Over the Thanksgiving Holiday, (my sister)
Aubrie and I helped pack up my grandmother's house in South Texas (think Mexico) and drove her stuff to Nashville. It was quiet an adventure.
Here is an online Journal of our 21-hour road trip!
Before you start this journey with us, please note--this will be a long one!
Saturday, November 28th--7:05 AM--Depart
Aubrie and I left the LaQuinta in McAllen, Texas in our Fabulous Truck!
Here we are with "Polly/Papi Penske" beginning our Journey.
We drove about an hour and arrived at a huge Border Patrol stop.
Being so close to the Mexican border, there are all kinds of border patrol men--but this was our first official STOP.
Since, I was snoozing a bit as we arrived, I didn't capture this moment.
Patrol Officer: Hello. Are you a US Citizen?
Aubrie: Yes
Me: Yes
Patrol Officer: Where are you headed?
Aubrie: what?
Me: We are headed to Nashville. Then I proceed to tell him we are moving our (US Citizen, of course) grandmother from McAllen to Nashville. Our grandfather has passed away and she is moving. I am sure he was moved to tears on the inside.
He asked a few more questions and was on his way.
At this point, Aubrie and I stopped for gas and breakfast.
Above ^ you can see me posing with border patrol and their car.
DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING*
Aubrie kicked off the morning with our drive through Texas. We saw oil rigs (above) and all the flat terrain. I sometimes forget how hilly TN is--until I am back in Texas.
DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING*
As we make our way into San Antonio, we see evacuation lanes and signs. This was something new to me. The evacuation is for the Hurricane's that can hit this south eastern part of Texas.
The New Half of My Company--PulTex
DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING*
Isn't the weather just beautiful for our trip? Actually, I kind of liked that it was overcast. No one sat in the sun the whole way and I didn't wear my sunglasses much!
After briefly considering stopping at the ALAMO (recreating some fabulous elementary pictures in matching track suits), Aubrie and I decided it was best to keep on keeping on!
Thankful that Thanksgiving Weekend-Traffic wasn't bad, Aubrie and I made it to Austin just in time for lunch! We filled up the ole Penske, tried not to hit anyone in the parking lot, and had lunch.
We love our family in Austin--but we needed to be in Texarkana that night...so we kept on going.
DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING*
At this time, Aubrie and I made plans to see our other grandparents (Memaw and Boppy) that live in Dallas.
To keep us alert, we had some great jams, an audio book, and each other (insert Awwww! here).
As we are getting closer, Boppy wants us to call when we get close to Waxahachie. I wish I lived in a town that was so much fun to pronounce!
We arrive in Dallas just as the sun is setting. We meet Memaw and Boppy at Whataburger. Such a good burger place!
Yummy Dinner!
Another Photo Shoot with Penske
And we were back on the road.
DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING*
Our Final Destination for the night - Texarkana
At about 8:30 PM, Aubrie and I arrived at the Texarkana Courtyard Marriot
Good Night!
Sunday, November 29th--8:00 AM--Depart
Aubrie happened to wake up at 7:40 am, 1 1/2 hours after we should have had our wake-up call. Nice hotel room, not nice wake-up service. We rushed, packed, and were out the door. I am just glad I showered the night before. Feeling a little stiff...we were "On the Road Again..."
First Stop: FOOD!
I don't know about you, but I think everyone could use a little Burger King to jump start their day...
Especially when you walk out with "New Moon" memorabilia!
Edward kept me going during this early morning start!
DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING*
Taking in the beautiful sights of Arkansas!
P.S. For all you Tennesseans-I know constant road construction can be annoying, but let me tell you...When you drive a 16 ft. penske with your grandmothers whole life packed inside-you are grateful for the smooth roads TN has - and AR/TX do not!
DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING*
Hours Pass and Then We See This:
YES! TENNESSEE OR BUST!
We have crossed the bridge and are back in Tennessee.
Again, what a gorgeous day!
DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING*
Now being just about lunch time, I realize we are getting close to where my husband spent his Thanksgiving.
He was in Jackson on Sunday afternoon and I called to see if he had left.
Me: Hey babe, where are you?
Josh: Just getting on the interstate in Jackson.
Me: oh wow, we are ahead of you (Jackson is about an hour outside of Memphis).
Josh: Where?
Me: 20 miles past Jackson.
Josh: Jackson, MS?
Me: Laughing hysterically and thinking geography must not be his thing! :)
I then told him we were past Jackson and about to stop for lunch and gas. He couldn't believe that Aubrie and I had traveled through Arkansas and past him all in the time that he attended church with his grandmother and had lunch!
So, Aubrie and I crossed the TN River and stopped for our last tank of gas!
I was so excited when Josh also stopped at our exit. I had not seen him in about 5 days!
His car ^. I think I made him nervous when I had the camera!
We said hi to Josh and had to pose with Penske one more time!
DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING*
We are SOOOO close to home.
NASHVILLE!
Just a few more miles to Brentwood and we are finished with our Journey!
DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING* DRIVING*
Brentwood!
Aubrie backing us up the driveway!
Our journey ended in Brentwood--Let the Unloading Begin!
Don't worry, no blogging on the unpacking!
