Here's What I Want to Remember About: Roadtripping from Oklahoma to California.

Due to a number of circumstances - we had a dilemma on our hands. We had one vehicle in Oklahoma (and two vehicles worth of stuff). We had until mid-January for Keagan to report to his new duty station. We only had a lease on our Oklahoma apartment until December 31st. Our house in California would not be ready until the 13th of January.

So...we decided to leave Oklahoma on the 31st, take our time driving, and make the move to California a vacation of sorts!

Over our Christmas break, I used my new favorite website, roadtrippers.com, to discover fun stops near our travel route. We wanted to take our time getting to California - no more long drives (too many of them lately), no rushing, just enjoying.

It was the best decision ever. For real. The first and last days of the trip were slightly longer drives, but every other day we drove less than 3 hours total, enjoying hotels, good food, and incredible sites along the way. We drove I40 most of the way (which is basically Route 66). I had never seen any of the Southwest, so even just driving was a treat. I soaked in the incredible sites, and fell in love with New Mexico. And Mesas. I was a little naive, thinking that it wouldn't be cold along the way...but it was. There was also snow! But...it was really beautiful. I was on Cloud 9 watching the change of terrain - from Oklahoma, through the tip of Texas, to New Mexico, to Arizona, to California. We definitely took a good route.

Here's where we stopped!

Day 1 -  Lawton, OK to Albuquerque, New Mexico. We went to bed ridiculously early, even though it was New Year's Eve. :)

Day 2 - El Malpais National Monument (New Mexico)

This may have been my favorite day. We drove through El Malpais, which was practically deserted because of the holiday and colder weather. We took our time, and saw some incredible sites.

I was maybe just a little bit in awe.

That night, we stayed at a hotel by a railroad and beautiful bluffs and mesas. I, of course, forgot to get a good picture of the view, but you'll have to believe me when I say how beautiful and refreshing it was. We also tried to go get some authentic New Mexican cuisine, but of course everywhere we wanted to go was closed because of New Year's Day.

Day 3 - Petrified National Forest

This was another incredible park that took a couple of hours to drive through.

Again, so incredible. I can't explain it. You just have to go enjoy it for yourself!

The Blue Mesas definitely took my breath away. That night, we stayed in Flagstaff, Arizona at the base of a gorgeous mountain.

We got Chinese take-out. It was by far the best I have ever had. Thanks Hunan West!

Day 4 - Grand Canyon

We headed up to the Grand Canyon for a few hours - cuz for real, it's the Grand Canyon people.

It was cold, and very windy, and there was a TON of snow! But, we still enjoyed it.

One thing I didn't expect was how incredible the canyons outside of the park were too! I wish I would have snapped some pictures as we were driving by - it was an experience I don't want to forget.

That night we went back to the same hotel in Flagstaff and then to Salsa Brava - HIGHLY recommend - especially if you like burritos bigger than your face, free salsas to sample, and overall deliciousness.

Day 5 - Chapel of the Holy Cross, Montezuma Castle, and the Estrella Star Tower

The sites this day were all smaller - so they took less time to visit. They were still worth it though!

The drive was gorgeous - the Sedona area is definitely a place I could go back to.

I. Love. the. Southwest.

The Star Tower was a really neat place to visit! We walked out (among cacti!!!) on a short path to the tower shortly before sunset, and enjoyed the views as the sun set.

We also ate at In-N-Out Burger, cuz you just gotta.

Day 6 - We finished the trip to Oceanside, CA, where we spent 9 too many days in extended stay while waiting for our house. (Spoiler alert: it was worth it)