AJ and I took a quick trip to Fredericksburg. While we were there, I asked AJ to marry me, and she said yes.
I didn’t have a ring with me or anything planned out in advance, and honestly, that was okay. It wasn’t about the details or the timing. In that moment, it just felt right.
AJ and I kicked off our 2024 “No Destination Vacation” by heading out to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The caverns were impressive, but in many ways they felt similar to other caverns we’ve visited before. The first thing you notice when walking in is the strong smell from the bats, it’s powerful enough to make you gag at first. The tour is self-guided, which makes you wonder how many interesting details you might be missing along the way without a guide pointing things out.
From there, we continued into New Mexico, making a few stops at wineries along the way. That evening we stayed in Cloudcroft, a quiet mountain town that made for a great overnight stop before continuing west.
Our next major destination was Page, AZ, and this area completely blew us away. The scenery there is absolutely stunning. We visited Horseshoe Bend and even took a helicopter ride out to a nearby mesa. The views from the air were breathtaking and gave us a whole new perspective of the desert landscape. While in the area, we also visited Antelope Canyon, which is truly a must, see if you’re ever in that part of Arizona.
From Page, we drove on to Zion National Park, where we spent most of our time staying just outside the park. One day we made a trip over to Bryce Canyon National Park, but the place we really fell in love with was Springdale. The town has an incredible atmosphere and beautiful views everywhere you look.
When it was finally time to start heading home, we made one last stop at the Four Corners Monument, the unique spot where Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico all meet.
AJ and I spent the weekend in Corpus Christi for her brother’s wedding on the Fourth of July. AJ had the special role of serving as the officiant for the ceremony, which made the trip even more meaningful.
While we were there, AE found his own way to stay entertained. The summer heat had softened the tar in the parking lot, and he decided it would be fun to play in it. Before long he was covered in tar from head to toe. None of us had any idea how we were going to get it off of him.
That’s when AJ’s dad suggested trying WD-40. To our surprise, it worked incredibly well—the tar practically melted right off. Definitely a trick worth remembering.
To add to the day’s adventures, AJ’s brother and his soon-to-be wife ended up arriving hours late to their own wedding.
AJ took AE to a grief camp in the Dallas area. It was good to have a break from AE and AJ and I know that he had a good time. Since I was not there, I dont have much to say about it.
This was a great weekend. AJ and I decided at the last minute to take a trip to New Orleans just to get away for a bit. AS thinks it is crazy that we can decide on a whim to head somewhere like that, but that is part of what makes it fun.
The trip turned out to be a really good one. We spent some time walking around Bourbon Street, where I even got a photo of AJ laying under a street performer during one of the performances.
We also took a swamp tour where we were able to hold a baby alligator, which was a pretty unique experience.
It was definitely a trip to remember.
AJ and I went to Fredericksburg this weekend. We got in Friday night and settled into our Airbnb. On Saturday mid-morning, we jumped on a wine tour bus that took us all over the area, stopping at different wineries. It was a great time, and I enjoyed getting to see more of the town and the surrounding area.
The only downside was that AJ had a little too much to drink. When we got back to the Airbnb, she ended up falling asleep, and I could not get her to wake up for dinner. We missed our evening plans, but it happens. We all live and learn, and I know next time we will pace things a little differently.
AJ and I needed a little getaway for a few days, so we headed down to Austin to see what the nightlife was like. It turned out to be just an okay time. Honestly, the whole scene felt like it was geared toward a much younger crowd.
One thing that stood out was how judgmental people seemed about the way we dressed. We went into a nice restaurant close to our hotel that looked good from the outside, but the way we were treated was disappointing. Because we were in everyday clothes, the service was poor, and the server acted like we didn’t belong there. His attitude only changed when it was time to pay.
By then, the damage was done. Instead of my normal 20% tip, I only left 1%. When he asked why, I told him plainly: treat everyone who walks in the door with respect. If he had done that, he would have gotten the 20% without question.
Nothing really stood out this weekend. AJ, AS, AE and I went to Sea World in San Antonio. I am just documenting that we went.
For Thanksgiving this year, we decided not to celebrate in the traditional way. Holidays are hard for AJ and me, so instead we chose to take a trip to the Grand Canyon. AJ, AS, AE, and I made the drive from Texas, and it turned out to be one of the hardest trips I have ever been on.
AS had just come home from the Marine Corps, and it is always great having him around. But AE does not do well in the car for long distances, and the two days of driving tested everyone’s patience. AJ had not been able to get his meds renewed in time, so there were many stretches where he went without them. That meant lots of impulse issues and constant shrieking, which drove everyone crazy after hours on the road.
By the time we checked into the Airbnb on day two, we were already worn down. On day three, we finally made it to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It was incredible to see, and we managed to get some great photos, but AE continued to act out and not listen. Between the challenges on the drive and the behavior at the park, we cut the trip short and decided to head home the next day.
The drive back took another two days, and during that time AS and I agreed that I will not be taking AE on long road trips again. AS even said he will never go on another if AE is along. That might sound harsh, but after this experience, I understand his point.
We got back home on Thanksgiving Day. As much as the trip had been a struggle, we were thankful to be back. On the way home, we picked up a turkey and all the sides, and we managed to have a Thanksgiving meal after all. I was very thankful the grocery store was open
AS got out of the Marine Corps today. I wish his mom was here to see this, because I know she would be very happy. It feels strange to think back to when he was younger, and now to see the man he has become. Watching him leave home at such a young age and then grow through the experience has been something to witness. I am a proud dad, and I know if his mom were still here, she would be just as proud.
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