We left Colorado Springs on our way to Amarillo. Just a quick stop over for the night before heading to our next destination of Dallas. While looking at the route we discovered we would be driving near Capulin Volcano National Monument in New Mexico. Since New Mexico is one of the states we have really only driven through we thought it would be the perfect addition to our trip.
When looking it up we discovered we would not be able to take the road to the top in the RV, but there was still a trail at the visitor center we could hike and see old lava flows and rocks. We decided, although the rim would be amazing to see, we would be fine with the visitor center and the Lava Flow Trail.
The kids got their Jr. Ranger booklets and explored the visitor center. There was a short film to watch which explains what volcanos were doing in New Mexico. We had no idea all the mountains and plateaus in the area were once volcanos! Something we may never have know without travel.
As we went to take our hike our perfect day took a big downward turn. C got upset about being told not to swing a pencil tip at a sibling. We know terrible right?! This lead to him yelling for over half our hike. At least no one was out on the trial with us, although if others had been around he probably would have stopped. As we were looking at the amazing scenery, the expansive views, and the volcano, (while ignoring the yelling of course) D trips and slightly scratched her hand. C decided this is when he would stop yelling and she then cried the rest of the hike. Oh my!! I share this because although our pictures look beautiful with happy smiles it was rough. In our world it is important to remember pictures do not always show the true moment.
A always has us stoping to watch ants 
If you could see her face there would be giant tears 
Finally got our New Mexico picture before leaving
It may have been a rough stop and there were tears from both the littles and momma, but we also learned a lot about the area, volcanos, and sort of got the picture we wanted. We got back on the road with three of our four getting their badges. Not what we hoped but it was their choice. The scenery was amazing again as we drove toward TX.
After many many more hours of driving we made our second stop of the day at Cadillac Ranch. We had almost forgot about this quintessential American road trip stop , thankfully Jen’s father reminded them. The kids found great joy in learning to use spray paint and then painting the cars. Daddy was a bit nervous about ruining clothes but tried to live in the moment the best he could. The kids wrote their names (A, B, C, D) together on a car and Momma and Daddy added 6S 💙.
At least everyone walked away smiling from this stop as we made our way to camp for the night and a very late dinner. Living our full life we have many good moments mixed with just as many hard ones. What keeps us going is knowing if we push though a good moment will come again. Today was just about her example of this.
Our 6S Full Life 
So fun….I almost froze there but looks warm today.
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Much warmer in June!
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