We are still alive!

Well, the daily blog updating didn’t pan out.  We are having too much fun (and didn’t have Internet connectivity for much of the travels).  Our trip is going extremely well and we are enjoying excellent summer weather.  The credit card is still working, so we are continuing on!  Here is an update for Days 4 through 11.  We still have 5 days to go!

(Pictures to follow)

Day 4

An exciting day as we were driving into warmth.  We passed a lake town that reminded us of some Michigan spots.  Saw the General Lee and drove with the windows down in the 100 degree heat.

We arrived in Auburn, California to an awesome Hanson family reunion party that was arranged for us. Huge thanks to cousins Paul, Susie, and Cody for hosting the bash!  Seeing and meeting all the extended family was so cool.  What a wonderful time on a gorgeous Sunday!  What a wonderful party catching up with the family.  It was also the first time that we experienced 100 degrees in 2 years!  Tough to leave in the morning, but Paul provided some fine entertainment decapitating a rattlesnack that had coiled up on the front porch!

Day 5 - July 4th!

Spent the day in San Francisco on a beautiful July 4^th!  We came in from the north over the Golden Gate through the fog.  Our hotel was on Fisherman's Wharf, aka party central. The streets were closed as it was a massive party with 600,000 of our closet friends.  We watched the street performers, took pictures of the sea lions, and even retreated to our hotel for a quick rest before the fireworks which were spectacular!

Day 6

The morning came fast and early as we departed the hotel around 7:30am as we had a packed itinerary. We drove Lombard street, took an updated picture of the Linda picture series that started when she was 15, then checked out Telegraph Hill.  Beelined it to the Monterey Aquarium and was amazed, then had a wonderful picnic lunch on the beach in Carmel, our future home… JK.

Instead of leisurely driving the Big Sur, we just got too excited to see the Sheridan's and beelined it too Thousand Oaks, which was a 5 hour drive.  What an awesome evening sitting outside catching up.

Day 7

Seeing eight kids on the living floor in the morning was priceless.  Having morning coffee and tea outside is something that we could get used too.

Tour Directors Lori and Matt showed us the sites of LA which was so much fun.  The  Hollywood sign, the stars on Hollywood Blvd, Kodak Theater... Wow!  Sunset Blvd, In n Out, then the Malibu Beach for some boogie boarding!  What can top off this most excellent day? ICE BLOCKING!

Day 8

Another tough morning leaving our sister family. We almost snuck Evan in, but an observant mother discovered him in our luggage. 

Just before arriving Vegas, we passed the halfway-halfway point of our trip.  Halfway in time and mileage, a little surprising with the string of one night stays along the west coast, then a series of two night stays from the southwest to home.

Vegas was hot and the sun was intense. We arrived in time for a quick swim before seeing The Lion King which was yet another highlight of our journey.  Afterwards, some of us walked The Strip to see the crazy nightlife.  

Day 9

We are starting to slow down and need a little more time in the mornings.  We decided to spend the day at the wave pool at our hotel before heading out to the Grand Canyon.  It was just so nice to soak up the sun and warmth!  Driving across the desert in 100 degree heat in a packed car was a little unnerving, but we made it!  We arrived at the Grand Canyon around midnight after a 5 hour drive from Vegas.  We left the sweltering Vegas heat of 113 degrees and arrived in 50 degree weather at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon at 8,000 feet.  I don't think I've ever experienced a natural 60 degree temperature swing in such a quick timeframe.

Day 10

We didn't see the Grand Canyon until the Family Truckster was all packed up in the morning and we walked down to the rim.  Simply amazing!  We did the picture taking and bought a shirt and took off.  We are now headed to see the Bahm's in Bryce Canyon.  We are looking forward to slowing down and staying 2 nights at our remaining hotel stays to allow for some additional downtime as we complete the second half of our trip.

Day 11

We saw a different world today.  Amazing!  Bryce Canyon was absolutely amazing.  We could also stay at Ruby's Inn for a week!  Wonderful facilities with King beds!  Incredible General Store, Wild West Town, pool, horseback riding, ATV rentals, and great restaurant. 

We took the “World’s Greatest 3-mile Hike” hike today into Bryce Canyon (Queens Navajo Loop).  Amazing ever-changing scenery that ended with an intense climb up the Wall Street Canyon.