Emilio was uncharacteristically wailing, I felt desperate but to my surprise in a matter of minutes, we were off and cruising again heading towards the sunset. We arrived at nearly 4 am into the damp and moist air that is characteristic of the San Diego weather I grew to know and love while I lived there. It struck us with great relief and I knew we were going to be okay.
Driving well into the darkness up Highway 1, we decided to camp near the ocean south of Santa Barbara. Falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves was amazing. We awoke just after sunrise to the sound of the beach gulls and the brisk, cool air of the pacific beach.
On the road again, still heading north on Highway 1. Although, we had few problems with the van since leaving San Diego, we were still uneasy after the rough start. The slightest hitch put lumps in our throats, but we pressed on. Although we were supposed to be heading to Fresno, we couldn't resist another day at the beach. Spending the morning and afternoon in a beautiful little spot just south of San Luis Obispo. Emilio was relieved, I'm sure, to be free of the confines of his car seat and able to roll around on the sand! We took in the fresh air, napped on the beach and couldn't resist our last opportunity to jump into the chilly water. It was time to hit the road again and unfortunately leave the cool air of the coast for the dry heat of inland California. Equipped with a huge ice chest filled to the brim with ice, water and snacks, just in case something happened, we were off again. Although it got hot, Emilio was kept cool with the occasional ice bath and we passed the time by reading his books and napping.
It didn't take us long to arrive to Sanger and we were welcomed to the house by Great Grandma Houghton. She had been anxiously awaiting our arrival, and was sitting right at the front door when we arrived. She too, like Grandma Rose, is doing so well, her mind is so sharp and it makes you realize how frustrating it must be to be trapped in these bodies that cannot keep up. The aches and pains of age must be difficult, but both these women have aged with such grace, and that is inspiring! Our time visiting with Papa, Wan and Great Grandma Houghton was so much fun. It was a nice change of pace from being on the road. Emilio got to sleep in his own little crib, take his much needed naps and have lots of playtime! Kris and Papa spent the evenings catching up well into the night. Too much to talk about and so little time. 
We talked movies, politics, history, genealogy, but mostly about family it seemed. It's trips like this that make me sad that our families are so spread apart. California, Oregon, Hawaii, Florida and New Mexico. 
Wan spoiled us thoroughly with amazing food! French toast with fresh berries and pure maple syrup for breakfast, Thai salmon dinners with fresh jicama salads... it was amazing! My mouth is watering just thinking of it. We stayed there for four days: days spent floating down the creek, reading and resting. Nights filled with laughter, good conversation and food! It seems there just never seems to be enough time with family and upon leaving there is always the deep sense that you are leaving something real and valuable. There are always plans to return soon, but life gets a grip on you, and before you know it, it's been years. 
We left again for Albuquerque early Tuesday morning. We decided to make it home as quickly as we could, but had to stop in Needles, CA for a rest from the heat. We stayed the day in a hotel and left at midnight. Kris and I took turns driving and passed the time singing and playing games. The time went quickly and it stayed cool, even cold as we went through Flagstaff, AZ. Driven by the desire to get Emilio home and the bad news we got of the passing of Uncle Paul, we trucked on.
Four days in San Diego, celebrating with friends that may as well be family and off again up California's beautiful Highway 1 to visit the Greats. Great Grandma Rose in Anaheim and Great Grandma Houghton in Fresno.
We stopped first in Laguna Nigel to visit my Uncle Lolo, my very pregnant Aunt Nilda, and cousins Andrés and Anessa. Good conversation kept us up late, but in the morning we headed out for Anaheim.
Grandma Rose welcomed us as feisty and sharp as ever. She is Emilio's Great Great Grandma, and was born in New Mexico before it became a state! She made us laugh saying "Sientate muchacho" to Emilio while he was squirming around on her lap. What a blessing it is to have her in our lives and that she was able to meet her great-great-grandchild! She seemed nostalgic of New Mexico and missed her sisters who still live in Albuquerque. After visiting for a time with Grandma, Aunt Priscilla and Vic, we hit the road again.
We stopped first in Laguna Nigel to visit my Uncle Lolo, my very pregnant Aunt Nilda, and cousins Andrés and Anessa. Good conversation kept us up late, but in the morning we headed out for Anaheim.
Grandma Rose welcomed us as feisty and sharp as ever. She is Emilio's Great Great Grandma, and was born in New Mexico before it became a state! She made us laugh saying "Sientate muchacho" to Emilio while he was squirming around on her lap. What a blessing it is to have her in our lives and that she was able to meet her great-great-grandchild! She seemed nostalgic of New Mexico and missed her sisters who still live in Albuquerque. After visiting for a time with Grandma, Aunt Priscilla and Vic, we hit the road again.
Driving well into the darkness up Highway 1, we decided to camp near the ocean south of Santa Barbara. Falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves was amazing. We awoke just after sunrise to the sound of the beach gulls and the brisk, cool air of the pacific beach.
On the road again, still heading north on Highway 1. Although, we had few problems with the van since leaving San Diego, we were still uneasy after the rough start. The slightest hitch put lumps in our throats, but we pressed on. Although we were supposed to be heading to Fresno, we couldn't resist another day at the beach. Spending the morning and afternoon in a beautiful little spot just south of San Luis Obispo. Emilio was relieved, I'm sure, to be free of the confines of his car seat and able to roll around on the sand! We took in the fresh air, napped on the beach and couldn't resist our last opportunity to jump into the chilly water. It was time to hit the road again and unfortunately leave the cool air of the coast for the dry heat of inland California. Equipped with a huge ice chest filled to the brim with ice, water and snacks, just in case something happened, we were off again. Although it got hot, Emilio was kept cool with the occasional ice bath and we passed the time by reading his books and napping. 
It didn't take us long to arrive to Sanger and we were welcomed to the house by Great Grandma Houghton. She had been anxiously awaiting our arrival, and was sitting right at the front door when we arrived. She too, like Grandma Rose, is doing so well, her mind is so sharp and it makes you realize how frustrating it must be to be trapped in these bodies that cannot keep up. The aches and pains of age must be difficult, but both these women have aged with such grace, and that is inspiring! Our time visiting with Papa, Wan and Great Grandma Houghton was so much fun. It was a nice change of pace from being on the road. Emilio got to sleep in his own little crib, take his much needed naps and have lots of playtime! Kris and Papa spent the evenings catching up well into the night. Too much to talk about and so little time. 
We talked movies, politics, history, genealogy, but mostly about family it seemed. It's trips like this that make me sad that our families are so spread apart. California, Oregon, Hawaii, Florida and New Mexico. 
Wan spoiled us thoroughly with amazing food! French toast with fresh berries and pure maple syrup for breakfast, Thai salmon dinners with fresh jicama salads... it was amazing! My mouth is watering just thinking of it. We stayed there for four days: days spent floating down the creek, reading and resting. Nights filled with laughter, good conversation and food! It seems there just never seems to be enough time with family and upon leaving there is always the deep sense that you are leaving something real and valuable. There are always plans to return soon, but life gets a grip on you, and before you know it, it's been years. 
We left again for Albuquerque early Tuesday morning. We decided to make it home as quickly as we could, but had to stop in Needles, CA for a rest from the heat. We stayed the day in a hotel and left at midnight. Kris and I took turns driving and passed the time singing and playing games. The time went quickly and it stayed cool, even cold as we went through Flagstaff, AZ. Driven by the desire to get Emilio home and the bad news we got of the passing of Uncle Paul, we trucked on. Driving in on I-40, we were so relieved when we saw the Sandia mountains of our home.
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Happy 5th Anniversary Kris!
In memory of my Uncle, Paul Richard
December 20, 1948- July 3, 2010
In memory of my Uncle, Paul Richard
December 20, 1948- July 3, 2010
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