Northern New Mexico / June 5 - June 16, 2009

On our way to Albuquerque we stopped off at a couple of great places:

First stop was at the Walnut canyon Natl. Monument to see the ruins there and to walk allot of steps. It was a not planned stop but we were happy we took the time to stop there and learn more about history and the people who lived here.

Our second stop was planned and that was the Petrified Forrest. Now that was very beautiful and a great stop to see. It was amazing all the colors in the rock forms that were once trees. I would love to stop here again if we ever get by there again in our future travels.

Now were in Albuquerque and were in a small campground. We went to turquoise Trail and drove over to Madrid which is like a small gypsy art stores and other goodies. This is the town where Maggie's restaurant is in the movie "Wild Hog's". I went back the next day with the girls to do more window shopping and picked up a couple gifts too. Beautiful drive to get there also.

We took one day to do the Rio Grand Zoo and it was a fun relaxing day at the zoo. Always love to watch the baby monkey's with their mothers.

Northern Arizona / June 1 - June 4, 2009

We went to Williams, Arizona to see what else, "The Grand Canyon". We had soo much fun there and Krista looks over the edge and says "it's not so big". I guess teens these days expect more. Lexi made me a bit nervous trying to get a closer look like everyone else. I had some great shots to keep me happy and to remember it all by. (we lost all pics when the computer hard drive burned out and I only backed up a few to my myspace page.)

Then we had a great time at Slide Rock State Park. We first heard of this place through another family's blog on family on the road. What a great time for everyone. Eddie and I jumped off the small jump by the river. We all slid down the natural water slides and had the rock burns and bruises to show for it. Lexi made some little friends in the shallow area. I would love to move here for the view alone.

Our last free day there we decided to let Eddie rest and the girls and I went to route 66 to do some souvenir shopping and have lunch. So much fun window shopping dragging the girls from shop to shop and picking up a few items for friends and family.

California / April 2 - May 30, 2009

We were at Joshua Tree Natl. Park for a week and we had a great time hiking and climbing. If your ever debating whether or not you should go there, you defiantly should. What a wounder of a place, so different in every different area you go too. We saw humming birds there and a desert tortoise. It was a great week!

We drove over to San Diego for a month and a half. We were at the Mission Bay area and we had so much fun at the beaches and parks. The beach shops were a favorite of our oldest daughter, Haley. The amusement park was Krista's favorite hangout and Lexi loved it all! We loved taking Roxy to the dog beaches and parks. Fiesta Island was amazing for dog lovers, you could let them off the leash and they could run the beach and play in the water. Roxy loves to run and swim even though Bulldogs do not do either one very good, if at all. By the way Bulldogs don't swim they sink!

We went to see the harbor seals who took over one beach. Dolphins swimming at mission beach with the surfers. At Mission Bay one day a seal was jumping out of the water trying to catch seagulls. we also went to Cabrillo Natl. Monument and saw the light house and whale look out. We also took the girls down to the tide pools to see what they could find and identify.

Arizona / March 19 - April 1, 2009

We went to Wilcox and we went to so many places there. Cheicaha Natl. Park, Cochise Stronghold Coronado Natl. Forrest, Fort Bowie, Dragoon Rock, Tombstone and a rattle snake store right by there.

At Fort Bowie it was a 3 mile hike and just as we were coming to the last curve to get to the parking area Krista walked up on a 6 foot diamond back who was coiled up and rattle going like crazy laying on the edge of the path. We were stuck waiting there for a half hour , the Ranger was new and unsure what to do. While holding a 2 year old this whole time and I had to carry her half way thru the hike, my back was screaming. I gave up on the Ranger and did a hugh No-No, I walked off the path and far around the area with the rattler and left with my family in tow. Our first and only encounter with a diamondback.

We went to Tusan to meet up with friends of ours. We were not able to stay where they were because they did not allow children there so we went down the street and stayed at BLM land and roughed it for a week. The view was awesome, our own cactus garden and a small mountain to climb right next to us. At night the stars were all over on top of us.

We went to the Saguaro National Park there to view the rock drawings and the grand cacti that is only found that area of the State. We went to Reid Park Zoo and the girls had so much fun seeing all the animals. They had an albino male peacock that was so majestic.

The Last place we visited in Southern Arizona was Maricopa where we went to see the Casa Grand Ruins. It was really interesting and we had a Ranger walk us through and tell us about everything plus she answered all our questions.

New Mexico / January 31 -March 18, 2009

We stayed at Carlsbad, New Mexico for a month and a half and we had so much fun with loads to do.
The Caverns are there and what an educational experience that was. Were talking about a Reef that was under water a very long time ago and is now mountains you can hike, climb and explore. What fun we had!
Rock Hounding for Pecos diamonds, we found tons of them but had to smuggle them aboard so Dad would not freak out over more weight in the RV.
We spent a day going to see the aliens at Roswell and we also went to Mc Donalds to play in their space ship, well Krista and Lexi did anyway.

We went a few times to the Living Desert Zoo, it was small but packed with a large assortment of animals for all of us to watch and the animals were all up close to appreciate and learn about.
Sitting Bull Falls was a grand sight with the water level down we were able to rock crawl and climb all through the gorge. Then we climbed up to the top and explored the Indian circles there.

We also drove down to Guadalupe Mountain Natl. Park for the day.

Texas / December 28, 2008 - January 31, 2009

Our first major stop was Canyon Lake, Texas. We stayed at the Yogi Bear there which is ran by a wounder family and we were made to feel right at home. What a wonderful start off for us we stayed there for over a month and the views were so amazing there, were talking hill country. OK so now I need to remind you all were from Michigan where the land is flat. Small hills were greeted with yippees for it was a change in the landscape. We just fell in love with the area but we were not ready to stop yet we just started our adventure.

We went to the dam there. We took some great hikes. Then a visit to the Dinosaur Trackway at the Heritage Museum was a big treat.
Then we had a great idea to go to Corpus Christi. We went to Mustang Island State Park where the beach was a perfect place to shell hunt and I found sea glass but the park bathrooms were EWE. Quite pricey too so we did not stay more then a few days. The Texas State Aquirium was small but perfect in every way. They have a viewing for the dolphins under water and they would mimic us. The girls were extreemly happy we stoped there and we had a blast to.

Were a Family of 5 and were full timers.

We are the Smith Family and we hit the road on Christmas day of 2008. We are living in a 33 foot Airstream motor home and it is a close fit for the 5 of us. We are home schooling our girls and exploring this great country of ours together.

We have Eddie who is Dad , I'm Gayle who is Mom, (our 3 girls) Haley is 14, Krista is 13, and Lexi is almost 3. But lets not forget our mascot Roxy our 2 year old English bulldog.

Our goal is to find the perfect place for us to settle down and enjoy our lives. We are from Michigan but the weather there is not for us and is not a healthy environment for our family due to health reasons.

We have spent the last winter and spring in the south-west areas and summer back in Michigan so the girls can visit friends and family. Now we are planning on heading to the south-eastern areas. Due to the fact that we can always change coarse when needed we could end up anywhere.

Were are great fans of http://familiesontheroad.com/ be sure to check it out and read about all the other families out there doing what we are and more.