Day 8, July 7, 2011

This morning we said goodbye to John’s family who hosted us so generously for three days.  Below is a picture of them on the porch of their lovely house, built by John and decorated by Debbie like a Town and Country magazine spread.

We met Carrie and Natalia Jasso at the park in Fredricksburg.  The Jassos were friends from Las Vegas, New Mexico and Raquel and Natalia (only 5 months different in age) were each other’s first friend when they were one and two years old.  It had been nine years since Natalia and Raquel had seen each other but it didn’t take long for the two to bond, just like old times.  We headed over to the Presbyterian Church Camp “Mo Ranch” where we spent a few hours getting to know the camp site (maybe the girls will enjoy a church camp together there in the future?) and having fun together.  Unfortunately, our camera had an accident during our visit, so taking photos afterward was hard.  A few kind souls along the way have taken and sent us photographs, but it has been disappointing to miss some great photo opportunities.

In the afternoon, we had an almost ten hour drive to our next destination: Alamogordo, New Mexico.  On the way, the kids found a new use for the ice chest the Vetters had given us (thanks again, Vetters!); who knew it would double as a card table?!  We also sang songs and played road games.  This was the kids’ first long road trip and they handled it valiantly.  Arriving in Alamogordo late at night, we were received with warm hugs from Andrea (Nathan’s girlfriend) and Liz Sedillo (her mother), and then were surprised with the presence of our very own Nathan Ludlow!! (And we thought we were going to have to wait until the next day to see him.)  What a joy to be reunited!