Southwestern National Parks: Part 1 - Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands, Saguaro, Kerrs

 After backing into a passing car in a parking lot a week before take off and sweeping up the kids as they got out of school the last day, we started a massive trip primarily planned by Neal to explore the southwest. The kids said they didn't like their summer being eaten up by month long road trips so we grabbed them early and squished a whole lot into not that much time.

Day1: We took a different way out of Texas hitting all the "nothing" and  then Abilene for gas and a quick tour of a Dr. Seuss Park, only to then drive by more "nothing" and make it to Carlsbad, NM for our activities the next day. Abilene is filled with sculptures and such from storybooks, all around town. But our focus was on Dr. Seuss, due to time constraints. 

Day 2: The next morning we were off to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and were very happy that it was underground because it was hot out. We never spend the amount of time they think it will take people to go through. That's just not good enough for our curious minds. We always need to add some time... and then some more.

Then off to White Sands National Park, NM for sledding, walking, and playing tic-tac-toe atop a dune. The sand is cool because the gypsum does not absorb heat from the sun.

Day 3 and 4: We slept well but were still seeing pink elephants along the road leaving Carlsbad. Then into Saguaro National Park to hug a cactus, lunch, and take a very short hike. We ended the day landing at the Grady and Kristie Kerr's home near Gilbert, AZ. We stayed a day with them to catch up, restock, hunt for scorpions with black lights at night, and get a fresh start. It was good to see our kids enjoy each other. We hadn't seen each other since Sophie was a baby! They were very generous, giving up beds their last week of school for us and Kristie was even pregnant with her 6th! Thank you, Kerrs!