ON THE ROAD: DAY 1 : DESERT LANDSCAPES, CITY LIGHTS AND A FLAT TIRE

We left four hours later than anticipated with three overly excited children, two happy grandparents, one smiling auntie and another teary-eyed one, and an uncle behind the wheel with his pregnant wife sitting shot gun. Waving good bye to Allan and Jason our family headed onto the 215N bound for the city of lights.

GOOD BYE CALIFORNIA!

DESTINATION 01: LAS VEGAS.

With Brandon behind the wheel we cruised up the Cajon Pass, waving to Hesperia High School, my former employer, and because we are living it up in a 35' motor home we didn't have to stop twenty times for bathroom breaks and snack time. Mamas Christine and I were quite thrilled about that! A few hours into the drive Kale'a, Gian and Maile ran out of gas and finally fell asleep on the couch giving their mamas much needed quiet time.

We arrived in Las Vegas around 1830 and headed to Makino's All-You-Can-Eat Japanese restaurant off Decatur and Flamingo. Gian decided he wanted to gorge on chocolate ice cream { I wasn't too pleased } but after a bit of disciplining from his mama he actually ate two pieces of tempura and three bites of his noodle soup. After filling our bellies we headed outside and began walking to the RV when Atelei gasped and pointed to our parking spot.

"Is that a flat tire?"

Mom strained her eyes. "Oh my goodness, yes."

We rush to the RV and sure enough, the tire on the passenger side was indeed flat. Mind you, it was still 96 degrees. We entered into the RV, stripped the keikis down to their tighty whities and proceeded to call AAA and Ate Mina for help. Praise the Lord that He came through in a timely manner because Ate Mina and Mike arrived on scene only thirty minutes later; God directed both Atelei and Mike to Mobile Tire Repair where Rick gave us a good deal and prompt on-the-spot service; and we were able to drive safely to our lovely hostess's sprawling 3500 SF home.

Family, if you're ever in Vegas, you must stop at Ate Mina and Mike's place. Not only is the house spacious, its smart floor plan allows for sleepy guests to retire into their quiet wing while the night owls can eat, watch TV and hang out in the open concept family room and kitchen. While waiting for Brandon and Atelei to get back with the fixed RV, Ate Mina and I caught up on our lives while I grilled Mike with questions about his back ground, education, family, you name it. { Thanks, Mike, for humoring me. }

At 0100 Atelei and Brandon finally make it to the house and our little family is reunited after a looong day on the road. We are very thankful to God that in His mercy He allowed for the flat tire to occur in Vegas so that we wouldn't be stranded in the middle of nowhere with little options for aid. This flat brought to our awareness that we need to upgrade our AAA to include RV coverage as well as the discovery that we weren't carrying a spare tire. Thanks, Lord, for your tenderhearted mercy.Ate lei and Brandon even had a scintellating conversation about God with Rick, the tire guy. God is so good.

Now it's late and I need to head off to bed because I am driving tomorrow. Egads! Please continue praying for our safety as we begin to really travel into the United States.

Here's some photos of day one. Enjoy!