Day 1: Albuquerque is not a Turkey

Mile 1399- The time is nigh for the latest installment of See the Nation by Graduation. "But, it's Spring?!?", you might've exclaimed (but probably didn't). While it is true, we normally save our escapades for the face-melting days of July, not this year.   Mr. Bullington was hell-bent on going to Death Valley and I flat refused to go in the summer ....on account of not wanting be un-alive. So this year, we've opted for a springtime foray into the Southwest. This trip will also include the bonus state of California. You know, the state that we've already visited and technically checked off? But, I got voted off the island on this one, so to California we go! Again. 

Our trip started with a late night flight to Albuquerque, New Mexico. It allowed me to ponder anew how much energy Master Thomas expends to get on every last nerve of the sisters. He's quite adept at pestering, teasing, and annoying them to the point of eye twitch. Now, are they super sensitive to EVERYTHING? Also, yes. After the flight the sisters told us, most assuredly, that he'd been the bane of their existence for the entire three hours.  But,  what could we do at that point? We don't know exactly what happened....It's very hard to hear the melee over the audio of the movie you are trying to enjoy in economy comfort while the quarrelsome imps are back in coach.  Teaching conflict resolution the old fashioned way....

Early Saturday morning after we'd barely had a chance to rinse off the travel cooties and settle into bed, it was time to rise and shine for our first adventure! Mr. Bullington and I delight in the element of surprise. We love to keep some cards close to the vest when it comes to divulging trip details to the children. 2/3 of Bullington offspring merrily roll along with whatever we have planned. The eldest Bullington child, notsomuch. If we are not able to predict exact weather conditions within a half degree, give detailed examples of what potential obstacles could present themselves, where and what time we are going to eat which meals and what the menu will include, Oh, the lamentations that will spring forth from her tender cake hole. We were able to keep the secret through the early morning collection of ourselves, but the cat was out of the bag the moment we pulled up to Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Center! Time to see the New Mexico sunrise from a freaking HOT AIR BALLOON!! Thomas held court with our guide who ENCOURAGED his delinquency as he spat from thousands of feet above the earth to try and hit "targets" homes, parks, cars, nothing was sacred. Fortunately, at that hour, there weren't many people milling about down below. Our guide, Chris, regaled the least Bullington with tales of Hot Air Ballon egg drops and water balloon drops and whoknowswhatelse drops. #Aycaramba 

Bullington. Party of Five. Going UP!

My sweet girls

My Little Rascal!

We hastened back to the hotel. We had to pack up and tried to scrounge second breakfast from the complementary breakfast spread that had been savagely ambushed by not one, but TWO boys soccer teams in town for a tournament. And predictably, also staying at a mid-range, fair to middlin' Marriott chain as one with lots of hungry children is oft to do. Hell hath no fury like a pubescent team of boys set loose on a make-your-own-waffle station. 

Next stop, Petrified Forest National Park and The Painted Desert. Y'all, I know you are sick to death hearing me blabber on about the National Parks System. But, it's America's best thing. Disagree? I'll fight you. I am a music gal and this 10,000 Maniacs song by the same name (The Painted Desert) would not stop rushing my brain. So, I forced my family to listen to it. Twice. And then I texted my best camp friend in California because we shared many a 10,000 Maniacs moments in the 90's. I love how music glues people together. It was a glorious and you should go to there if ever in the neighborhood. 

RIP Route 66

Some Daddy don gone and got a selfie stick! Lerd. Do we have to get a YouTube Channel now?

Next came the onslaught of Route 66 roadside attractions!

There used to be 7 Wigwam Village Motels along Route 66. Sadly that number has now decreased to 3. We stayed in Wigwam Village #2 in 2015 and visited (but didn't stay) in Wigwam Village #6 today. And, I know they are tipis, not wigwams....

Standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona...as one does.

Finally, we landed in our nest for the night. Our arrival timed perfectly with the sun setting over Sedona. I had envisioned my boyfriend and I arriving just in time to grab a glass of wine and share a peaceful moment looking over the stunning red rock formations of Sedona. Instead we opted to referee the squabbling Bullingtons and their Magical Multiplying Suitcases Show into the Courtyard Marriott. Same-Same.  My disappointment was appeased by a delicious dinner and a hearty margarita! My friend and colleague Meri Kate, recommended this fabulous stop, The Javelina Cantina. It was just what our road worn souls needed. There is little that chips, salsa, and margaritas can't fix. And if they can't fix it, you at least care a little less....

One more thing....I know we are "Seeing the Nation by Graduation". Meaning, we are trying to see all 50 states together as a family. But, individually, I've already seen some of the states without my children. Mr. Bullington hit 50 states with our trip to Alaska, and I hit 50 states today with Arizona! Weeeee! It's a great day to be alive!

I'm just trying to bring back realistic, less-than-curated, fo-real pictures. I made it to 50 states, I have bags under my eyes, my hair is a fright, and I'm exhausted! #truthserum #nofilter