Bradley's annual VATAT conference was in Amarillo this year so last Saturday we left and headed north. Our first pit stop was a visit with Cameron, Blake, and Noah. We had fun shopping and hanging out. We headed to Amarillo Monday morning. The car ride was long but the kids did well and entertained themselves or slept for the most part.
Who knew straws could be so entertaining!
We arrived in Amarillo Monday afternoon. Our first sight to see was Palo Duro Canyon State Park. I was amazed at how suddenly the landscape went from flat land to steep canyons.
It was beautiful but HOT. Over a 100 degrees.
Cason and Daddy
This was the best we could do. Cason was tired and hot and Emory was having hair issues because of the wind. We tried to take more pictures but it was just too hot.
Emory spent most of the time looking for coyotes. Unfortunately or may be I should say fortunately she did not see any. She finally accepted the fact that they were all sleeping in their caves.
This rock (middle of picture) caught my eye. It looked like it was about to tumble down the slope any second. It was big and round and just stood out to me.
The next day we took in two famous landmarks, Cadillac Ranch and The Big Texan.
I know Cadillac Ranch is just a bunch of old cars stuck in the ground, but I had never seen it and figured since we were only few miles away I needed to go. Bradley's been before so he stayed back with Cason who fell asleep on the way there.
Emory was very concerned as to why people kept painting the cars when they were already painted. She apparently thought this was a waste of time. She was also concerned that the steering wheels were missing. Ha! She kept asking me how the cars were going to drive with no steering wheels.
Cadillac Ranch was pretty much what I expected, spray painted cars stuck in the dirt, but I can now say I was there.
After Cadillac Ranch Bradley had a SFA Alum dinner at The Big Texan.
My little buckaroo!
Cason looks so tiny sitting on this huge rocking chair. He did not know what to think of it!
Emory being silly next to the gigantic cow.
Wednesday we visited the American Quarter Horse Museum. Emory loves horses plus it was air conditioned so we decided to go.
Emory loved this horse statue. She of course named him Yeller after her horse Yeller.
They had a small kids section with different activities for children. Everything was a little to old for Emory but she was able to do a few things. They also had two coin horse rides and they were FREE. Emory rode and rode and rode. This was probably the highlight of the museum for Emory, maybe even the highlight of the whole trip because Emory loves to ride the horse rides! She had a blast. Cason on the other hand did not want anything to do with the horse ride and screamed if he came within five feet of them.
Cason taking it all in with a his best friend in his mouth!
They also had this horse puppet that talked and told kids all about horses. I thought he was cute!
The museum was interesting and included the blood line of the quarter horse. It was hard to really read and learn with two little ones though. There was also an art gallery which we did not do and many beautiful sculptures.
Emory picked out a little pink horse for her souvenir and wanted to take a picture of it next to the cow statue. Then we tried to take a group picture and neither Emory or Cason would cooperate.
After the museum we did a little shopping and then headed back to the hotel to rest a little and of course swim. We swam every day! We left Amarillo Thursday and spent the night in Decatur, which is a pretty town half way between Amarillo and Nacogdoches. They have a beautiful courthouse, probably one of the prettiest I have ever seen. We had a good time in Amarillo, but I am glad to be home where we can spread out and sleep in our own rooms and beds for that matter!
