After 2 weeks of great company, comfy couches, movies, walks, and stories, we finally left the Grimmer Rancherito. It was so nice to have a place to reset and it was really hard to leave.
We hit the road and headed for Las Vegas. We had a good traveling day and made our way to Red Rock Canyon campground. We found the circle of big RVs and tucked ourselves in and called it a night.
Tuesday we drove into Red Rocks Canyon National Park and started driving the 13 mile scenic loop drive. We found a rocky trail off the beaten path. It was a beautiful drive and even got a little technical for me half-way through. Craig guided me through and little black Jeep sustained no damage. I think I’m slowly becoming a better driver.
We ended up on the highway south of the park and found a place for a quick lunch. We then found the vintage Las Vegas sign and drove the strip. It was busy, colorful and neat to see. We had never been to Vegas and wanted to see what the fuss what all about. I’m sure if we had parked and walked around we may have a different view of it, but driving through was enough for us. We made our way back to our quiet camp.
The week before Thanksgiving, while we were at the Grimmer’s, I started thinking about missing Thanksgiving with family and wondering if I could find cheap airfare from Vegas the week after. Craig and I talked about it and he was very supportive of me making a quick trip home. I made the plans and then contacted my Aunt Norene to help me surprise my mom. I’m glad the next two weeks were filled with such good times with friends because I was pretty excited about it once we had the plan in place.
Wednesday morning, Craig and Gus dropped me off at the McCarran airport for a 7 am flight. All my flights were great and I had a short layover in Denver. I finally landed in Grand Rapids and Aunt Norene texted that they were on their way. My aunt had asked my mom to drop her off at the airport for a surprise trip to Denver to see one of her kids. I patiently waited in the drop off area. My mom fell hook, line and sinker. I saw them drive up and made my way to the curb. I was wearing a hat so I kept my head down and stood at the curb. When they finally got to me, I looked up and waved. I saw the look of shock on her face and was hoping she didn’t crash the car. Aunt Norene captured it all on video and it makes me so happy to see the joy on her face. The planning, scheming and little white lies were all worth it.
We made our way back to Allendale, had a quick dinner and then went to my Grandpa Joe’s house. He turned 92 on Tuesday and to be able to walk in and wish him a belated Happy Birthday was also totally amazing. His face as I walked in, seeing a few tears strolling down his face and to have him say that I just made his birthday was absolutely priceless. My heart was so full!
The next few days were busy. My mom had a trip to Shipshewana planned Thursday to Friday with her friends before she knew I was coming home and I told her to go. I used the time she was gone to see as many people as I could. Aunt Norene loaned me her car so I was able to run around surprising many people. It was so fun! The shrieks, happy tears and hugs were just the coolest thing. I love how it took people a minute to register that I was actually at their doorstep, in their office or walking in the door when they thought they were video chatting me from afar!
I packed many surprises into the short time I had. I appreciate everyone that took time away from their busy schedules to spend time with me on short notice. I also appreciate everyone that helped in the planning of some of the surprises! All of the reactions were awesome and I will remember every single one.
We were able to have an impromptu Vugteveen dinner Thursday night with everyone! It was so great to see them all and give the kiddos a squeeze. It did make me miss Craig and Gus and I wished we could’ve all come home.
Saturday night was the Van De Weg Christmas party. My mom went in before I did and people asked right away where Craig and I were in the country. I know she hates to do it, but she did great and told little white lies as well. I got to walk in and again, watching everyone’s reactions were awesome!
This morning I got to spend time with my Grandpa, Aunt Norene, and cousin Kendra. We played cards and they all kicked my butt. But it was awesome to spend the morning with them and get in a few more hours before I leave. Talking with my Grandpa, telling him about our adventures, and showing him pictures made me so happy. My mom picked me up and we enjoyed a family dinner with my Uncle Herb and Aunt Karen, my cousins and their kids. And then one final goodbye at Mom and Dad Vugs.
I felt a little guilty getting to see everyone without Craig, but he had fun following the Best In The Desert Pahrump Nugget 250 which is an off-road race. He and Gus were able to see the Hall Race truck, get some cool video and Craig was even was invited to have dinner with the team. I was happy to hear he kept busy and made me feel a little better about leaving him behind.
The past 5 days have been a whirlwind. I was so happy to spend time with my mom and get in as many hugs as I could. It felt great to be here and see all the faces that make me happy. But I am ready to go home, where Craig is.
Heading home to Craig and Gus…