Observations...

Amy and the kids (at least MC) have done a great job keeping you all updated with the play-by-play account of our trip.  Most of the blogging has been done in the car between stops.  I've done the bulk of the driving (not a complaint or a slight against Amy's driving, I actually enjoy it), so haven't had the opportunity.  This trip has been an adventure and a great experience for all of us.  There was a bit of trepidation beforehand about spending that much time in the car (64 hrs so far) and for so many miles (approx 3700 so far), but it has been fine.  No Clark W. Griswold moments. Unfortunately, no supermodels in Ferraris either, although Jack has been keeping an eye out.   I think it has a lot to do with the fact that everything is new.  If we spent 64 hours driving the roads of NC and SC, it may have been a different story....

The terrain changes so frequently and is some of the most beauftiful country I have ever seen.  It's difficult to comprehend how massive the Grand Canyon is or how beauftiful the colors of the painted desert are.  I'm not a good enough writer to do it justice, you'll have to go see it for yourself.  I'm still amazed at the fact that we hiked downhill for two hours and we were only halfway down the Grand Canyon's south rim.  Jack and I are coming back to do a rim-to-rim backpacking trip.  Let us know if you want to join us...

There are a few observations that I have made over the past two weeks:

1. The US has entirely too much retail space.  It's almost comical but you can pull in to any city and see the same collection of America's finest retail establishments (Kohls, Target, Best Buy, Bed Bath and Beyond).  Blah,blah,blah....

2. You can find some really interesting restaurants and some great food if you put a little effort in. We have a rule on this trip when it comes to food: the restaurant has to be something that we can't get at home and preferably not a chain.  We've got the kids trained to look for a place that "looks bad on the outside but has a lot of cars around it".  Jack is the best at spotting those and it has led to some amazing meals.  Still not tired of green chilies....

3. Verizon really does have good coverage.  Except for the Grand Canyon itself, we have had cell reception.  Since I don't know who's reading, I won't give my opinion as to whether that is a good thing or a bad thing!

4. Kids are physically unable to hang up hotel towels after showering.  It may not seem like a big deal, but when you have 5 in a room (two of which are teenage girls who apparently have to shower and change clothes multiple times a day), it's rare that you actually have a dry towel to use.

5. America's energy boom is for real.  It's incredible to see the activity in some of these towns. We have been behind countless trucks hauling fracking fluids, rig equipment, etc.  Living on the East coast, I don't think many have a idea how big of a deal this is.

6. Minor league baseball is where the real creativity and entrepreneurial spirit lies in American sports. We've seen some great names:  El Paso Chihuahuas, Albuquerque Isotopes (think Los Alamos)

7. Families (even ones with teenagers) can have fun together.

This blog started out as a way to keep the grandparents updated on our travels but has morphed into much more.  I don't know who you are (although I do know that 49.4% of you use iOS and 38% Windows).  Thanks for reading, we'll be back next weekend!