National parks trip III (California)

Since Elliot was a fourth grader (soon to be fifth grade), we had to cash in on Every Kid Outdoors (free admission to all national parks) before it was too late.

I've always wanted to see the giant sequoia trees so off to California we went, where there are several national parks relatively close together.

For this trip though, it was only two-third of the family. Lynn and Andrew were on their own trip in Japan with the other families as a graduation gift.

Kings Canyon would be the first park we visited, then Sequoia National Park on the following day.

We then headed west to the coastal towns of Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur to avoid the weekend crowd at Yosemite (will post later).

Finally, we finished our trip at Yosemite National Park.

Summer vacation (Silverthorne, CO)

Family floating down a creek.

I just can't get enough of Colorful Colorado. This was our 12th road trip to Colorado, which found us back in Silverthorne. We went rafting for the first time and did the usual outdoorsy stuff.

Grand Canyon and Sedona (AZ)

For our second getaway of the month, we headed to Arizona (a state I have yet to visit). Our first stop was to the Grand Canyon. It's never been a "must do" for me but since we were (sort of) in the area, I wanted to check it out... and to check it off the list of National Parks to visit.

After landing in Phoenix (and getting brunch at First Watch), we started our 3.5 hour drive to the Grand Canyon. The goal was to take it easy, sight see, and to avoid the gnarly trails within the canyon. Maybe we'll do those in the future... rim to rim hike anyone? 

Pictures don't do this place justice. It was huge. It seemed like we were on another planet. I was surprised by how much it amazed me since I've already seen the second largest canyon in the country, Palo Duro Canyon. I was in awe.

Colorado (Silverthorne, CO)

This was our 10th road trip to Colorado. We've made this long drive ten times. I told the family that this would be the last trip to Colorado, that it's time to explore other destinations. Time will tell if I hold true to my word.

This trip was longer than usual, nearly two weeks. I wanted to give everyone time to get acclimated to the high altitude (Silverthorne elevation >9,000 ft) before we did any outdoor activities.

Mt. Evans 14,265′ (Colorado)

Proud of my big boys for completing their first 14er. This brutal hike took us just over 7 hours to complete.

Presidents' Day weekend

Friday night lights. Jacob's varsity soccer games are so late.

National parks trip II (Colorado)

We spent a week in Colorado to continue our National Parks journey (and to also vacation in my favorite state not named Texas) but this trip was rough. I'm usually okay with long road trips (we've already went on seven road trips to CO) but maybe I overextended myself this time around. In the beginning, it definitely didn't feel like a vacation. It was exhausting. I might have to reconsider these long road trips... or at least not do two 2,000+ mile trips in one year.

National parks trip (NM & TX)

Every Kid Outdoors was created so fourth graders and their families could discover our wildlife, resources, and history for free. 

Since Tyson qualified, it was time to pack our bags and go explore. On spring break, we hit the road and headed west...

Eight days and seven nights. Over 2,000 miles driven. Over 24 hours on the road. 

Four national parks visited.

Texas State Parks (Hill Country)

We made a weekend trip to The Hill Country (west of Austin and north of San Antonio) to explore a couple of state parks in the area, Garner State Park and Lost Maples State Natural Area. And for this trip, I told them not to pack any electronic devices. I'm sick of seeing them on their phone or computer, especially when they're with others. Go play. Go outside. Talk to each other. Anything!

Big 4-OH trip (Silverthorne, CO)

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I ❤ Colorado. This was our seventh road trip to Colorado since 2018. We stayed in Silverthorne this time around, which was nearby Frisco and Dillon, and a short drive to Breckenridge... exploring more of Summit County.

I ❤ Colorado (Boulder, CO)

During the winter break, we made a trip to Colorado once again, making it the third time in one year (Leadville and Breckenridge being the previous two) and the fifth time since 2018. Yeah... if we're ever going to move, it's going to be to Colorado. This trip was essentially to research our future move to the Centennial State... but which city? On this trip, we stayed in Boulder, a town about 40 minutes northwest of Denver.

Summer trip (Breckenridge, CO)

I ❤ Colorado. We frequent The Centennial State to ski/snowboard but haven't been during the summer. I've always heard it was nice during that time but wanted to experience it myself. This would be our fourth trip to Colorado since 2018. At this rate, we may as well move there...

So we packed up the minivan and went on another road trip. Even though we're on the road for two solid days each way, it's actually not that bad. I like exploring new places along the way. Or even going to a random Walmart in the middle of nowhere... you never know what you might find.

Birthday week (San Diego, CA)

It's been four years and three kids ago since we last visited California. Now with the new addition, we had to go back before it got more expensive, i.e. Elliot turning two. And this time, we spent the whole week in San Diego... forget LA and Disneyland and all that nasty traffic. This would be our preview of life in San Diego should we decide to make the move here.

Big Bend Country (West Texas)

Summer vacation started immediately with our family as the kids' last day of school was on Friday and we were off on a road trip the following day, which also happened to be Memorial Day weekend.

Road trip (Glen Rose & Dallas, TX)

The kids were on Spring Break last week and out of all the options that were presented to them (only places in Texas), they decided on Dinosaur Valley State Park. It's a good 4.5 hour drive nonstop which meant it was time for a road trip! There was no way we're driving there and back so we spent a couple nights in the closest city, Dallas. And the kids got to experience what it's like to go on trips with us... eat like crazy.

Mel's wedding & more (Austin, TX)

Last weekend we headed to Austin for Mel and Dan's wedding. It was like a mini family reunion. Relatives who I only get to see maybe once every few years were there. They came from far and wide for this one night. It was an awesome ceremony. And any reason to go to Austin is awesome.

Portlandia (Portland, OR)

I’m moving. I don’t know when but I’m moving away from Texas. All of my life I assumed summer meant hot, miserable weather. I thought that was just the facts of life. But only until recently, I discovered that was not the case. There can actually be nice, cool weather during the summer. It was quite mind blowing. And that magical place is the West Coast. So that’s where I’ll be relocating but which city? The only one left to explore was Portland.