Songers on the Road

In 1988 we took our biggest family vacation which consisted of a 6-week trip around the United States and part of Canada. We decided to go with the Crowther Family, and spent the winter making plans and saving money.  This blog will cover our mode of TRANSPORTATION; there will be other blogs to come about lodging, food, places visited, etc.  ~  Dad

The Crowthers had a new Ford Econoline van with air conditioning.

We, on the other hand, had a beat-up 1976 era Dodge Ram with no A.C.

Our van had versatile seats that could be oriented to face each other with a table in between.  The seats also folded down into a comfy queen-size bed.  We built a carpeted platform in the very back which allowed luggage to be stored underneath and unseatbelted kids to lounge on top.  At night, it served as Emily's bed.

We bought a carrier for "up top" which was loaded by the barefoot boys each morning and unloaded the same way every night.  The girls stayed on the ground, rolling up sleeping baga and folding blankets.  Dad handed them up and off we went.  (after waiting for Travis to get his van loaded while his family watched)

Breakfast was served on the road.  Mom filled paper cups full of juice (from a cooler between the front seats) and passed them back one by one.  The empty cups were passed back up to her to be filled with homemade granola, milk, and a plastic spoon.  It was a perfect van   -  perfect for . . . . . 

"Graceland" singing

naps

hair-styling

make-overs

gymnastics

portable beach house

more sunny siestas

The very first morning, before sun-up, we drove down the canyon to meet the Crowthers.  At the mouth of the canyon we encountered a skunk.  Our tires missed him, but he didn't miss us.  WHEW!  That memory lingered . . .  we reeked for weeks.  We got to the Smith's parking lot and no Crowthers.  They had forgotten their money and had to go home to retrieve it.  Cell phones were non existent, so we bought CB radios to communicate.  We dropped the receiver so ours wasn't working.  Finally on the freeway, our van started overheating and the Crowthers' van was so overloaded it was rubbing on their tires.  A stop in Provo for a new thermostat, spring lifts, carwash, receiver fixed, and we were finally on our way.  After that first morning, we drove 10,500 miles without further incident (not even a flat tire)

Easter 2012

Gracie's "Tables by Design"

trading treats

"Where's my mom?"

"WHERE'S MY MOM???"

"Ahhh, there she is."

two little dolls

Rosalie and Patti

Christmas 2010

Our Nativity - featuring angels, shepherds, wise men and women, Mary, Joseph, and the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes chewing on a camera case.

And this year we added a new Songer Family Christmas tradition - our pipe chimes! (thanks to Dad for making those)

We really missed Shaun, Jake, Rebekah, Gracie, Solenne, and Truman! Next year maybe we'll all be together AND we will have a new baby for the manger.

I just want to thank you all for a very meaningful Christmas! You were all so positive about your 'gift' from us. Dad and I were amazed at all the different ways you blessed the lives of others. Our family had some pretty far-reaching effects - Africa, Costa Rica, Memphis - and of course, so many needs right here. I've been reading stories about the Christmases people remember most - when they have been down and out, and someone reached out to them in love and generosity.

A Great Grandma

We put Grandma on a plane this morning. She is headed to California. We

packed her new picture book. It's the perfect size. She will be able to enjoy that wherever she goes. Thank you,Katie, for putting that all together - what a treasure!

And thanks to Ems and Jacob for a fun New Year's Eve party!!!

As some of you know, Grandma went to bed that night at 9:00. It was amazing that she could sleep through all the noise. At 1:30 a.m., when everything quieted down and we were cleaning up, Grandma got up, put her robe on and made her bed - she thought it was morning! (well, I guess it was)

My brudder Mike

November 27th - it's Mike's birthday today. He would have been 53. I sure miss him. When I hear something funny, I still think "Mike would love this". Every time he called or emailed me he would say "Hey, dis is yor brudder"

I was listening to the radio this morning, and the song "Desperado" came on. (what are the chances?) I haven't heard that song since Sarah sang it at Mike's funeral. By the way, Sarah, thanks for taking on the funeral solos.

With all his challenges, Mike was amazing in so many ways. I agree with Bill, Mike had enough personality for two people! He loved music!!! He was so talented in singing and playing drums. He was also one of the best storytellers I've ever heard. And he was so generous. As Steve said "If Mike had a nickel and you needed a dime, he would find a way to give you fifteen cents!"

The thing so endearing about Mike was how positive he was about our Mom & Dad and his 'seesters'. He chose to hold on to all the good childhood memories.

Mike, you left me with lots of good memories too.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRUDDER!

Counting my blessings

Today everything outside is covered in a blanket of new snow. I'm feeling very blessed to be in a warm house. As I studied the pioneer women a few years ago, I realized that a warm house was a novelty for them. How we take things for granted!

Eliza R Snow recounted the night of a torrential rainstorm in the Salt Lake Valley. The thatched roof over her head began to dissolve. Wet globs of mud mixed with straw were falling all around her. Along with the mud came the mice who had been nesting in the thatch. All Eliza could do was sit on her bed holding her umbrella over her head until morning!

She may not look like it here, but she had a great sense of humor!