And we're off!: Crossing the U S A.

WELL, GREETINGS readers from Oceanside, California. The Golden State has lived up to its name thus far, with our sunny day record of 3 for 3 along with it's beach, which we visited today to find that it REALLY IS golden. In the sand there are small flecks of gold glittering in the sunlight. Perhaps it's naturally occuring; perhaps it's the result of a catastrophic collision between a craft-supply freighter and a glittery-lipgloss freighter... (my guess) Either way, it's quite the site.

But before we get into too much California detail, let's recap... (please excuse my poor blog layout skills. They're new here.)

The day before our long drive, we were lucky enough to be surrounded by both of our outstanding families, and we were even luckier to have had that gathering hosted by the wonderful Grandparents Klein. We are both so grateful for each of our families, and getting to see everyone the night before our trip was one of the best evenings of our lives. A good time was had by all, including during the capturing of this pic:

We must, of course, give thanks to the trusty digital camera TRI-POD. And in this case, we must also give thanks to my Uncle Jimmy (red striped polo) who brought a TRI-POD 2000XL as a going away gift-- coincidentally JUST at the moment we were looking for the porta-tripod...

Good work young Vince to smile through the pinched fingers; GREAT work Grandpa Klein-- can you find the BUNNNYYY EAARRRS!??

That wasn't the only fun though, because, as is the usual Klein tradition, there was a good meal to be eaten. You can see the delectable spread next to Cara, who is holding a cheesecake you'll soon recognize in more pictures... mmmmmm. Thanks host, cook, PB-Chocolate-Ritz-assembler, AND baker, Grandma Klein!

But wait! There's more!

Here we are with

1.our homemade Aunt Kathy GORMP (Good ol' Raisins, M&Ms, and Peanuts)....and we will show you in later photos "who" also enjoyed it during our travels.

2. On the road Survival Pack from Rachel and Josh, complete with essentials like a Road Atlas, gum, Gummy Worms, apple hand sanitizer, kleenex and Wet Ones.

And oh yeah, I forgot, the Magnetic Key Hider! (hern hern, get it, forgot!)

Thanks Rachel and Josh!


And here are two quick friends, Drew and Vincent. Despite Vincent being in a bit of a been-in-the-car-for-3-hours mood when he first got there, Drew was able to turn that frown upside down by, of course, showing him his monster trucks and four wheelers (not a motorcycle). Good times.


















We were also so happy to have Mia around for a while, even though you can tell she's sort of sleeping with her eyes (droopingly) open. She's almost constantly showing off her nice little smile-- she got it from her mama!












AND WE'RE OFF!




After a good night's sleep, we woke up to pack a few last items and were surprised by our brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Kateri, two of the most thoughtful people I've ever known. You ask what grounds I have to say that?! Note the Dunkin cup on the trunk! (which came with Cocoa, a donut and muffin) (another punny one?)


Thanks P&K! Got us through the fields of Indiana and some of Illinois!









So began the complex trip from the Falls of Cuyahoga to the state of California.... we headed up 8 to I-80 West, annnd that was pretty much the extent of it for the next 3 days of driving.

A few signs... bye bye O-hi-ya! Hello...






And GREETINGS Indiana relatives!

So you know how 12-13 hours of driving goes. Long and slow. Day one wasn't that exciting, but the good news was that some of the states kept things interesting. The Pleasant Surpise Award went to Iowa, which was much greener and more beautiful than we ever would have guessed. Not only that, there are these giant windmills in the distance, and sometimes not-so-distance, just spinning away slowly. Pretty peaceful and NEAT looking...

That was a nice change of pace after Nebraska, which was NOT as fun or interesting as its State Capitol Building-- the country's HEAVIEST and second tallest! Wow!

See little Cara?

It was actually kind of a neat idea that you could, literally, see it from a mile away as you get back onto the highway.




IN THE NEXT EPISODE:

Details about the rest of these pictures!

Can you spy the Cherry Cheesecake pie?

Why is Cara wearing that outfit standing in that place??


How big is Little America?


Is Cara getting dunked on by "The Mailman" Karl Malone?! (Good D, Adam!)










And much, much more...