Day 25 - July 20

Had an amazing day in the Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. A much better day than the one before. We got a decent start in the morning on a casual drive into the part. Once we arrived the mountains started appearing and so did some amazing cacti, vultures and newly paved roads. It seems the park had a major upgrade this summer and the info center was amazing too! At the top, you could see for miles in many direction. However, our van acted up once on the way up the mountain when I pulled over to take some pictures. If it didn't do it...I would have taken more pictures of the diverse countryside of New Mexico.

We were worried about not being able to get on one of the guided tours. Once we heard about how long it took to walk down the "natural entrance" and then walk through the "big hall" - we decided against the extra time taking the "king's palace" tour. All tolled, we spent close to 4 hrs in the park and in the caverns. I must say that these are the best preserved, presented and pathed caverns I have ever been in. The paths were near slip-proof over the near 2 miles we walked. It was a little dissappointing not seeing any bats. We could see millions of them if we were to have visited after supper, but we were not able to be there during that window of time. The caves were truly majestic and any photos I took could never do justice to what we witnessed! Although the caverns go on for over 100 miles, we were almost overdosed after 2 miles. We were really spoiled at the spectacular formations underground. Highly recommended! AND CHEAP! It cost us $12.

We then drove for about 6hrs up through the infamous Roswell (and did not see any aliens, but lots of reference to them along the route) to Las Vegas. Don't ask me why we picked this place exactly. It may have been because of the name, but more likely because of the location to pack it in for the night. We are in the newest hotel of them all. It's nice.

The drive was unlike any other area we've seen to date. Sections of Texas were definitely desert like. But we witnessed the flat gravel field turn into cacti and yucca palms then into red soil/rock and tons of bright and dark green shrubs/trees. The flatness turned to mountains like you would see in those old westerns. What we did not see was much of the wildlife. I am sure it existed, but there was no roadkill, nor moving creatures in the fields. We did see cattle yards, sheep and some horses. But nothing "wild." We hit some really windy spots and at times wondered if our roof-rack would stay intact. I understand why we also seen so many large white windmills generating power!

The family is definitely ready for the ride home. The end is in sight...but not for another 5 days. Next stop is Colorado Springs and Denver. Heading to/through the rockies! Thank you Lord for another memorable day!

I am falling behind in getting photos up here...so if you have access to my Facebook page, you will see all the photos there. The application with Blogspot that puts up photos is not very good and puts them everywhere you don't want them. Have patience.

Day 24 - July 19

Leaving San Antonio and crossing the vastness of Texas enroute towards New Mexico was the southernmost portion of our trip. We are now moving northward. We have never been to NM before and heard many great things about this apparently barren land. The top of the list are the caverns.

The section of lower southwest Texas is really a desert land with plenty of shrubs. As we jotted northward to NM it really didn't change much. Just less shrubs, more rusty oil wells, tanks and donkeys. The road was reasonably traveled, but not much happening off road. Cattle were limited to some beef, goat and horses. Many eagles were seen riding the thermals up high. Very little roadkill, except our dominant raccoon, a few armadillos and a opossums. Gas prices have increased with the remoteness of each station.

I really enjoyed this countryside. Although tired, the desert shrubs, the mountains and flatlands were interesting. Many creeks were empty and we also saw areas called "draws" which we think are creeks/rivers which only are wet part of the year. We did see a lake...and was wet...but likely would be much larger during the wet season. Many buildings seemed old and some historic with the rock and architecture.

This was our first disastrous day when it came to meals. It began with our continental breakfast at the hotel. It was as barren as the landscape we traveled through today! They must have been understaffed, but it was the messiest and poorest presentation of food I have seen at any hotel. Then at lunchtime we stopped and ended up getting food at 3 different locations - all of which is not what any of us really wanted. Pickings are slim here. We just aren't used to it.

When we hit the motel LL went to do laundry at a laundromat and I took the kids to the pool here. They were not exactly well behaved there either. Much time spent correcting and refereeing. Went to Subway and Walmart for supper fixings. Motel room is much smaller than we are used to.

BTW - I tore another contact! What the heck is happening??? This is 3 in 2 weeks. It could be some really bad batches, but I must be doing something wrong! Argh. God bless another optometrist who gave me a free sample to replace the one I tore.

Caverns in the morning. Still judging what to see after on the way to Las Vegas, NM. We are going to a nicer newer hotel. Hoping that is a restfull experience in itself. We are getting tired of hotels and restaurant food. I am looking forward to my own bed and kitchen soon enough...but we are into our last week before striking home.

Lord thank you for a frustrating day. May we appreciate all we have encountered that was truly awesome and painless. Direct our steps to follow you in trials and headaches. Show us that a pilgrimage is also about traveling through difficulties and joys.

Day 23 - July 18

San Antonio!

Who knew that this city was so beautiful? We arrived in time to attend mass at the historic 1738 San Fernando Cathedral in downtown San Antonio. The Cathedral was named after King Ferdinand an the city after St. Anthony of Padua. The downtown has changed a lot from the original settlement as we viewed many historical paintings and models. The city is also known for the ALAMO. Everything in this town is "alamo" related.

We tried to find something more down to earth and less cultural for our lunch downtown. We settled on Fuddruckers. It seemed "cool" and convenient - so we stepped in. It did not turn out to be very cheap, but everyone had the best burger in a very long time. All were stuffed and we had an hour to walk around before mass started.

The day was hot and muggy and we seemed to tow all four boys around like heat stricken puppies. Especially when they got to mass! Mass was packed. The parish had a youth retreat and finished with the 2pm mass we attended. Not a lot of places to sit, but lively music compensated. The cathedral was restored 7 years ago and done very well. Simple, yet much to be proud of. Following mass we toured around the church, the gift shop and museum. The boys were not well behaved and John, who has been struggling with doing #2's on the potty, made a mess again...

Leaving the Cathedral, we back tracked towards the Alamo. The crowds and lineups dissappated significantly since our lunch and mass. We walked inside and were informed of the "shrine" this was. No food, hats or photos allowed. From what we read, it is now more of a "patriotic" shrine than a religious shrine. It was formerly a Catholic monastery and mission, but was taken away for political use. Plenty to see about Bowie, Crocket, Travis and Houston the Alamo Heroes (who's remains are in the entry way of the Cathedral), but it truly honors many others!

We tried to cut the day short and head back along a brief bit of the Riverwalk. It is a lowered canal running through the historic district of San Antonio. Boat give tours along the river/canal and many beautiful shops and restaurants line the banks. It can be a very romantic setting and plenty of places to stop for a meal of a lifetime! We walked out way back and enjoyed every minute of it.

As we departed in the van towards the hotel a strong wind and storm picked up. Fortunately we were not stuck in it this time and our hotel was far enough out to not be disturbed. Everyone was hungry and we could not really agree on a meal. The kids went out to swim in the hotel pool and I searched online. We settled on a Mexican restaurant. We had lots of fuss that people did not want the food, but when it came and all tasted what was before them...it was excellent! Great memories of San Antonio.

We stayed up later to make hotel arrangements for the next few stops. A major deviation was agreed upon to include the Carlsbad Caverns into our route. We let go of going to El Paso and Albuquerque. Instead we are going to spend the night in a humble motel in Carlsbad and then see the caverns and other sights of New Mexico before heading up to LAS VEGAS (New Mexico). I know we are cutting out some historical stuff in Santa Fe, but we really need to keep our trip moving along, since the kids are starting to wish they were home. This will shorten our trip substantially and add an element (of the caves) to their list of adventures.

Day 22 - July 17

Houston, the Dungen's have landed!

Our main location today was the Johnson Space Center. It was a great idea to share with everyone the history of NASA's space program and their many aircraft with the world. Ton's of displays, games, and videos could be found in this mammoth facility. It began with an outdoor tram ride outside that showed off the property and many outbuildings where mysterious things happen.

I can honestly say that our children now know what the space program is and what things are done in Houston. They do many things, but do not launch any aircraft. It is primarily and training and education center! We all got over tired today and were fairly grouchy by the time we left. John fell asleep in his car seat and LL and I were having a tough time agreeing (or making a decision) on where to eat supper. After all was said and done we hit Denny's for a simple meal...and it was what the hit the spot for everyone tonight. Secretly, I was wishing we could have found the Mediterranean Buffet myself.

When we walked out, a storm was brewing and letting loose big time! The kids have never seen so much rainfall and lightning strike so frequently. It poured buckets and made the roads swell with water runoff. We actually drove through rivers and lakes today in the new Dungen Ark. Not many females though...we mostly went in this one 1 by 1.

It was by the grace of God that we made it safely into our parking lot of the hotel. There were many scary moments where I prayed the idiot in front of me would not stop completely for fear of ceasing our engine or other parts! We made it safe and now all are resting after finishing this blog. I will put up a link of our video from the storm and some Space Center activities later. Right now, it's time for bed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l3armjBFYE

Tomorrow we head to San Antonio and the historic cathedral for mass. We are hoping to do a stroll down the beautiful Riverwalk, but we will see if the weather cooperates. Monday I am hoping to get the van checked out. We had a number of problems with our "Electronic Throttle Control" light coming on again today and stalling the vehicle out. It is beginning to become truly worrisome. Please pray that it is resolved soon and does not strand us somewhere.

Day 21 - July 16

The Houston Children's Museum was the main event upon arrival into the city from Louisiana. Thanks to the handy GPS we navigated out way straight there. It was BUSY! As it turns out, Target (department store) was sponsoring the day and everything was free - even the parking. Needless to say, the word got out and many people were there with their children.

We encountered a number of exhibits and some were meant for a smaller crowd. Things didn't all work as they should. There were a number of creative ways demonstrated to get kids to be fit and have a lot of fun while they were at it. I applaud them in "tricking" them into activity...but most of their ideas would even get me of the couch to try!

The area we spent the most amount of time on was the inventive section where you could build and manufacture your own creation and test it out. There were flying machine in wind tunnels, to lego racers, to electronics. But we loved the making of airplanes and rockets out of paper. Both had propulsion aides to give them an extra shove. James begged me to make him a rocket and it turned out to be the most successful flying one we saw for hours. Yes, we spent hours in there and were kicked out at closing time.

Supper was Mexican based on a suggestion from Micheal Chiasson. It was good, but the cold Corona and lime was the best for me...and the tacos! All in all, a very good day for arrival into Houston.

Day 19 - July 14

Fr. Jack had mass at a Senior's Residence in the morning and with our 4 boys - let's just say we brought a little life to the place. It was a great mass and the kids were well behaved. Jack began mass with a little bragging about his big bass catch from a couple days prior. It did not take long for word to spread about it and he was always happy to show pictures!

Following mass, we were invited to eat some boiled crawfish in Cloutierville which is a little north of Alexandria. Danny, a crawfisherman kept his last rice bed flooded to catch enough crawfish for

our family to eat...which took 4 days to accumulate. When we told people we were going for a crawfish boil everyone was shocked, since the season had been over for a few weeks already. It helps to have connections!

Peter got a chance to add more to the Roadkill Alley. He had been slacking off on recording. As the driver, I can testify that we have seen more "racoons" than any other dead critter on the road. There have also been plenty of armadillos on the road too, but most of them are flat as a pancake and unrecognizable to the kids. I made sure to pull over and show them the first decent one we could find. However it was headless and had been there longer than we wished. We also saw a raccoon just further down. Both were very smelly in the hot Louisiana sun!

The crawfish were perfectly cooked! There was way more than we could eat, but I took it for the

team and ate a couple platters full. I was disappointed that all the kids did not try some. Peter

did a great job and chewed a half platter down. Jack and I were the last to finish...both of us ate

more than we should of. They also cooked some fries and bass for those who did not like crawfish - it was excellent too! With gratitude, we said thankyou and farewell as we headed back to Alexandria.

When we arrived into Alexandria we went to visit Brian and Mary Runyan again, but this time a their home. The previous 2 visits took place in Bunkie. It was great to see the whole family, since Nicolas and Emily were not in the previous visits. They both were down with "mono" and a few of us were skeptical about the possibility of catching it. Mary was equally cautious and had

thoroughly disinfected the house just before we arrived. Emily is an extremely cute little girl! Had she not been sick, I think everyone would have given her much more attention. The kids played Wii, darts and with the 2 dogs outside.

We left t0 head 3 blocks down the road to hang out with our American surrogate parents - Becky

and Wally Smith. Everyone spent quality time with the Smith's back in the day and they were/are great listeners! Becky is Peter's godmother and it was a very enjoyable reunion. Wally is a math teacher and their home is loaded with all kinds of puzzles and problem solving toys. Peter and Andrew loved trying each one of them out. We also learned a new game called "6" and it's great for all ages. I think it will be our new favourite game! We were served a great supper and were treated to some entertainment by the "Old Wise Man." We also thumbed through some old photos that used to be on their historic "Photo Wall" and discovered some of LL

blowing grapes. The kids and Jack had to give it a try...Jack did very well! On the way out the door we witnessed Mars very close to the moon.

We couldn't have asked for a better day of eating and visiting! Thank you Lord once again for the gift of friendship.

Fishing video

Here's the link to the video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX1CytcteSA&feature=youtube_gdata

Day 17 - July 12

I got up at 5am to go fishing with Jack, Peter and Andrew on Fr. Jack's bass boat to Bayou Chicot about 20 minutes from his church. The boat was a gift from a former parishioner and has not made many voyages recently. Although tuned up and trailer up to spec, we encountered a few snags along the way. Before we got out of the driveway, Peter discovered and captured a little gecko lizard. Unfortunately, my new camera got fogged up as we went from the cold AC to the humid outside. I couldn't seem to get it back to normal. Anyways, we took a few pictures.

The kids were more than excited to get out on the water and get them some fish. It didn't happen as they expected. We tried bass fishing to begin with with little success - until - Fr. Jack struck it big! He got a 9.5 lb bass just off the side of the boat with a worm on a Carolina rig. Only he saw the strike and was really freaking out demanding the net. Peter could not comprehend the rush, but I was able to stretch it out and capture it. It was indeed a fish worth fussing over! Jack was able to put his whole fist in the mouth of this fish. This pretty much took over the

excitement of the day.

The kids were hoping to catch a similar fish, but these were not abundant in the lake. Andrew caught the next fish - an nice bream! It was tough for him to get the concept of "get it in the boat - quick!" Once he had it in, he was so proud. Peter, unfortunately, did not catch anything.

I did manage to save from being skunked and caught a baby bass. This shows how Jack's fish was from mine. We joked about mine being eaten by Andrew's and Andrew's by Uncle Jack's!

We returned home to get back into the air conditioning and let the big fisherman to show off the catch of his lifetime! Glad to be out of the sun, heat and humidity...but it was a great and memorable morning indeed.

FRIDAY

Hello Y'all. This is me, Lori-Lou talking to you today, and what a day it was. Once we had a good breakfast, and checked out of our hotel, we headed back down to the Aquarium of the America's. It was the first time for the kids to be at an aquarium. Highlights of the day were the Sharks (especially the Sand Tiger Shark for Peter), penguins, jelly fish, sea horses, alligators and eels. The Sea Otters were very playful, and we all enjoyed touching the slimy Sting Rays. One of the best parts for me was just sitting at the large tank that held the creatures from the Gulf of Mexico and watching the large fish, rays, and turtles swim around.

We ended up getting a combo ticket that included the IMAX theatre, where we watched "The Deep Sea." The 3D show brought a lot of ohhs and ahhs and was a great time for us all.

Our next stop was at the Insectarium. The kids were so very much into it and couldn't get enough. They were eating it up....literally. We entered the "Bug Appetite" room where Peter, John and Warren ate wax worms in cinnamon, and covered chocolate wax worms. They also ate a cream cheese dip with crickets on a cracker, and mealworm salsa. Andrew, James and I passed happily. We all enjoyed the butterfly room, and the create your own bugs on the computer. They had a short movie that included special effects that left us smelling, and feeling like there are bugs around us. It had the whole room squealing and laughing. Poor James and John hated it and scrambled up onto our lap. Over all this was a very memorable place.

We then ate at Jack's suggested Sushi and cooked Japanese food buffet. It was so good and even had ice cream flavors like green tea, red bean, plum, ginger, and mango. I am amazed at how adventurous eaters my kids are. They all ate sushi, and frog legs, and Peter even ate raw oysters. After supper we drove the 3 hour drive to my brother Jack's, in Bunkie La. The excitement was great and we all stayed up late getting the tour of the place. Love it here.

Day 13 - Thursday July 8

Left a toasty Mississippi this morning from Fr. Chris Munsch's parish and traveled directly to the French Quarter of New Orleans. First stop was Central Grocery for the "original" muffaletta sandwich. Peter and I shared it along with a bag of Zapp's Crawtator's potato chips. The others grabbed other sandwiches since they are not a fan of olives. We all washed it down with slushes (mango, watermelon, tropical and a Margarita for me!).

Through the heat we sat in the shade and listened to some street jazz performers and I smoked a cigar. Kids were intrigued by me smoking. They have never seen me do it...and had mixed feelings about it. I tried to tell them that I only smoke cigars every 7 years. Not sure if they bought it.

We then went in to pray at St. Louis Cathedral and take in the beauty of Jackson Square. I think we were successful in keeping the kids away from the tarot card readers and all the voodoo crap. The big thing was a carriage ride throughout the quarter in a mule-drawn carriage. The driver is the same one I rode in with my parents 17 years ago when I completed my novitiate. I swear it was the same horse too!!! Kids liked it...poop and all!

The closing of the time down in the quarter were beignet's at Cafe de Monde. Although, John was fast asleep in his chair. They were on the border of heat exhaustion. We left fulfilled and went to check into the hotel, only to find they were more than challenged to find a room for us. After a lot of searching, we had to be placed into 3 rooms before getting one with AC that worked.

Supper tonight was at the Waffle House. Trying to expose the kids

to plenty of all the different eateries around USA. They advertise 15 meals for $5 and we tried a few tonight! Many of the restaurants, hotels and businesses were all destroyed back in the hurricane...hard to believe how many never rebuilt! Many malls are completely empty!!! Looks like a riot destroyed them.

Kids went swimming and went to bed with minimal fuss tonight. Tomorrow will be the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium....then off to Fr. Jack's for the week in Bunkie where we will travel around the state visiting and showing the kids the sites of Louisiana!

Day 12 - Wednesday July 7

Said farewell to the Smith's in Daphne and made our way to Biloxi, MS, for lunch with Bragg Moore. Bragg is a veteran in Diocesan youth ministry and someone I have looked up to for years. We went to Boomtown Casino for a lunch buffet. Hoping for crab legs...we lost out and had to settle for a variety of other foods. All had their fill and we spent a hour or so on the beaches.

It was 93F on the beach but was very comfortable with a wind blowing from the east. The kids made many things in the sand and water. I didn't really care what it was...it sure kept them busy and quiet the entire time!

We packed up and headed to see Fr. Chris Munsch in the Bay St. Louis area. We were welcomed with great hospitality, had mass fed a hearty shrimp feast! Talked many stories and shot of some more bottle rockets with the kids in the church parking lot. Peter and Andrew loved it the most. Accommodations here were great!

Off to New Orleans and the French Quarter....

Day 11 - Tuesday July 6

We travelled to see the beaches of Pensacola, Florida, where we used to spend many days in the water when we lived in Alabama (because of its 3 hr proximity). We arrived in the rain and wind to something that looked very similar. However, very unlike normal, was the lack of people there vacationing. Albeit a yucky day outside, the online people seen on or near the beach were clean-up crews. There were buses every mile or two with a load of people on the beach with bags and shovels cleaning up any oil, tar or dead fish/animals. But the beach really looked immaculate! We did see red/brown sludge floating in the water in some places and understood why the crew was present.

We were able to get over to "Peg Leg Pete's" for a taste of grouper. We had fish tacos with grouper and Peter a grouper sandwhich. It was great! Peter even got a t-shirt from the place!

Next it was off to see the Naval Air Museum in

Pensacola. The place is loaded with aircraft from

all ages that were in someway connected to the workings of the Navy, especially those found on aircraft carriers. The

kids were able to sit in almost every kind of cockpit, including those of the famous Blue Angels. Plenty of hands on things. If LL and I

did not have the kids in tow, we would have spent much more time reading the well written discriptions for each exhibit and viewed more of their mini-documentaries. We closed the place down and headed over to Daphne, Al, for

a BBQ with the Smith's.

We arrived in the rain to the home of Capt. J.D. Smith who is well known for great stories and his efforts in pro-life within the state of Alabama. We went way back to my days there and JD usually had some displays at a number of my youth events. JD has a beautiful home with a pool and the kids loved it! The BBQ was great and so was the conversation. I also spent a brief time visiting with his daughter Tara who was a pilgrim back at the Toronto WYD pilgrimage that I led.

Day 10 - Monday July 5

First stop today was the memorable Montgomery Zoo where Lori-Lou took Peter and Andrew so many times when they were small. It is a great little zoo with lots packed into a very small space. We lucked out and were able to connect with Jim and Cindy Valieant and son Joey at the zoo for the second half of the experience. We caught up on old and new times and - as it happens with great friends - pick up where we left off.

We went out to Chappy's Deli for lunch together and the kids mostly got to eat for free, but ordered a meal they loved (so did the adults). While mom and dad were in the restroom the kids ordered Cokes. They NEVER get caffeinated drinks...so this was definitely a treat! Still praying we are not paying for it tonight.

After we parted ways we toured the downtown, some of the parks LL spent time in the past and even took a trip to the Winn Dixie grocery store she worked at previously. We got invited back to the Mest's one last time for supper and last visit. Mike cooked a great spaghetti and meatballs dinner and the kids laughed and played by the pool as much as they could. The heat today really seemed HOT for once and the van's A/C got a workout. We said or fair-wells and parted for the final time.

Tonight is our last one here in Montgomery. Tomorrow we will head out to Pensacola and spend the night at Capt JD Smith's place in Daphne. So far, the reunion with friends has been a highlight and the kids have plenty of stories/memories to talk about!

Warren

Day 9 - Sun July 4th

Nothing like spending the 4th of JueLy with friends you love! We were abundantly blessed to wake up casually, drive by our first home in Montgomery and then head off to the parish we called home here in Montgomery. I was seeing things a little fuzzy, since I tore my contact lens in the morning cleaning it. I would have had a spare, but forgot my toiletries bag in which I had it stored. No place was open today to get a replacement...so my reality was like a bad set of 3D glasses today.

Mass was great a filled with familiar faces. Same parish priest and deacon as when we lived here. Got to see Deacon Gene Wadas who baptized Andrew and meet up with a few other familar faces.

We met up with our former neighbors, Dan and Martha Pace at the Burger King with a playplace - albeit we ended up at different locations. Thanks to cell phones we were able to work it out. Once we got it straight we spent close to 3hrs visiting and catching up. Glad they have free refills on drinks down here! Then we went back to their house and see (from the outside) our former home. Chowed down on a HUGE watermellon and watched the kids push some toy vehicles around. Sad saying goodbye again, but glad we had time to reconnect.

Everyone

was feeling tired, so we returned to the hotel for a brief nap. We gathered our stuff and headed out to purchase some fireworks to shoot of at Mike Kornosky's place out of town where it is "legal" to do so. We ate a terriffic home cooked meal and even had some excellent gumbo! Then, following supper, we started cracking off the fireworks. Once we had all our stuff put together - there was enough to launch for 3hrs straight! The kids were in/out of excitement and boredom. Some of the sets were extremely professional looking and went up hundreds of feet with multiple spreads! I was having a great time with the simple things: firecrackers and bottle rockets. The kids loved them too. By the time we were done my thumb was numb and covered in black as I used a Bic lighter all night. Had to come back to the hotel to shower as I was completely covered in ash from the fireworks.

A very memorable night had by all and the kids will never forget it! Thank you Lord for another blessed day.

Planning to catch up with 2 set of friends tomorrow and see the small but diverse Montgomery Zoo.