We are back in Visalia. Our son and daugter-in-law and kids visited us on Memorial Day weekend. The kids had fun playing at the Adventure Park. The new La Quinta just opened right next door to the park. Really convenient. This was first time they were in Visalia since their kids were very small. A nice weekend. Thanks Jerry and Kim for visiting.
Dinosaurs were part of the scenery along the way as we were approaching Flagstaff. The drive along I-40 going through Flagstaff is always beautiful and the weather this trip was perfect. We have approximately 200 miles until we reach our destination of Kingman, AZ where we have reservations for three nights.
Traveling I-40 west of Gallup it was somewhat desolate in some areas, however, the trains, and the beautiful flowers provided great scenery.
On our return trip from MO we have been staying at KOA's. We like the easy access off and on the freeway as we only stay one night and move on early the next day. This particular KOA at Gallup was a new one and also many ammenities that we usually don't get, ie. Denny's, indoor swimming pool and spa at the La Quinta, a full service laundry. We will definitely stay there again.
Uncle Jerry took out my sister's grandkids metal detecting. They just know there is gold at the Garrison Resort somewhere on their 260 acres. They found several coins and lots of other treasures. Jimmy and Sammy spent three to four hours determined to find gold!! Uncle Jerry told them never to give up
My sister and I, and my Mother and her sister had a mini vacation of a lifetime in Branson, MO on Mother's Day weekend. We had a ball riding the Ducks at Lake Taneycomo. The tour guide was wonderful and full of history. My Aunt (82) is from Tacoma, WA, Mom (79) from Las Vegas, NV and my sister from Steeleville, MO. My sister had planned on my Mom and Aunt staying with her, however, I didn't know I was going to be there that particular weekend. They wore my sister and I out, but we had fun!! They loved the green fried tomatoes and the homemade blackberry cobbler at the Farmhouse, and of course the shopping. There favorite show was the Six Brothers, actual brothers, who sang and used no instruments other than their mouths. They were great!
Some of the prettiest country is driving through Arkansas and also the best driving roads. The freeways were like driving through the country, beautiful and green, lots of fields, and so scenic. The people were very, very friendly from the restaurants to the service stations. 
We passed through Oklahoma City and saw a giant cross near Groom, Texas. This steel cross rises 200 feet into the air near I-40 and is visible from at least 10 miles away in either direction. The site itself also contains sculptures re-creating the Last Supper and Stations of the Cross, along with some other impressive exhibits. We headed into New Mexico, staying at the local KOA in Clayton.
We stopped at what we thought was a visitor center, only to find out it was a rest stop/storm shelter. There was an individual one for the men and one for women. I-40 is noted for the tornados and the storms and alot of wind. On the way to MO we didn't have any storms, but there was lots of wind. Also, at this particular rest stop a Sheriff's office was housed.
We visited my Sister and Brother-in-law's resort in beautiful country. We stayed for two weeks, however, it is time to move on. We plan to return in the fall to see the beautiful fall colors.
The floating capital of Missouri is in the Ozarks. Garrison's River Resort has it all, canoeing, rafting, horseback riding, camping, lodging, swimming, hayrides. My sister and her family own this resort and would love for you to visit for a fabulous vacation. We had a wonderful relaxing time at this 260 acre resort.
