50th Wedding Anniversary

The highlight of the trip was getting together with family and friends to celebrate Mike's parent's 50th wedding anniversary.  Bill and Mary Lee celebrated at Grace Church in Albuquerque with a party the weekend after Christmas. 

Mike's dad gave a presentation and overview of their 50 years together.

Mary Lee watching the talk.

 There were photo albums on the table for everyone to look at.  The grandkids especially enjoyed this part.

 Their wedding day.

 The kitchen food prep area.

Back home

Thank you for joining us on our journey 'Out West and Back'.  It was a fun time as a family.  We are already looking ahead to our next journey.   ...California, Oregon, Alaska? :)

Last on road meal

..was a success!  Macaroni & cheese with bacon cooked in the crockpot.  It actually worked! :)

The picture before bacon was added.  Still surprised it worked!

Ready to eat!

Got the stamp of approval.  Still smiling after 4,000+ miles on the road.  :)

Pennsylvania!!!

Almost home!

Interestingly, Pennsylvania is a Commonwealth, so perhaps the sign should read "Commonwealth of Independence."

West Virginia

Short ride through the northern part of West Virginia.

Huffman Prairie Flying Field

The first stop of the day(and final sight seeing stop of the trip) was in Dayton, Ohio where the Wright Brothers worked and flew their planes.

Patent and patent drawings.

There was a flight simulator to try your hand at flying the Wright B Flyer.  A successful flight lasted 3 minutes.  All of the boys were able to earn their flying certificates.

We were the only visitors so the park ranger was our personal tour guide.

Michael had the first successful flight of the day.

Out standing in the field where the flights took place.

The track and catapult they used(reproduction) to get the plane going.

Hello, Ohio

Entering Ohio...

Crossing the State line..

The welcome to Ohio sign...