May 13-May 16 - time zone hopping to the East Coast

As we continue to head east, the terrain changes each day. 

This was our view from the Red Desert Rose Campground. Nice desert campground that even had a courtesy car for their guests to use!  

Still some snow left in eastern Wyoming. Look at that snow fence. They must really get a lot of snow. 

We decided to get off I-80 earlier than we usually do because we needed new scenery. Unfortunately, the new scenery was the flooding in southeastern Nebraska. Even after several months, I-29 only had 1 lane open for both lanes where the Missouri River has flooded. 

Even though I had seen pictures of the flooding, Itwas devastating to see it. The flooding continued for several miles as we drove on I-29 with the water almost still up to the berm of the road. 

We stayed in Hannibal, MO, at the Mark Twain Campground and Winery. We hope to visit that campground again when we head west again. 

Look at these beautiful field of flowers. 

Saw these yellow fields all along the roads in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Unfortunately, they are weeds and farmers have to try to control them. 

Last night in a campground was in Brookville, Ohio (just west of Dayton) at the Tall Timbers KOA Campground. Beautiful space but quite expensive for a one-nighter!  But we had a fire, wine and s’mores!  A great way to end a wonderful trip. 

May 12 - Mother’s Day on the road

Even though we are on the road I talked with each of the kids. Shan and Carl sent this picture to show how they spent Avery’s 1st Mother’s Day. Food and flowers ... perfect. Shan also told me that the Mother’s Day on-site I had gotten Avery was already in the wash ... the joys of motherhood!

Drew and Erin sent this photo of the plants they put in the gutters and horse trough Bill installed. We’re anxious to see how they grow. We got some of the idea when we visited Jeremy Stauffer in Oregon last year this time. 

When I talked with Kristen, she said she is home getting ready for Winter’s graduation. Her oldest is graduating college, hard to believe. 

It was beautiful as we traveled east through the salt fields in Nevada. 

As we made our way into Wyoming, we saw large snow fence and even some snow! They must have had a lot of snow. 

When we stopped at a rest stop, we saw snow fence up close with Medicine Bow Mountain Range in the background. 

Made it to Red Desert Rose Campground in Rawlins, Wyoming for the night 

April 25-May11 - life will never be the same again

First day home, feeding and changing diapers - we are all learning together. It’s been a long time since any of our grandkids needed their diaper changed but it all came back. 

This is Carl’s mom, Jutta, Avery’s Oma. 

While Avery’s Oma and Nana Peg cuddled with Avery Bill worked on his projects. No rest for the weary!  Carl and Bill added another access to the fenced-in backyard. So much more convenient. Next, they built a wood shed. Carl said it was too nice for wood. Maybe he’ll make it a climbing gym!  

In between those projects, Bill helped Carl add knobs and handles to their kitchen cabinets. Again, much more convenient to open doors and drawers. 

Drew and Erin came to visit. It was great having us together one last time beforehand we left. 

Last project Bill had for the Alsup’s was a wood box for Shan to have easy access to wood when Carl is working nights at the hospital. 



After Oma left, NanaPeg spent more time cuddling Avery, washing clothes, running to grocery store and cooking. 

I did have a little time to set up my sewing machine for some quilting and sewing projects. 

Avery also went on her first hike on the ditch trai, behind their house and to Scott’s Lake just up the road from their house. 

Down the hill to Sacramento for one last evening with Drew and Erin and for Bill to finish a project there. We  had a very special dinner with Drew and Erin’s friends,  Lorena, Boye and their daughter, Fina. They cooked us an authentic Nigerian meal that was delicious. 

Bill and Fina played checkers and then Fina helped us learn Spanish. A fun evening for our last one in California. 

April 23-April 25- it’s all about Avery and prokects

Our wonderful trip to California to spend time with West Coast family is filled with many happy, thankful and blessed memories. 

We camped at SacWest Campground while Shan and Carl were at the hospital waiting for Baby Avery to appear. They were at UC Davis Hospital which is only 3 blocks from Drew and Erin’s home. Made life so convenient. 

I dropped them off  at the hospital Tuesday morning and then we all waited and said manyu prayers for a healthy delivery. 

Wednesday, April 24, at 7:33 am little Avery Vivian Alsup was born. A healthy, beautiful little girl to melt all our hearts. 

Tears of joy and so much thankful prayers were pouring out of my eyes. The long wait was over. Now the fun will begin. 

Getting Avery in the car seat wasn’t very much fun for any of us, especially for Avery. 

Then home to Nevada City we go.