Back But Missing It

Our trip to the Grand Canyon started off rocky. Thank you Southwest Airlines for your rigid on time flights. Literally slamming the door in our faces after you asked us to go to the desk and get a tag for the stroller was a bit dramatic. Putting us on the next flight that had a 2 hour layover in Phoenix just made the vacation start off on the wrong foot. Because of the delay, the kids and I weren't able to ride to the Grand Canyon in my mom & step-dad's RV. We had to squish into the Jeep Liberty we rented for the 5 hour trek. It wasn't pleasant, but we made it and things got better immediately. Oh, except for the fact that Jordan was a bit fussier than usual & refused to eat. I noticed that he cut his first tooth. Who does that on the first day of vacation? That led to less sleep than normal.

My husband & FIL (yes he came to my family reunion) decided that everyone should make the effort to go to the Grand Canyon because there is no other place on Earth quite like it. They were blown away. While I always enjoy going there, I loved seeing cousins, second cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. that I hadn't seen in over a decade. I was really happy to see my favorite cousin, who even lived with me a while at BYU. We had some great times there, but I haven't seen her since I left. I wish we could have spent more time together, but kids and campsites that are not next to each other made it a bit difficult. Lexi and Jordan also got to mingle with my nieces and nephews, which is always a treat. We hadn't seen them for a year and a half. My brother has a new one that is only 2 days older than Jordan.

I had been warned that camping with kids is not something anyone should try. I can't complain though, which probably is because of the RV parked right next to our tent. My mom brought all the food and supplies. Steve helped cook over the campfire. It was a little cold at night (55 degrees). During the day, it got up to 85, which is quite cool for us. Evenings were spent with everyone around our campsite eating, talking, and my brother & step-dad playing instruments and singing.

Our last day at the Grand Canyon was quieter than the others. All of the extended family members were gone. My mom, step-dad, sister, brothers, brother's family, and my little family were the only ones left. It rained (drizzled) so we sat under the RV's awning and talked. It was a nice ending to the reunion.

Then, we headed for Vegas. This time, the kids & I got to ride in the RV through Zion’s National Park. We stopped for pictures, but Lexi was asleep so only Jordan got to be in a few. We grabbed lunch in St George and then met up with Steve in our hotel in Vegas. A four star hotel (Planet Hollywood) looks much better after spending time in a tent. We had a great time wandering around and talking to Steve's Aunt & Uncle who met up with us there. They got to see Jordan for the first time.

Now, we are back. I hate coming home from vacations. Why can't the fun continue? Ok, I know money plays a big part. Unfortunately, I am home and facing entirely too much work.