One more stop and then finally a ten hour drive into California. Grand Canyon National Park is where we would land. I had planned to take the children to both the park and the Skywalk over the Grand Canyon, as it was just a few years prior to our trip that it was built. Logistics would determine which we would venture to first, and the surprise for this detour was one of great measure. I would charter a plane and fly us thru the Grand Canyon.
We decided to go to the Skywalk first. The images alone from this point are unimaginable; they have to be seen with your own eyes to believe them. As we gazed over the expanse of the Grand Canyon and its floor, I wondered how I would ever regain the hole that was in my soul over the loss of Brady. It was like the pit, basin and vastness of the Canyon were equivalent to the depth and breadth in the pit of my own stomach and heart. As I cried, Isabella held me and said nary a word. She simply understood.
After wiping away the tears, Liam came to console me as well and gave me a hug that I knew all too well...it seemed as though he had the same embrace that his father did. Once I regained my personal composure I motioned for them to head back to the Suburban. We drove about thirty minutes down toward the bottom of the Canyon in order to arrive at the hanger. We chartered a plane that afternoon, and saw the Grand Canyon as many would like too, but so few have. At that very moment as we were in flight, I cried again but felt an uneasy, but steady calm feeling as somehow I knew Brady was with me on that plane. While ethereal, and unrealistic really; it seemed clear to me that I felt his presence in a very clear fashion that day. He was indeed; with me!
Upon landing, we drove to Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. We spent the day hiking and found a nice spot for a picnic lunch in the early afternoon. It was the kind of day that is so relaxing...the breeze in your face and hair slightly, but the warm sun on your back. I had made sandwiches on bagels, had a small serving of antipasto, some five bean salad in a lit vinaigrette, and some grapes. To go along with our grapes, I opened a bottle of Chambourcin; a grape that grows well in France and ironically the State of Maryland, and the kids had bottled water. I had needed a drink that day to calm my nerves, as the events leading up to this calm lunch in the National Park were more than even my antidepressants and my Abilify could handle.
Monday, September 1, 2014
As I drove, I looked in the rear-view mirror while sipping on a iced-caramel frappacino and wondered how long the children would sleep. I saw the large sign for Albuquerque and that meant that we were now less than ninety minutes away.
Enter Albuquerque, New Mexico. As I drove into town in the black Suburban, I saw heads turn as if I were the FBI rolling up for a sting operation. I suppose I get that more often than I realize, but today it was most noticeable. "Did they somehow know I was from out of town", I wandered? At any rate, as I pulled into a local restaurant and placed the Suburban in park, the children awoke.
We were all famished at this point and an early lunch at about 4:00 PM seemed appropriate. We had driven nearly nine hours that day.
Turtle Mountain Brewing Company would be the spot for lunch and then I had a surprise that started promptly at 7:05 PM. Any guesses? Calzones seemed like an appetizing choice and we all ended up ordering one. They are a bit more filling than pizza and I tend to enjoy the mountains of marinara enclosed. Isabella and Liam both had a hard time deciding, so we each ordered two and decided to take one along in a box for a snack at a later date.
Shortly after dinner, I took the kids downtown close to our evening excursion. Did anyone get the right answer? Isotopes Baseball! That's right; good ole baseball. Liam was a three-letter sportsman, so I knew without a doubt that he would enjoy the game. Bella; being the good sport that she is, would either enjoy the game as much as the rest of us, or at least act like she did. That is the way she was raised by Brady. We were; however, lucky enough to attend on an evening when they gave away hats to the first 5,000 fans and additionally had fireworks after the game. These things in combination; if nothing else, would make it memorable for Bella.
The Isotopes beat the pants off of the Las Vegas 51's that evening and from there it was just a short drive to the hotel. We stayed that evening at the Casas de Suenos hotel, an Inn of sorts with only twenty-one rooms. Quaint and quiet, it was like a Spanish lullaby wrapped in the accommodations of a hotel/inn as we laid down to sleep that evening.
Enter Albuquerque, New Mexico. As I drove into town in the black Suburban, I saw heads turn as if I were the FBI rolling up for a sting operation. I suppose I get that more often than I realize, but today it was most noticeable. "Did they somehow know I was from out of town", I wandered? At any rate, as I pulled into a local restaurant and placed the Suburban in park, the children awoke.
We were all famished at this point and an early lunch at about 4:00 PM seemed appropriate. We had driven nearly nine hours that day.
Turtle Mountain Brewing Company would be the spot for lunch and then I had a surprise that started promptly at 7:05 PM. Any guesses? Calzones seemed like an appetizing choice and we all ended up ordering one. They are a bit more filling than pizza and I tend to enjoy the mountains of marinara enclosed. Isabella and Liam both had a hard time deciding, so we each ordered two and decided to take one along in a box for a snack at a later date.
Shortly after dinner, I took the kids downtown close to our evening excursion. Did anyone get the right answer? Isotopes Baseball! That's right; good ole baseball. Liam was a three-letter sportsman, so I knew without a doubt that he would enjoy the game. Bella; being the good sport that she is, would either enjoy the game as much as the rest of us, or at least act like she did. That is the way she was raised by Brady. We were; however, lucky enough to attend on an evening when they gave away hats to the first 5,000 fans and additionally had fireworks after the game. These things in combination; if nothing else, would make it memorable for Bella.
The Isotopes beat the pants off of the Las Vegas 51's that evening and from there it was just a short drive to the hotel. We stayed that evening at the Casas de Suenos hotel, an Inn of sorts with only twenty-one rooms. Quaint and quiet, it was like a Spanish lullaby wrapped in the accommodations of a hotel/inn as we laid down to sleep that evening.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
After eating some wood-fired pizza; which was absolutely yummy, we got back on the open road. I had ordered a fresh, but satisfying Mediterranean pizza complete with meats, mushrooms and Kalamata olives. As usual, I told them to hold the onions. My children think I am crazy because I enjoy the flavoring that onions bring to a dish, but not the onions themselves.
While driving, we spotted license plates from different states. On our trip, we would identify all fifty; which is not at all uncommon, as we would drive nearly three-thousand miles to our destination. They had fun with it, and when we got to hard ones, I offered each of them a chance at a two-dollar bill if they could spell the state also. Think Massachusetts, not Utah. Maine and even Maryland were excluded, as they are just too easy for two teenagers with I.Q.'s above 160. They were definitely blessed with Brady's beautiful mind, and Liam additionally got the math portion.
It would still be nearly fifteen hours until the base of the Grand Canyon, so my plan was to layover in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They were comfortable traveling that far, and we had gotten a later start from Bricktown anyway. The history lesson pertaining to the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 went over well, as I could see the sadness in my kid's eyes at the memorial.
At any rate, we stopped about every two hours to get a lite snack and lose some liquid that had been retained in our bladders. Liam was fond of candy and Isabella preferred healthier alternatives; which I was proud of. She in no way needed to lose weight, as she was a solid size six, and I hoped that she would be able to maintain her beautiful figure at least until children came along. Despite having a sweet tooth, Liam was careful with his dental hygiene practices, and had never had a cavity. Lucky chimp!
As we traveled across I-40W, both the children seemed to be dreaming; literally at times, of the summer that awaited them in "Sunny" California.
While driving, we spotted license plates from different states. On our trip, we would identify all fifty; which is not at all uncommon, as we would drive nearly three-thousand miles to our destination. They had fun with it, and when we got to hard ones, I offered each of them a chance at a two-dollar bill if they could spell the state also. Think Massachusetts, not Utah. Maine and even Maryland were excluded, as they are just too easy for two teenagers with I.Q.'s above 160. They were definitely blessed with Brady's beautiful mind, and Liam additionally got the math portion.
It would still be nearly fifteen hours until the base of the Grand Canyon, so my plan was to layover in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They were comfortable traveling that far, and we had gotten a later start from Bricktown anyway. The history lesson pertaining to the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 went over well, as I could see the sadness in my kid's eyes at the memorial.
At any rate, we stopped about every two hours to get a lite snack and lose some liquid that had been retained in our bladders. Liam was fond of candy and Isabella preferred healthier alternatives; which I was proud of. She in no way needed to lose weight, as she was a solid size six, and I hoped that she would be able to maintain her beautiful figure at least until children came along. Despite having a sweet tooth, Liam was careful with his dental hygiene practices, and had never had a cavity. Lucky chimp!
As we traveled across I-40W, both the children seemed to be dreaming; literally at times, of the summer that awaited them in "Sunny" California.
I had purposefully planned for our second stop to be in Colorado. Brady had wanted to take me out West to see things like the Grand Canyon and Lake Mead and the smaller towns that the West was truly built on. This was absolutely something that I desired and deeply wanted to share with the children.
It would take us a total of three days and we would stop in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Albuquerque, New Mexico and finally arrive in Grand Canyon National Park.
Oklahoma City was a stop I had planned as sort of a history lesson. My children were young enough that they did not know much about the Oklahoma City bombing.
Today there is a memorial which commemorates not only the sadness of the event, but also is a dedication to those who "met their Lord" that day. I sometimes wonder if memorials are such a good idea. "Have we idolized the bomber and not the people who have lost their lives?", I thought. I shared that sentiment with the kids, and they pondered on that notion as well. Since cost was not going to be an issue this summer, we stayed at the Skirvin Hilton in Downtown Oklahoma City that evening.
We slept in that morning and checked out at 11:00 AM on the button. Despite it being too early for lunch, Isabella and Liam wanted pizza of all things. I had scanned the phone book the nite before and I had remembered one in Bricktown. Wedge Pizzeria was certainly an establishment that had been "on the map" in the Oklahoma City scene for quite some time. They offered many styles that came out of flaming wood-fired ovens. I immediately knew upon arrival that the kids would be pleased; and therefore, it was another "win" for Mom on our excursion toward our final destination for the summer.
It would take us a total of three days and we would stop in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Albuquerque, New Mexico and finally arrive in Grand Canyon National Park.
Oklahoma City was a stop I had planned as sort of a history lesson. My children were young enough that they did not know much about the Oklahoma City bombing.
Today there is a memorial which commemorates not only the sadness of the event, but also is a dedication to those who "met their Lord" that day. I sometimes wonder if memorials are such a good idea. "Have we idolized the bomber and not the people who have lost their lives?", I thought. I shared that sentiment with the kids, and they pondered on that notion as well. Since cost was not going to be an issue this summer, we stayed at the Skirvin Hilton in Downtown Oklahoma City that evening.
We slept in that morning and checked out at 11:00 AM on the button. Despite it being too early for lunch, Isabella and Liam wanted pizza of all things. I had scanned the phone book the nite before and I had remembered one in Bricktown. Wedge Pizzeria was certainly an establishment that had been "on the map" in the Oklahoma City scene for quite some time. They offered many styles that came out of flaming wood-fired ovens. I immediately knew upon arrival that the kids would be pleased; and therefore, it was another "win" for Mom on our excursion toward our final destination for the summer.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
I had a sort of "responsible glow" to me that morning that we headed West. I promised to tell the children where we were going by the time time we reached the "Gateway to the West", in St. Louis, Missouri; but until then, they would have to let their minds wander. From Asheville, it was a good ten hours by the time we would stop for breakfast and lunch. I had purposely planned a few stops along the way that would be surprises and St. Louis, Missouri, was our first "layover" on "Day 1".
The first night, we would stay at the Hyatt, right at the base of the arch; and in the morning, we would go up inside the 1100 foot-high structure to have a look at the city from the "Gateway to the West". Whatever it took, this was going to be a summer to remember.
Breakfast was consumed at the Red Kitchen & Bar, as the Hyatt had an all-inclusive package. I opted for cold cereal and yogurt and the children had waffles until they were running out of their ears. I had never seen Bella and Liam ingest so much at one sitting. I opted for a lite and refreshing Mimosa that morning, which seemed to calm my nerves. It was not that my Abilify was not working, it was simply the stress of providing that "perfect summer" before Bella's senior year and Liam's beginning to tenth grade. Perfection would not be achieved, but I was striving for the victory line; as I wanted it to be as close to perfection as possible. "What mother doesn't?", I pondered over fruit, yogurt, cereal and a green tee from Starbucks. Once we finished with breakfast, we each ordered another "5-bucks from Starbucks"; and it was a short walk to the arch before getting back on the open road.
The first night, we would stay at the Hyatt, right at the base of the arch; and in the morning, we would go up inside the 1100 foot-high structure to have a look at the city from the "Gateway to the West". Whatever it took, this was going to be a summer to remember.
Breakfast was consumed at the Red Kitchen & Bar, as the Hyatt had an all-inclusive package. I opted for cold cereal and yogurt and the children had waffles until they were running out of their ears. I had never seen Bella and Liam ingest so much at one sitting. I opted for a lite and refreshing Mimosa that morning, which seemed to calm my nerves. It was not that my Abilify was not working, it was simply the stress of providing that "perfect summer" before Bella's senior year and Liam's beginning to tenth grade. Perfection would not be achieved, but I was striving for the victory line; as I wanted it to be as close to perfection as possible. "What mother doesn't?", I pondered over fruit, yogurt, cereal and a green tee from Starbucks. Once we finished with breakfast, we each ordered another "5-bucks from Starbucks"; and it was a short walk to the arch before getting back on the open road.
Friday, August 29, 2014
I decided that evening as Bella and I were driving home from prom that we needed to do something extraordinary over the summer. I thought of a few places right away which Brady had taken me, but I wanted this to be a summer they could remember with their mother; not tainted of memories from the past.
I definitely desired for it to be a beach location as we had made many memories on the ocean or near water. I discounted foreign lands, but did not entirely rule them out. North Carolina and South Carolina were out, so I started looking at the West coast. "Perhaps California", I thought!
As I thought more about our destination, I narrowed down a list of West coast destinations. And finally it hit me, "Coronado "! Yes, we would go to Coronado Beach for the summer.
Not only did I have Brady's income to support a summer house at the beach, but besides what I had spent on the children for prom and to get Liam licensed to drive, I had managed to save some of my pay from working for Clayton at Edward Jones. Somehow a summer at the beach would have to relax me; hopefully better than a handful of Quaalude's. In two weeks we would pack up and go.
I shared with the kids the morning after prom that we would be spending the summer at the beach. I did not share with them the destination, they would have to wait and see. Suitable rentals were expensive, but the prices fluctuated in my favor a bit as the summer was calling for tropical storms and perhaps even hurricanes and earthquakes. None of this scared me, so I took advantage of the fact that the realtor shared this small little detail with me and bartered for a lower price.
The summer would cost us $8,000. Cost was not an issue, as my income from Brady's efforts alone was several times the capital outlay on a monthly basis...and we would have the house from June 1 to Labor Day.
The last week of school seemed to drag on for Bella and Liam. Many times they shared with me that they would like to just skip the last few days and head to our destination. However, I shared with them that attendance was also important when it comes time for colleges to review your transcripts. The sighs, whines and moans continued almost daily, so I knew I had captured their hearts and that my planning for this trip and the summer away might provide a sort of oasis for us all.
I definitely desired for it to be a beach location as we had made many memories on the ocean or near water. I discounted foreign lands, but did not entirely rule them out. North Carolina and South Carolina were out, so I started looking at the West coast. "Perhaps California", I thought!
As I thought more about our destination, I narrowed down a list of West coast destinations. And finally it hit me, "Coronado "! Yes, we would go to Coronado Beach for the summer.
Not only did I have Brady's income to support a summer house at the beach, but besides what I had spent on the children for prom and to get Liam licensed to drive, I had managed to save some of my pay from working for Clayton at Edward Jones. Somehow a summer at the beach would have to relax me; hopefully better than a handful of Quaalude's. In two weeks we would pack up and go.
I shared with the kids the morning after prom that we would be spending the summer at the beach. I did not share with them the destination, they would have to wait and see. Suitable rentals were expensive, but the prices fluctuated in my favor a bit as the summer was calling for tropical storms and perhaps even hurricanes and earthquakes. None of this scared me, so I took advantage of the fact that the realtor shared this small little detail with me and bartered for a lower price.
The summer would cost us $8,000. Cost was not an issue, as my income from Brady's efforts alone was several times the capital outlay on a monthly basis...and we would have the house from June 1 to Labor Day.
The last week of school seemed to drag on for Bella and Liam. Many times they shared with me that they would like to just skip the last few days and head to our destination. However, I shared with them that attendance was also important when it comes time for colleges to review your transcripts. The sighs, whines and moans continued almost daily, so I knew I had captured their hearts and that my planning for this trip and the summer away might provide a sort of oasis for us all.
The prom that evening was held at the Grove Park Inn. The hotel has been a desired destination; and considered highly recommended as a "gem of the South" in Asheville, North Carolina, since 1913. A man had a vision, and Mr. Grove put it into place himself, working men tirelessly for months to finish it after declining offers from architects across the United States.
I was asked to be a chaperone for the evening, which made me feel more comfortable. Isabella looked beautiful and her date handsome. They "danced the night away", so to speak; at times a little closer and a little more "fresh" than I would have liked. However, I did and always have trusted the judgement of my daughter, as her father and I raised her with Christian values that remain intact.
The night went quickly, and by 11:00 PM, it was time to retreat to our small castle. Brady had provided one of the finest homes in a wonderful location for us. It was a German-European styled home that was built in the 1980's. The previous owners had a vision that I would classify as Austrian, but the architecture was more German in my opinion. Plenty roomy though, for the three of us now.
As Bella and I traveled home, she gazed at the formal pictures they had taken. As one can imagine, they turned out to be great. Many times before I have mentioned that she was growing up too fast and was too beautiful for her own good; just like her mother in the "hay-day". Bella would get a good nights sleep; as we had the weekend and only one week of school left. She would be a senior next year, Brady would be fully licensed, and soon I would have another family member out of the nest...something I was ill prepared for.
I was asked to be a chaperone for the evening, which made me feel more comfortable. Isabella looked beautiful and her date handsome. They "danced the night away", so to speak; at times a little closer and a little more "fresh" than I would have liked. However, I did and always have trusted the judgement of my daughter, as her father and I raised her with Christian values that remain intact.
The night went quickly, and by 11:00 PM, it was time to retreat to our small castle. Brady had provided one of the finest homes in a wonderful location for us. It was a German-European styled home that was built in the 1980's. The previous owners had a vision that I would classify as Austrian, but the architecture was more German in my opinion. Plenty roomy though, for the three of us now.
As Bella and I traveled home, she gazed at the formal pictures they had taken. As one can imagine, they turned out to be great. Many times before I have mentioned that she was growing up too fast and was too beautiful for her own good; just like her mother in the "hay-day". Bella would get a good nights sleep; as we had the weekend and only one week of school left. She would be a senior next year, Brady would be fully licensed, and soon I would have another family member out of the nest...something I was ill prepared for.
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