Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Road Trip Recap

June 17-July 18
32 days
1 rattlesnake
6,724 miles
23 DVDs
1 speeding ticket
12 states
3 time zones
5 National Parks
1 Great Lake
Here's a rare moment when  both girls were sleeping at the same time.
 We saw this boat/car cruising the streets of Spokane.  Where can we get one of these?!?
Rules of the Road:
1.  Don't even try to keep the kids on a schedule.  Totally not worth it.
2.  Watch your speed when traveling through Colorado.  This mainly applies to Jon.
3.  Heed the rattlesnake warning signs at National Parks.  They're not kidding.
4.  Pack plenty of Ziplock bags, cups with lids, and fruit snacks.
5.  Pack light and do laundry along the way, especially if you're going to be gone for 32 days.
6.  Be okay with the kids eating chicken nuggets daily.
7.  Be flexible enough to stop at random spots along the way.  Some of our favorite spots were spur-of-the-moment choices.
8.  Never say never--Auto-DVD systems are worth every penny.
9.  Hotel reservations are necessary in Wyoming.
10.  The deer population in South Dakota are very active after dark, so slow down, watch the road, and be able to stop quickly when traveling through the Mount Rushmore State.
11.  Embrace the tourist within, and take plenty of pictures.  Obviously I don't have a problem with this one.  :)
12.  The best way to find hot spots in an area is to chat up workers at the tourist information center.  Earth-shaking, I know, but lots of people don't even stop.
12.  Just pack the car and go.  The kids will love it.  You will love it. There will be some stressful moments, but aren't there crazy times at home, too?

Sunday, July 28, 2013

All I Want For Christmas

Little girls on ponies.
I think I know what will be on these little ladies' wish list this Christmas.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Fair (Food) Season Has Begun!

We seem to always end our visits to Minnesota by visiting the first county fairs of the season.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Extravagana

We spent our last Sunday afternoon in Owatonna at the Village of Yesteryear's Extravaganza  There were bands, various demonstrations, tours, food, dramatizations, and an old-fashioned baseball game.  It was a perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Beating the Heat Minnesota Style

It's hot in Texas.  Correction, it's super hot in Texas.  It was pretty toasty a few days when we were in Minnesota, too.  So, this is how the kids beat the heat at Grandma and Grandpa's house.