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?