Day Twenty-Two: July 1 (Son's View)

Fast make your bed, put the sheets away let’s get the heck outta here!!!  We got on the road pretty early we first went to the Painted Desert which had like more colors than a desert should have deserts should look lifeless and boring but this one had black, Red, pink, and white.  It was beautiful!!!!! 

                        We then went to the 1100 year old plaza of Indians.  We saw houses that were like 5 by 5 (And I thought our Rv was small in a 5 by 5 I would have been killed by mom or dad.

                        We then went to saw the fossilized wood which I must say was pretty cool it is like 180,000,000 years old and I’m touching it.  I then got my Arizona souvenir, a box of fossilized wood!!!!.

                        We then went to the four corners where you could be in New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona all at the same time--it was awesome.  I then ran a circle so I could run all four states that must be a record for coolest awesomest run;)

                        We are staying at a Koa tonight my favorite Rv parks.  They are super nice and really kid friendly so tonight will be really cool for us kids (mostly me but don’t tell carsen;))

Day Twenty-Two: July 1 (Mom's View)

Today is going to be a big sightseeing day.  We are using the trip to see a few major sites: Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, and 4 Corners Monument to start.  We are getting an early start because we really don’t want to stay at Root 66 for any longer than necessary.

We began our journey at the Petrified Forest National Park.  We stopped at the Painted Desert Inn, which was a happening inn/bar in the 1930s.  We saw the amazing colors on the Painted Desert.  Carsen stated,” God used his best Colored Pencils.”

The petrified wood amazed Cameron.  He has always had a thing for fossils so he was intrigued by fossilized wood.

We then started the long trek to the Four Corner’s Monument: Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.  It wasn’t the best road and it started smelling a bit port-a-pottish, but we made it in one piece.  I have to admit (although I thought it was a cheesy journey), it was cool to stand on all four states at the same time.  There was a great Navajo market around us with the actual artisans selling their goods.

Finally we made our way to Cortez, Colorado where we had a reservation at the Cortez/Mesa Verde KOA.  Again, KOA doesn’t let us down; it is a great campground with 3-acre dog park, pool, playgrounds, trees, and Mesa Verde views.  Perfect.  Time for a campfire!

Day Twenty-One: June 30 (Son's View)

Travel day starting 10:59.  Late start…  We went to the Meteor Crater and it was awesome .  At the top the wind was blowing so hard that I was actually lifted off the ground.  We then went to the museum part of it and that was pretty cool too.

 I took this picture of Dad with the astronaut uniform.

        We then went to a shady Route 66 Rv “resort” where I will not get out of the rv unless I shoot my new awesome Bow and Arrow well actually I only shot the arrow not the bow and so ya there you go I need a weapon on the outside of this RV.

Day Twenty-One: June 30 (Mom's View)

“On the road again..”  So we have changed up our itinerary yet again.  Cameron has requested a side trip to 4 corners, you know where you can stand in four states at the same time: Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.  So that will be tomorrow…fun.  We have a USA Sticker on the side of our RV and the kids are enjoying putting up the each state as we enter them so I think that is one of the major thoughts behind four corners (2 more state stickers).

Today though I think that we are going to the Meteor Crater.  Cord and I went there on our trip from Texas to Washington and I am sure that the kids are going to be very impressed especially Cameron. 

I stayed in the RV with the dogs while Cord brought the kids up to the Meteor Crater.  Two hours later Cord came out apologetically, but really wasn’t a problem because I watched Interview with Vampire while cuddling my puppies.  The kids came back with great stories and pictures.

Now we are at Root 66 RV “Resort”.  It is the ghetto of RV parks.  We have already decided to leave EARLY in the morning because this RV park gives us no reason to stay.  If you can picture an old rundown side of Interstate RV park, then you know where we are.

Day Twenty: June 29 (Son's View)

      The drive to the South Rim from our RV park was only an hour so with the dogs on our laps, it wasn’t that bad. Because of the wonderful blankets on our laps, I slept a lot of it too.  It was like 80 degrees and it was hailing so with short hair like mine hail is like bullets from the sky.  We were the only ones just waltzing up to the rim like nothing annoying was going on,it was funny

We went for a long annoying hike around part of the South Rim. We then went to Carvel Ice Cream where I ate Rocky Road which was delicious. I also saw a Paul Franks Academy of Awesome Tour RV which I do think is awesome and made for me.  We then went back and I played on the computer (on kongregate all of you I have created games on there type in monster slayer and I made that game) so then we watched Green Hornet which is the most funny movie EVER!!!!!

Day Twenty: June 29 (Mom's View)

Lucy (our Bassett) gave us an early morning howl.  One of the problems with RVs is lack of insulation so you can hear everything on the outside.  Both RVS on either side were departing today so our dogs heard them getting ready, which means no sleep-ins for us (AGAIN)!  We still enjoyed a lazy morning, which I am hoping doesn’t mean a very crowded Grand Canyon.  Oh well!

The drive to the South Rim from our RV park was only an hour so with the dogs on our laps, it wasn’t that bad.  The temperature was about 77 degrees and it was raining and lightly hailing when we arrived.  The Pacific NW had prepared us well for the rain because while everyone else was running for cover, we were aiming for the rim.  The weather improved and we actually saw a rainbow down in the canyon.  I took a photo but I’m not sure how it turned out yet.

We went for a small hike around part of the South Rim.  It was beautiful.  I am so blessed to have shared this with my kids.  Amazingly, this side trip went well…no problems.  We even made it back to camp in time for cocktails and campfire because at 75 degrees, it is a perfect campout night!

Day Nineteen: June 28 (Son's View)

We traveled a lot we first got the to tires weha dnot popped yet to not let further problems in the back.  We then went to a KOA Campground which is awesome with a HUGE playground a putting golf place a pool and Wi Fi YAY.  Yaaaaaaaa.

Day Nineteen: June 28 (Mom's View)

Travel Travel Travel.  We decided to get the two last tires of the trailer changed to avoid further flats (so smart….FINALLY).  This made for yet another late start.  We finally left the Vegas/Henderson area around 2pm.  The Garmin stated that we wouldn’t reach our destination until 9:15pm.  OK time to reconsider our destination.  Although I really wanted to go Sedona, I think that the itinerary has enough natural beauty for the kids (and dogs) to see so we change destinations.  Now the main focus will be Grand Canyon only.  We are staying at a KOA for the first time and although pricier, it is AWESOME!  Firstly it has Wi-Fi so I can catch up on blogs and more importantly TV.   It also has a HUGE playground and off-leash dog park with obstacle course.  It is also 20 degrees cooler than Sedona would be.  So tomorrow Grand Canyon and then enjoying KOA campgrounds!

Day Eighteen: June 27 (Son's View)

Ya for Mom’s outlet shopping day...she went to Kate spade and Max Studio where she bought a Maxi Dress which does not make sense Max Maxi?  She also went to Calvin Klein and bought a hat…

        We then went to the Wynn, which I am going to say as a 12 year old boy, “It was Gorgeous, pachau”  The Glass Umbrellas, the high slot machines and expensive restaurants.  So I got to thinking “there must be millionaires here””ya but how do I know” “They smell like money…..”

        We then went to Caeser’s Palace and saw the moving statues and got gelato.  We also went to Houdini’s Magic Shop and I got a pack of real coin tricks using normal coins.   

Day Eighteen: June 27 (Mom's View)

Yeah for Outlet shopping day!!  The outlet in Vegas has my favorite store in outlet form…Maxstudio.com!!  It also has the staples: Cole Haan, Coach, Kate Spade, Calvin Klein….I know it is a sickness for which I am not seeking help;)  After doing a bit of damage, I decided to show the kids two of the most interesting and beautiful casinos: Wynn and Caesar’s Palace. 

The kids were amazed with Wynn’s beauty.  The beautiful glass umbrellas hanging from the ceiling and the spectacular botanicals and atriums.  Cameron also admired the Ferrari museum, which he quickly attributed to the wealth within the building.  “There must be a lot of rich people here.”  “Actually Cameron, there are probably millionaires all around us.” “How would you know who they are?”  “They smell like money.”

We ate lunch at Terrace Pointe Café at the Wynn.  They have amazing light fare but with perfect people watching at no additional cost. 

Next up Caesar’s Palace.  The main goal was to go to Houdini’s Magic Shop.  Cameron LOVES magic.  Firstly we ate some delicious gelato.  We went to the Moving Statues of Atlantis.  Then, we ventured to Houdini’s where Cameron was awed by a Scotch and Soda coin trick (so he went home with it).

Day Seventeen: June 26 (Son's View)

We had to get up really early to bring dad to the airport today then we went to the world’s largest Gift Shop (cheesy!!!!) I got shock gum so anyone I see in the near future don’t take a piece of gum when I ask you to have one don’t take it.

       
        We then went to a Half price Tix and got Lion king tix for tonight it is there last year in Las Vegas.  And mom shopped a lot telling herself how proud she is of herself that she didn’t buy this or didn’t buy that

        We then went to Mandalay Bay and got Noodle at the Noodle shop (ain’t that a great name?)  Then went to see Lion King…..

        It was so cool it had Timon and Pumba (my to fav characters of that movie) look so cool in the costumes.  IT was the coolest Broadway play ever (don’t tell anyone but I have only seen two)……

Day Seventeen: June 26 (Mom's View)

I had to bring Cord to the airport early this morning so he could attend the celebration of his mother’s life in Dallas TX.  We decided not to attend because our RV can’t remain parked at a park for more than 24 hours so everything would spoil (wine, food, etc.).  Also all of our valuables are on the RV because it is currently our home so it made it even scarier to leave for any length of time.

So I have the kids all to myself….YEAH for me!  After dropping Cord off, the kids and I went to the World’s Largest Souvenir Shop (I figured that it would kill time).  The kids were each allowed to pick out a souvenir.  Cameron picked out trick gum and Carsen picked out dice earrings and t-shirt (Cameron couldn’t find his size).  Next we went to the Fashion Show Mall to go to Half Price Tix (Ok and some shopping, it is Vegas (and me)).  We are going to see Lion King, which is in its final year in Vegas. 

The kids and I go for lunch at Noodle Shop in Mandalay Bay, which turns out to be Chinese food.  So quick and yummy (it has been a while since I had Chinese food…it is so good for me and all☺))  Carsen found a new food that she likes: Vegetable Chow Mein (she is such a picky eater that we get VERY excited when we find a new meal for her.)  Then, we were off to Lion King.  It was sensational!!

Day Sixteen: June 25 (Son's View)

We went to the Mandalay Bay today to see the shark reef aquarium.  It was cool.  My fave part was the piranhas (they can strip a cow of all their flesh in less than 30 seconds) boo ya little fishie.

        WE then went to the hour long pass at gameworks and heavenly fun scan the card scan the card.  Shoot drive Fish bowl it WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!

Day Sixteen: June 25 (Mom's View)

We began showing the kids various casinos.  We went to the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, which was nice but NOT WORTH the $60 for the family.  Seriously, how many people can they shove into the Shipwreck room (at the end), which was arguably the best part.  Sharks, Sea Turtles, and Sawfish swam below and above us.

We went to use our one-hour all-you-can-play GameWorks pass.  The kids each had an hour to play as many video games as they could.  Those of you who know Cameron know that he had “crack addict-like” behavior.  His beloved Jurassic Park videogame was there so he continuously swiped his card as soon as he died so it never really ended.  PATHETIC!

Day Fifteen: June 24 (Son's View)

VIVA LAS VEGAS.  SINCITY HERE WE COME BABY!!!!!!   We had to before hand get stuff from super walmart then we went to half price tix to get tickets for Ka  and two hour long passes for Game Works.

        We also brought the dogs to a luxury doggie day care which I have to say I want to be boarded there☺.   It had a huge play area and movies going on all day it was cool!!!

        WE then went to sushi at the MGM Grand and saw the lion Habitat.  We then went to Ka which was flippin awesome with the animals and the falling sand people were running up.  All of you people who know me I would watch Ka over and over again and never play another video game ever.

        BEST SHOW EVER!!!!!!!!

Day Fifteen: June 24 (Mom's View)

I LOVE VEGAS!!!  I never thought that I’d bring the kids to Vegas but I will have to work with all Vegas has to offer for the next few days.  We got a late start because Cord had to make ANOTHER trip to Super Walmart for some items.  We dropped the dogs off at a “luxury” dog hotel for the length of the Vegas stay.  It really isn’t a dog friendly area.  They stayed at American Dog and Cat, which had an open play area, dog suites, movies the whole day,….

Firstly we brought the kids to Toby Keith's I Love this Bar & Grill at Harrah's.  Since Cord is active duty, Toby Keith has offered soldiers a free American Burger and Beer (Coors Lite or Miller Lite...yuck).  The burgers were actually fantastic!  I even had a beer (yes living on the edge;))

We continued our Vegas adventure by going to Half Price Tix and buying tickets for Cirque De Soleil: KA.  Cord and I had seen it a few years ago with our BFs the Bauers and LOVED IT!  If we were going to spend money on a show, we wanted to see the best. 

We brought the kids to one of our fave “fast-food” Sushi restaurants in MGM Grand (totally our go-to)…  Grand Wok and Sushi Bar.  Unfortunately everyone had the same idea so it was packed and our sushi took forever.  We made it to KA in the knick of time (for the pre-show antics).

The show was amazing.  The kids were awed!

Day Fourteen: June 23 (Son's View)

“We are going to the museum where Chuck Yeager broke the speed of sound” Dad says.  “Who is Chuck Yeager?”  I whisper to Mom.  Dad is most definitely to excited about the flight museum at Edwards Air Force Base.  But don’t tell dad it was pretty cool all I am going to say………

        We traveled through the Mojave Desert and … Guess What?  We got a second flat in 113 degree weather we had to stop at a gas station so ya…  We arrived at Las Vegas around 5:30 p.m.  We got to see Uncle Tom and his dogs Frank the husky Chihuahua and Lucy full Chihuahua.

Day Fourteen: June 23 (Mom's View)

Seriously 14 days, I doubted that I would make it but so far still here. 

Heard Reveille played by Trumpet today at 9am (unfortunately I had already been up for hours).  Cord has loved staying at Edwards AFB for the night and is eager to get the day started by going for a haircut (he finally shaved this morning; he had gone an impressive beard the last 14 days) and then the Flight Testing Museum.  He is like a little boy enjoying all of its military and aviation history.  “Cameron did you know this is where Colonel Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier.”  Cameron replied with a whisper, “Mom, who was Chuck Yeager.”  So sad!  I am so glad that we are doing this trip though because our kids will have such good American historical and geographical information.  (Hmmm what will they learn in Vegas..Hehehehehe….) 

We traveled through the Mojave desert where the temperature gauge read 113 degrees, which is crazy after years of living in Seattle area.  As we drove along guess what happened….ANOTHER FLAT TIRE ON THE TRAILER! 
We finally arrived in Vegas around 5:30pm and we set up our site for a nice long stay.  As soon as we were set up, we went to visit Uncle Tom (Cord’s uncle—Dana’s (my mother-in-law’s) younger brother.   We enjoyed playing with his Chihuahua mix pooches, Frankie and Lucy.

Day Thirteen: June 22 (Son's View)

Nine hours of sitting in a RV is boring!!!  WE were headed to Las Vegas but we could not make it so we stayed at Edwards Air Force base where we ate at Burger King Exciting then came home to the Famcamp they have here.  Before that we went to a cheese factory called Bravo Farms which was delicious chees.  I also got Sweet and Sour Strawberry stripes.  MMMM good stuff.

Day Thirteen: June 22 (Mom's View)

Not much to tell about this day.  We spent 9 hours on the road trying to get out of Yosemite en route to Las Vegas.  There was a much faster route but it would’ve meant taking a mountain road that lacked a shoulder.  I have had too many of those kinds of roads during this trip so I am doing my darnedest to avoid them from now on.

We stopped at Bravo’s Cheese Farm in Traver, CA.  Delicious fresh cheeses and nuts.  I totally forgot that two of my FAVORITE things are from California (cheese and nuts)…and wine..and vegetables…and fruits.  Wait why don’t I live in California?!?    As I am trying the cheeses, I am picturing the commercials about California Cheeses and how the cows are happier than Wisconsin cows, which makes better cheese.  Sorry Wisconsin, there may be a little truth to that because it is some damn good cheese!

Since we haven’t reached Las Vegas yet and it is nearing 8pm, we decide to stay at Edwards Air Force Base (in the middle of nowhere), which has a nice FamCamp with full hookups.  A little eerie to hear TAPS played at 9pm, but that is military life.

Day Twelve: June 21 (Son's View)

We went to Yosemite today and it was awesome and beautiful.  The trip was annoying though because we were in the BMW with two dogs which gave me and mom no room.  We went to glacier point where you had to hike a mile to the beuty where we could see half dome Yosemite falls and an awesome river which I don’t know its name but it was still cool.  On the way back I was asleep.  We got back Carsen and I played mini golf and volleyball and horseshoes and basketball we were also brought to the creek today which was again fun.

Day Twelve: June 21 (Mom's View)

Yosemite!!  What a gorgeous park!  Only complaint was bringing the dogs in the BMW for the LONG ride through Yosemite.  It was worth it the end though.  We made it to Glacial Point where we had a panoramic view of the park: El Capitan, Half Dome, and the Falls.  We took lots of pictures but I am sure that they won’t do Yosemite any justice.  I even stood on the edge and looked straight down the cliff, which Yosemite Park describes as “unnerving” and those of you who know me, know that I am VERY afraid of heights so I was pretty proud of myself for checking out this “unnerving site”.  (And yes again, it was worth it.) 

My favorite brand of water bottles, Vessel Drinkware, makes this amazing Doggie Waterbottle.  The dogs were so happy that we had it with us.

The kids also loved stepping the snow.  Amazingly, other than some quarreling with the kids nothing insane occurred.  BTW have I mentioned how long this trip is starting to feel.  Long hot showers, TV, Internet ,… are so dreamy right now (not to mention spas and salons).

Day Eleven: June 20 (Son's View)

I have to revise that the last post, where we actually stayed at yesterday was a county craphole park.  The reason I call it that it smelled like horse manure and it was infested with redneck party people.  Today we went to the Yosemite Lakes where there was all those cool things. We went to the creek before dinner it was freezing cold but it was fun because the water dragged you along the way of the current but it was fun.

Day Eleven: June 20 (Mom's View)

Started the day with a Starbucks so I am feeling very civilized now.  The tire is fixed and we continue to Yosemite.  We stop to get some more fresh produce and continue on Route 120 East.  We arrive at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort, which we are so pleased to see is great.  It has a Peewee Golf, Volleyball, Playground, and Activity Center with Pool and Ping Pong tables.  Cord and I instantly feel the little bit of freedom these activities will give us. 

Cameron and I decide to check out the park via bicycles.  It turned out to be a nice ride because we found paths leading to a glacial river.  It felt so good under the trees because it was a HOT day! 

Cord brought both kids back to the river for a little dip before dinner.  Then we enjoyed cocktails and s’mores around the campfire.

 Thinking of our AMAZING friends McCallie's...using Steve's special Bbq sauce tonight!

Day Ten: June 19 (Son's View)

One jelly belly lane!!!  Awesome we went to the jelly belly bean factory.  There was a sample bar where I tried baby wipes and canned dog food jelly beans. They actually tasted like them (not like I have tried either of those things but you just know you know). Mom then went to her wine loving place where she fell in love with a drink eight years ago. She was so happy to go (and I thought I was weird with the jelly belly bean factory).  We landed at the Yosemite around 6ish and there was a cool boot camp playground (don’t ask) and pee wee golf and volleyball.  Me and mom (Mom and I sorry mom!!!) watched Fried Green Tomatoes, which I tell all of you sappy people like me do need to watch because it is sweet and sad and funny all at the same time.