If it weren’t for the travel, I’d love to travel.
If in life it is true that "it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey", I’d say the converse is absolutely true for travel. Getting there, wherever "there" may be, is little more than an annoying and time consuming means to an end. I hear a chorus of "Amens!" from parents who’ve traveled with children. Age doesn’t seem to matter; whining may change shape and size as they grow older–the pitch may become less shrill, fewer tears may be shed–but does the License Plate game ever appease for very long? And if you fly? Well, I don’t like having NO control the thought of my body parts being flung over three different states flying, so I think I’ll avoid talking about it altogether.
Anyways….in the case of our trip out West (predominately the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone), in spite of THE travel, it was worth it. Seeing the amazing works of creation in person I’ve read about and observed in pictures since I was school age? Had we lost our luggage, missed our connecting flight, had to sit next to someone on the plane who defied personal hygiene, it would’ve still been worth the "price" of admission.
I’ve come away with a sense of urgency to tell others they MUST go! It should be REQUIRED for every American citizen! Our country is abundantly blessed with priceless natural treasures and it’s worth the time…the effort…the expense of GETTING THERE!! For those of you who live within a few hours? Well, I hope you’re taking advantage of it.
What IS certain, I’m afraid, is my pictures don’t begin to do it justice; then, again, even the BEST, most professional photography in the world doesn’t convey the spectacular show you’ll see if you’ll just go there yourself.
So….continuing the lighter side of our trip, here is a continuation of my favorite memories:
[7] The family that sleeps together swaps spit prays PLAYS together, stays together.
Actually, forget the strike-through…we did all of the above. More than once.
There’s not a germiphobe in our family; I guess our children are modeling what they’ve seen in me (and Tad). Outside of begging bribing reminding them to wash their hands after using the bathroom, pretty much anything goes. That’s how we managed to pass around the same water bottle on hikes without batting an eyelash, how I used Rachel’s toothbrush when we camped (at least I brushed, which is more than I can say 
for the boys :/) because I couldn’t find mine, how Rachel TRIED to re-use the contact she had dropped on a NASTY, CAMPGROUND bathroom floor (that one grossed me out), and how I, after that night of camping, wore the same clothes AND make-up two days in a row. Did I mention I brushed my teeth?
We shared a motel room most nights, we thanked God for the beautiful show everyday, we played a thousand hands of gin, and we even had a charades "tournament" (don’t ask
me why Stephen thought it was a competitive sport!).
Okay…#7 was long, so I think I’ll close this post, start on another, and take a short course in Brevity 101.
Back with some more memories soon….!
I think Rachel has her brothers RIGHT where she wants them!
I look forward to hearing more.
I wanna go on vacation with you. Except for the dirty campground floor. And wearing the same clothes. and sharing toothbrushes.
Other than that, I’m in!
That sounds like another place I would love to visit. You obviously had great fun and now have happy memories of sharing a toothbrush, wearing the same clothes…..!!!
I used to love the mechanics of travel, but I’ve lost that lovin’ feeling and I can’t go on (a bus or a plane). I don’t thinks I could do it with kids, even if they were mine.
Hey, that looks awesome!!! I’m so jealous that you guys had so much fun. I need a vacation…
The river that majestically cuts through the hills in our neck of the woods has it’s beginnings in the Grand Tetons. I always vow that I will go there some day and see that.
I want to go everywhere -but I’m hate flying. Not because I’m afraid of flying. I just hate all the bugaboo involved. Including sitting next to stinky people.
Karmyn, most days you’re absolutely right!
Margaret, other than those things, I’M in, too! 🙂
Chris, when I think about it, there ARE some fabulous memories :)…I could never list them all no matter how many posts I write :/.
Willowtree, you LIKED the travel part of traveling??? YIKES! It’s nothing more than a means to an end for me….
If you ever wanna try some children on for size, I’ll let you borrow mine for a trip. On second thought, maybe that’s not such a good idea (for EITHER or you!)
Hi Teahouse, why, you just need to plan a trip yourself!!
Pamela, my brother-in-law actually had someone MOVED because she smelled so bad once…I was horrified when I heard that!
Great pics. Looks like everyone had a great time…germs and all.
I will be adding to my list of “travel do’s and don’ts…mostly don’ts for other people soon. Will let you know when it goes up. I’m just about ready to become a recluse.
Nice pig, by the way.
You had me at the italicised sub-title. I hate to travel. Except I still do (have to from time to time). I eventually find something to enjoy about it, but the getting-there-and-back is rarely pleasant and uneventful.
I discovered your blog today through nan. I was just discussing with my guys going to yellowstone the other day as one of our trips next year. I have set a goal to visit 3 states a year until we have covered them all.
You have sold me on it. Enjoyed reading the rest of your blog and look forward to reading more in the future.
Robin
Swampy, are you telling me I’ve given you some additional items for your list???
Tiger Lamb Girl, sounds like we have the same dis-affection!
Robin (not me), Nan’s great, glad you followed me from her :). If you visit Yellowstone, you can visit three states just to see it all! GO GO GO! 🙂