Thanks for the advice. We drove straight through yesterday, about 21-22 hours total. We didn't get to enjoy the scenic drive, as it was around 10pm by the time we reached Clovis, and around 3:30am by the time we arrived in Las Cruces, but the roads were clear, dry, and mostly 4 lane. As long as there are no weather issues, we will head back home the same way after New Year's Day, so should be able to enjoy the view a bit better. ;-) Anyway, thanks again. Probably saved us time and a big headache. :-)
If we're lucky, you may get to see the space shuttle overhead if they land it at White Sands!