upon some encouragement, we said thank you and set off on our little adventure with GPS in hand, or should I say car. As the day wore on, our food became consolidated into united containers and placed in more easily accessible positions for the "navigator" to reach in the back seat . Being the only driver with a regular navigator was an all new experience for me! It took some time to adjust to having someone to ask to "wait on me" while I drove. :~)

After several pit stops for gas, walking and restrooms, we were closing in on our destination for the night, but first we had to navigate across the bottom of Chicago. Fog had settled in through the darkness at the point of route exchange. Our little Grumman which we later nick named, "Gremlin", was showing the route, but was mute, OOPS missed the exchange....

Chicago is a HUGE City!!!!!

Nine O'clock was fast approaching when we decided to call the day finished and find a nice place to call home for the night.

Early morning in Elgin proved to be bright and promising even though there was no easy access to return to RT 80. Out came the maps, clerks were quizzed, and a decision was made, TURN THE GRUMMAN'S VOICE ON!!! Off we were again! The drive alonG local roads proved a beautiful way to relax and enjoy the scenery. We kept reminding ourselves that we were on an adventure and that there was no right or wrong, only enjoyment!! What a blessing this "short cut" was!!!

Isn't this a beautiful Dutch windmill!!! There would be a tour come Saturday, but since it was only Tuesday, we just took a picture and headed on our way.

Entering Iowa was most interesting to Docia since she had not been any farther than Chicago on I-80. With a few instructions, she learned to use my camera and took some excellent pictures of the unique and thrilling landscape, which flew by sometimes before she was able to set the camera. Seventy five and eighty miles per hour doesn't give much time to prepare for a scene, which is only visible for a brief moment before becoming obscured by something or other.

For example this is a unique way to prevent erosion, roll grass in rows to catch the water.

Then there was this interesting bridge decorations at the exit to Council Bluffs

Then there were oil rigs in several places along the way. If you look hard it can be seen on the top of the hill.

The sun was setting again before we reached our destiny, but the view was more pleasant than the night before. The camera just could not do the colors justice.

We contemplated what life must be like to live in such desolate surroundings. It would certainly be quiet and peaceful!!! Shopping would be kept to a minimum. Much manual labor would make the body stronger. Eating completely home cooked meals would be a necessity and fun. Owning a horse would be a need not a desire.
All in all, not a bad idea.

As we ascended the Rocky Mountains, the roads became steep and turns sharp making traveling at 80mph a thrilling challeng e!!!!

This Oil refinery was interesting. there seemed to be no roads to or from it.... They must have been on the opposite side, but the view gave it a ghostly appearance.

This mountain outside of Rock Springs, WY made us think of a bunt cake!! The desert sun must have been getting to us, LOL!! From Iowa on the song which kept going through my head was "Home, Home on the Ran ge" where the skies are not cloudy all day. Only one brief rain storm
in NE slowed us down and that only for about 10min.

The pillars and swirls in these Rock formations make this mountain side look like an ancient cathedral.

OOPS! What was that up ahead??!!!!

An accident,
and we had just called Trina to tell her our position and approximate arrival time.
Hummmmm... Our stop may have saved us from being involved.

After sitting for about 20min and watching tractor trailers and cars cutting through the opening in the guard rail just 3 vehicles ahead of us, and head back to the previous exit to take an access road to the left of us, I went to the young woman in the car ahead of us and asked her where that access road went to and if it was possible to get around this mess and back onto the highway above the accident. She graciously said, " Follow me!" I said ,"Thank you", and scurried back to the car to follow her.

The sun began setting as we entered the Provo Canyon on our final descent to the Wasatch Valley. What a twisty road! But the beautiful Fall landscape was breath taking and MOST definitely worth taking!!

After Trina, Elaine, Docia and I met Ann at Kneaders for Breakfast, Elaine took us to see her new school and show us the circuit she takes each day to work.
Trina had taken the boys to the park to play with some friends and wait for us to bring the cookies from Kneaders. Yummmmmm.


Gabe showed me how he can pump on the swing now and did not want any help. How grown up he is getting!
Then Elaine took Docia and I up the mountain to the "Y" over look so get a good look at the valley below. We could see BYU and the Timpanogos Temple in the distance. How filled the valley has become!!!!

Docia was especially impressed with the mountains, how they do not look real, like something out of a movie!!

What a wonderful time I had watching and learning what the boys can do now, and letting them show me around their surroundings!!

Gabe is ever learning to be independent and helpful around the house and doing fantastic in school!! If his teacher could have a favorite, he would be it!!!! Just a bit of Gramma pride showing.

Sam likes climbing onto the counter and got the microwave door open. He is so smart!!!









They love their dinosaurs babies!!

While were visiting, Sam found a new friend. Fortunate for all, Monday after we left, the kitty's home was found to be just a few doors from Sam. Hurray the best way to have a bet is to have someone else pay for the food and vet bills and enjoy the friendship without any work or expense!!