Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Weekend

got off to a great start.. On saturday my brothers and I surprised my parents with a Food, Dance and friends at Sokol Hall.  It was a blast.

Sunday Josh helped work on the combines and swathers.  Frankie was running around introducing himself to cattle and got a little to close and got kicked.  I think he knows to keep his distance now.

The sunset was beautiful!  I have missed them.

This morning I let Frankie out and he instantly went to the creek and jumped in.  He is no longer white and red, he is just red.  He loves the outside and especially not being tied down.  He is in heaven!

 Mom and Dad
 Levi eating my cake and his



Dance Floor
Colby  

Oklahoma Sunset 

Cutting a rug


Dad and Me

Saturday, May 28, 2011

On Friday Eric, I, and Frankie went out to a private pond out in the country to do some bass fishing.
As soon as we got there, Frankie thought he was in heaven!  He was running around, splashing in the water and chasing dragon flies. He absolutely loves it out here, so much room to run and play!  I think within my first 5 casts I hooked a largemouth.  But of course, Frankie had to come and investigate.  First fish he has seen and what does he do...he puts his mouth around it.  I guess he likes sushi!  By the end of our session Eric had caught 8, and I had caught 10 large mouth bass. All were within 2-4 pounders.....I miss being able to do this on a consistent basis. What a great time.

While we were fishing, the girls were out shopping.  I know that they had fun hanging out, catching up, laughing, you know girly stuff.  After we were done with our afternoon adventures, we decided to go to dinner.  Playa Azul was our destination.  Great mexican food and margaritas.  And as usual, Emma holds up her glass and says Cheers!  Which lets us know its ok to take a sip of our cold beverages.  It was a great day for all, and I love being around the Carters.  Thanks guys for all your hospitality...as always!

Enid, OK


Smoking Meat on the Deck



Sweet Emma Having a Blast in the Pool!




Jonni and Aimee


Eric and Josh


Well, Thursday was a beautiful day to be poolside!  80 degrees and a slight breeze made it very enjoyable. Eric smoked pork tenderloin, while I helped out by drinking beer :).  Everyone had a great time just hanging out, eating, drinking, and a lot of laughing!  What a great day!  At dusk, we started a fire and made Reese's peanut butter cup Smores, YUM!   Oh, I can't leave out Jonni's sweet potato fries....Delicious!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011


After driving through the Texas panhandle, and almost half of Oklahoma we have made it to Enid!  Our first extended stop on our trip.  Ready to take a break from sitting behind a windshield, any enjoy time with Jonni, Eric, and Emma!  I am ready for a Jack & Coke and Aimee for a glass of wine.....Cheers!  

On the road again....

We finally made it through New Mexico.  It definitly has a beautiful landscape or as the sign says the Land of Enchantment!  

We are now in the friendly state of Texas.  

Frankie wishing he could chase after the bird instead of getting his picture taken. 

I had forgotten just how flat the plains are...It's a little strange not seeing mountains around.  The wind is blowing, the sky is a vibrant blue and the sun is shining. 

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

After seeing the forests of rock logs, we next set our glaze upon these beautifully crafted cliffs and hills called the painted desert.  The colors are impressive, with the reds, purples, and oranges.  What an incredible God we have that painted these colors on his canvas!  This trip just continues to get better with each passing mile.
  


So after cruisin' through AZ, we're in New Mexico headin towards Albuquerque.


Something that I have been wanting to see for awhile is the petrified forest.  Wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised.  These ancient forests have fallen over and turned into stone!  The colors that are now visible through the old logs are beautiful.  The thing that blows me away, is that this is now in the middle of the desert!  We even are coming back with a piece of petrified wood.
The Meteor Crater just outside Flagstaff is incredible!  This thing is 550 feet deep, almost a mile in diameter, and 2 1/2 miles in circumference. One of their analogies was to picture 20 NFL games being played simultaneously on the floor of the crater, while 2 million fans watched on the embankment and edge.  Also the Washington Monument would be short of eclipsing the crater edge, from the floor.  I'm glad we stopped to see it.
Started Day 2 out by taking Frankie on a walk/jog thru the urban trail system running throughout Flagstaff. A lot of people out jogging, biking, and walking their dogs.  It was about 60 degrees out and sunny skies....beautiful morning.  Followed that up with breakfast at a little 50's themed diner right on Route 66.  $3.99 breakfast specials, you can't beat that.  Flagstaff is a very cool town, always love stopping in for a night or two.  Next stop....meteor crater, petrified forest, and painted desert.
150 miles down memory lane on Old Route 66.  Going thru the few old towns was very cool....seeing the old filling stations, trying to remember a slower paced world, and I even thought we saw Tow-Mater!  We arrived in Flagstaff around 7 o'clock checked into our motel and went to eat at The Cracker Barrel.  I love me some country fried steak and chicken and dumplings. Good Eats!  It has been a very good start to our trip.  Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Day 1

Leaving Las Vegas, thought we would stop for a picture on the new bypass bridge. Very cool view of Dam.  Next up...Kingman and Route 66.