Day 1:
The day started out early as all days in Colorado do. I like to get up early and spend some time with my mom. Since I am in town and the go-to handy man, my mom decided that I would be spending sometime putting up a ceiling fan in the the extra bedroom.
We were off to Home Depot to pick up my next home improvement chore. The trip was quick, and my mom was able to make a fast decision on the fan. After a fast stop at Starbucks to get Pam and my mom a coffee, we came home.
With my trusty assistants Dad and little Delaney, I was able to get the fan up with relative ease. During breakfast it was decided that the women-folk would go shopping and leave my dad and I alone to decide our own plans. My dad had no ideas, so I decided that we would be going to a bar in Golden called Wrigley's Chicago Bar and Grill. My good buddy Holmes, aka Tony Jackson, suggested I give it a try. Since Holmes knows his way around beer, and by looking at him, food as well, I decided it would be a good choice!
Tony forgot to mention one little piece of information; It just so happens to be a biker bar. My dad didn't care--he had a Polish sausage and root beer on his mind, and he wasn't going to let a few wannabe Hell's Angels get in the way of him doing his two favorite things: eating and watching the Cubbies play!
After walking through a rough crowd and a few strange stares, we were able to get seated and order our meal. I opted for the Italian Beef and Chicago dog while my dad enjoyed the Polish sausage. On a scale of one to five bikers, we gave it a four and a half bikers with a cool bike babe on the back of the bike.
We headed back home to get ready for mass. After church we loaded up to head to Uncle Jeffy's and Aunt Susan's house. A great time was had by all as the kids ran and played and Uncle Jeffy introduced to a new game called Corn Hole.
We played the great game of Corn Hole the rest of the evening. It turns out that Pam is pretty decent at corn holing. AK was not bad at all. Uncle Denny was terrible as expected and couldn't hole his corn if the hole was three feet wide. Uncle Jeffy talked a big game only to get corn holed by Aunt Susan. Cousin Garrett picked his partner well as we took the Corn Hole championship. But the surprise corn holer was Uncle Tom. He came off the disabled list with his reconstructed hip to prove that he truly was from Nebraska with his amazing corn holing skills.
It was a great day of family and fun with more to come tomorrow!
Day 5:
The day purposefully started off late with Pam making yet another executive decision the night before to let the girls sleep in before we headed off to the Hoover Dam our way back to Phoenix. Originally we were going to go on the Hoover Dam tour. After realizing that taking two first time goers to Vegas and showing them the sights smooth wore our arses out, Pam declared that she didn't give a damn about the dam tour and walking over it would have to suffice!
We loaded up and packed the car yet again for another adventure. After a quick stop to grab some breakfast, it was apparent that Delano was representing a tired protest and a hard push to win the Grumpiest Kid of the T,rip award.
We hit the dam only to realize that it was a damn long walk down the Arizona side of the mountain and we would have to hike back up again in damn hot heat from hell. So here we were with one kid who's "Give-a-Damn" was broken, another kid who wanted to see the dam and two tired parents who had already seen the damn dam on a previous trip and were just ready to hit the damn road again!
Since Pam decided there would be no dam tour, she put me in charge as the tour guide since I had once saw an episode of the Hoover Dam on the History Chanel ten years prior. AK was eager to learn such misled information such as "lots of people died building the dam, most of them who died got stuck in the concrete, and that it took a damn long time to build the dam." With Delano still protesting, the history lesson over and the heat raising; I grabbed Delano and threw her on my back piggy back style so we could get the hell out of the heat and off the damn dam!
Pam decided that sweet Delano could not win the Grumpiest Kid of the Trip award so she decided to let her ride shotgun and eat sunflower seeds as we rode down the road. The trip to Phoenix was only four hours long, but seemed like a lifetime in the car. We finally made it to our destination with four tired, grumpy family members who were ready to be out of the car and somewhat away from each other.
We decided that we would stay at a Hilton resort for our last night. The decision proved to be a good one as the girls were excited about going to the water park at the resort. Pam and I were equally thrilled to float on the lazy river and drown ourselves in beers.
After several hours of floating we grabbed some pizza and called it a night. The damn Hover Dam, driving four hours and the lazy resort river had given this family all it could handle for one day.
Day 6:
It was determined that we needed to hit the road no later than 8:00 am Phoenix time. This meant that we would have to be up and ready by 7:00 in order to eat the free breakfast from Hilton. I had an email from Hilton earlier in the trip to find out that I have finally reached my highest achievement so far in life. I am now a Gold Member of Hilton!
Delano was still in rare form as nothing looked good and her pleasant demeanor was a breath of sunshine for us all. The whole family was nothing but excited to get back in the car for another long and treacherous drive!
Once again she got to sit in the front seat as we headed 10 and a half hours home! The journey was long and hard. It didn't help that all of the businesses in Van Horn were shut down because the electricity was out. The poor girls had to learn new meaning to the words, "Hold it!"
We finally rolled into Midland at 8:30 pm Texas time. The girls were happy to be home, but not as happy as their puppies were to see them!
The girls did love all the travel and the best quote from the trip award came from AK as she declared this years trip "The best vacation that we have taken yet!"
After traveling to seven cities, seeing the worlds largest hole in the earth, being high centered in a not-so-high river, witnessing breath taking views, hanging out with lumberjacks in Flagstaff, seeing Vegas through the eyes of newbies, losing my superhero status and regaining my superhero status, taking down Vegas by way of the buffet, getting to hang with Michael Jackson, meeting the cardboard version of Rick, not going on the damn dam tour, but getting to see the dam in the damn heat, eating endless burgers, tacos and pizza, several ice cream cones, drinking some well calculated beers, lots of smiles, laughs and even some funny smells coming from the back, Pam made the last executive decision and declared The Desparrois Family Trek Across the Southwest complete after driving 2461.2 miles in the car for a total of forty-one hours, four minutes and 7 seconds. Pam was pleased to get back a few days early to prepare for her big conference and for the much eager awaited arrival of our good friend Rita Reeder!
Day 4:
Another early rise to the day, not because we needed to get moving, but rather the fact that our hotel room was not cooling down which made sleep impossible. Being hot in Vegas in the summer is not a good thing. Being hot in the hotel at night and not being able to sleep is even worse. Pam made another executive decision that we would get a different room. In instances like this I have found that it pays to be super nice to the person you are dealing with rather than being a mean old grizzly bear like people often do. The lady on the phone was great and upgraded our room,then waived the resort fee as well. Resort fees in Vegas wear me smooth out! Why in the world should I have to pay a resort fee when you are giving me a comped room? But I digress, the resort fee was now a mute point since we were on a free roll Vegas style!
We decided that we would be changing the name of our smallest young ling from little Delaney to Delano in hopes of her becoming a big bright Vegas star some day!
The girls really wanted to go see Pawn Stars in hopes of meeting Chumlee. We spent some time at the store checking out all the cool items. Chum was not present so we had to settle for cardboard picture with Rick. It was fun to go into the store. It will amaze you how small it actually is. Pam asked when the stars would be in the store and learned that the stars take the whole month of July and August off. AK got a cool Pawn Stars shirt and little Delaney found a Chumlee notebook to buy. I personally found it odd that they would put a picture of Chum on a notebook for school, but then again I guess I am raising a kid who would buy it. So who am I to judge!?!
After Pawn Stars we drove downtown and showed the girls Fremont Street. We decided early on a Monday morning would be a safe time from the freak show. Needless to say it was not! After seeing the topless overaged hula dancer, AK and poor Delano got an education on what the female upper body looks like beyond the age of fifty after many years of hard living! Lets just say that neither girl will be living hard after that scene!
It was time to cruise over to Caesars to checkout the Aquarius show they have in The Shop at the Forum. The girls loved it and were happy we went. We then went back to the Luxor to go swimming in the pool. The girls were pleased with the choice of four pools and enjoyed the cool water from the dessert heat.
When in Vegas there are to big time musts for first-time travelers. One of them is to attend a show. Pam and I had gone back and forth on which show and what kind of show to take them to. Since we are frugal, we went for the cheap show. Pam's theory was that the girls had never been to a show, and they would not know the difference anyway. The show we picked was Super Stars on Stage. It was a variety act of a concert featuring the fake Rod Stewart, Whitney Houston and the star of the show, Michael Jackson.
The show made me think of my boy from back home Rob Pena, aka Rigo. We celebrated his 40th birthday this past year. While at his party Michael Jackson's Billy Jean song came on. My boy Rigo turned to me and told me that he "was a sucker for a great 80's pop song!' Rigo is right, many don't admit it, but most of us are.
The show was well worth the price of admission, even if the price was completely free thanks to a Summer Mummers gift card Pam won a few years ago! Speaking of Summer Mummers, we will be back Saturday night to see the show with Kelly and Jaime in hopes that the mean Summer Mummers worker has found a new place of employment! This way both of them can enjoy throwing popcorn without getting scolded.
The next big must we had to check off the girls Vegas list was to take them to the buffet. It was a chance to redeem my superhero status that I lost at the Grand Canyon. You might not be able to tell from my slender figure, but I know how to work my way around a buffet to get the maximum amount of nourishment in for the least amount of money. My goal is to walk out of the buffet with having the casino realize they took a loss on me!
While driving to Sunset Station, I told the girls the important rules to buffet winning. "Don't eat any breads. Stay away from the potatoes and rice! Watch all potential fillers and only concentrate on the good stuff!"
We had to wait awhile in line. The cash register started to smirk when she saw my small stature family. She knew the casino would be out on top with our family! The reason Vegas is so big and grand is because everything is rigged and only a few know the secret to breaking Vegas. Since Pam and I have been to Vegas a time or two, we hold the precious answers on how to win. The casino purposely charges everyone the same price. By doing this they figure that they can score a win on kids while they may break even or take a small loss on the adults. What the Sunset Station was not betting on was the fact that I had coached the girls on how to take them down.
We finally sat down, said the family prayer and broke the family huddle to feed our guts. Delano was smart and went for the turkey and corn. AK went for tacos while Pam and I each had salads to help everything else glide through. Round two brought some real food followed by round three and four. After and hour at the table it was time for desert. The girls ate as much as they could and I had and extra just for good measure. I knew victory was ours as each trip to the buffet brought grimaced looks from the manager!
We finally decided to call it and roll our bodies out of the casino. Delano announced that the buffet had been one of the best places she had ever eaten! Our stomachs were full but not as full as my pride as I had once again achieved superhero status in the eyes of my little girls and once small bride! We came back to the hotel and let our food induced coma do its thing.
Day 3:
Once again the morning came early to write the previous days trip report, eat breakfast and begin the short drive up to the Grand Canyon. The drive was beautiful just like every other one that we have taken thus far and in no time we found ourselves at the southern rim to what I would describe as one of God's greatest natural creations. Next to Pam, AK and little Delaney, of course!
The Grand Canyon has been the part of the trip I have been most excited for. I have always wanted to visit the worlds largest hole next to Aunt Edna's mouth! But, I do need to let all in on a little secret. Every super hero has their Kryptonite, and I am no different. Mine is called HEIGHTS. I don't just have a small fear of heights, I have a massive one. It's so bad that I can't handle it when I see other people are close to the edge. Now, I am fine if there is a protective rail, but I don't want to go anyone near an edge... nor do I want to see anyone else do it!
I told myself and prayed early on that I was going to have to suck it up and overcome my fear so not only could I enjoy the majestic views, but more importantly, my family. Pam even chimed in and had a chat with me about it. Let's just say that all prayers came unanswered, and Pam's conversation was for not--as total fear swept through my body as if someone was pumping ice cold water in my veins.
I could handle the parts were there was a railing. Heck, I could even go up to the railing and look out. It was the areas which there was no protection form a long drop of death that made me shake! I knew I was not going to go near the edge and that would be safe. The issue was my daredevil wife and off spring had other ideas. All three of them have zero fear and a huge sense of adventure. AK led the charge and went right up to one edge giggling with glee, and I lost it. I begged and pleaded with her as my knees shook and I felt like I was going to toss my cookies.
Poor AK was not going to have any of it. She wanted to see the canyon and she wanted the best views possible. I turned to my better half, who I knew would back me on safety being the first priority. My pleading fell on deaf ears. Pam is molded from the same clay as AK and she was not going to allow my irrational fear ruin this for them. It was obvious that I would be winning the Biggest Weenie of the the Trip Award!
I came to the quick decision that I was going to have to walk away from the family to let them and myself enjoy the Grand Canyon. I hiked further up the trail as they climbed up, down and all around the edges having the time of their life. I would stop and look out at a very safe distance to see the views. They caught up with my after a while, and we went back to the railing area to enjoy the canyon as a family.
I must say that it truly is one of the most amazing natural creations that I can know check off my bucket list. I also have a special shout out to Christine Morgan. She was AK's science teacher in 5th grade. AK rattled off all kinds of interesting facts about water erosion and how this must be how the Grand Canyon was formed with the Colorado River. When asked how she knew so much, she stated "Mrs. Morgan taught me!"
After having my intestines cleansed by the experience, we got a bite to eat and headed five more hours to our next adventure and big surprise for the girls. Pam and I had gone back and fourth on whether or not we should include Vegas in the trip when we were planning the adventure. It was not far from where we would be, and I knew I could score us some free rooms. At first we decided not to do it. Then the degenerate gambler in each of us took over, and the answer became a quick yes.
We have always mocked people who bring their kids to Vegas with snide comments and jokes. Now here we were--just like them! It was decided that we would not be gambling while the kids sat off to the side and watched. Nope, this trip to Vegas would be about showing the girls all the cool sites on the strip that they would love.
We kept this part of the trip a surprise and it took them a long time to figure it out, even with all the signs on the road from the hotels telling us how far away we were from Vegas. When they figured it out they were so excited. I could tell that they had not been switched at birth, and they belonged to both Pam and I. Delaney was the most enthused as she found out we would be staying at the pyramid hotel also known as the Luxor.
We walked down the strip and loved watching the girls eyes sparkle at the magic of the lights and sights. Little Delaney fell in love with the Paris while AK really liked "all of them"! My favorite part was going to the Bellagio and seeing the conservatory. This seasons theme with the flowers was Under the Sea. The girls were mesmerized at the pure beauty that had been created with flowers.
Hanging out on the strip and seeing all the sights had been a great deal of fun and something that Pam and I have not done in many years or trips to Vegas. It was great to go through all of the casinos and to see what was new. Plus seeing it through the girl's eyes was awesome. I'm not sure how many miles we logged between walking the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas Strip, but it was apparent that it was a great deal as my legs and body screamed for bed. As I layed in bed, I remembered to thank the good Lord for the opportunity to take the family on this trip. It has been one of the best ones yet!
Day 2:
The day started out early for Arizona time and not so early for Texas time. Our hotel was on a golf course that allowed access to anyone who was staying at the Embassy Suites. I grew up working at Denver Country Club in high school and college. I always loved early mornings on the course. I knew I wanted to get up early to take a trek across the course and watch the sun rise. The course did not disappoint and the sun rise was beautiful in the Arizona desert.
When I returned I started to write up the report from the day before. Pam awoke and came in the extra room. She had decided that she wanted to go for walk and asked me if I would like to join her. Without hesitation I agreed as it was our anniversary and anything my wonderful bride wants, she should get on our anniversary! Besides you can't win Spouse of the Year without doing the little things.
After the walk was got the girls up had breakfast and headed out to the Verde river near Sedona for our tubing trip. The drive up the mountains was absolutely breath taking. If you have not been through this part of Arizona, you need to put in on the list.
We were not on actual tubes. They were more like an individual raft for each person with a paddle for going down the river. Our guide told us that half of the river was closed off because the water was too shalow to float. But the excursion we had booked would take an hour, and we could do it as many times as we wanted.
Once we got in it was apparent that the river was not moving very fast and paddles were going to be a necessity. The scenery was nothing like I was expecting and something to behold. We live in the desert, but there is a big difference in the plain desert of Texas compared to natural beauty of Arizona.
It took the girls some getting use to the paddle, but they were able to manage pretty well. That is, of course, after AK had a battle with a spider that got into her raft. It was quite the site to see her thrashing around on her raft trying to use her paddle to kill the tiny little creature that was most likely not even a spider. AK was able to win the battle against what she deemed "a killer river spider" and continue her journey down the gentle stream.
Delaney did not fare as well as she got caught up in current that pushed her behind a fallen branch and made her get stuck. The current pushed the rest of us in the opposite direction down the river. Little Delaney started to panic. Pam being the super hero mom she is sprung into action to save her precious little girl, and secured a vote of confidence from her youngest in the quest for parent of the year award.
She tossed me her raft and fought the current up river to get to her little Delaney. Delaney was able persevere the mighty river and get her self free before Pam reached her. I breathed a sigh of relief, not because little Delaney had set herself free, but rather that Pam had not been the super hero she had planned. I still had an outside shot at Parent of the Year!
We continued down river and I soon realized that a diet would be in order once the vacation ended. Large robust people struggle on a low river. In other words, people of my size tend to get high center on the river rocks and sandy bottom often. Either pounds need to be slimmed off my bo-bunk-us, or the river needs to see a steady rainfall for a few weeks. Either way my paddle came in handy getting me on unstuck!
Once we reached our destination it was declared by Pam that we would fight the mighty river one more time. Partly because we had a good time, but mostly because Pam was going to get her money worth! We went back to the car for a few drinks and a snack before we went back out.
The trip went a great deal faster the next time down. The girls mastered the paddle, AK was able to keep the "killer river spiders" out of her raft, little Delaney stayed clear of fallen trees, and I was able to maneuverv around the rocks that attracted my butt like a magnet. We had a great time on the river and would highly recommend it to anyone!
We were all staring and still had an hour and a half drive to Flagstaff. We saw a Carl's Junior and stopped. We don't have these in our neck of the woods so we decided to stop and introduce the girls to Carl. He whipped us up some great grub and the girls mowed through their food like ravenous wild beasts.
Everyone was in a great mood as we headed off to Flagstaff. Pam took the wheel and lead the mighty charge north. The higher we got in altitude the lower and more welcome the cool air was. Pam saw a sign on the road for Montezuma's Castle. You might recall that we decided early on that we would make it a point to stop and see cool things along the road. Plus, Pam decided that it was important to pay Montezuma his respect so he did not come back on us and give us his revenge! The castle was a great site to see and worth the side trip.
While walking back on the trail I noticed a family stopped and looking at something. It turned out they spied a rattler. Personally I only like snakes that I don't see, but this was kind of a neat experience as a ranger came down and caught the snake and proceeded to tell us how they go about protecting them. It was cool to see and educational as well. Who knew we could actually teach the younglings and have fun at the same time?
We proceeded on towards our final destination for the day. Once we arrived in Flagstaff we noticed that we were right next to Northern Arizona University. Home of the Lumberjacks. We drove around one of the prettiest campuses I have ever been on. I was glad we drove through it, not only was it beautiful, it also spurred question s from the girls about college. I had to make sure I got a shirt. After all, who wouldn't want some Lumberjack garb?
We got checked into the Hampton Inn and continued to explore this mountain town. It was getting close to dinner so I found the nicest place possible to take my blushing bride of sixteen years, Del Taco! Now, I like me some Del Taco. We don't have one in Midland and what we do have for fast food Mexican is not that good and way over priced. We had 12 tacos and two churros for a grand total of $12. Take that Taco Villa, it was have cost me almost $30, if not more there.
After our Mexican fiesta for our bellies we took the girls for ice cream and to find a spot for fireworks. We didn't fare to well on the firework and found ourselves headed back to our temporary hotel for the night. The girls passed out from exhaustion and Pam and I soon followed suit in preparation of day three which would include the Grand Canyon, and the surprise we have planned for the trip that girls have no idea about!
Day 1:
It was determined early on in the planning that we would rent a car for this particular trip. The rates were unbelievable and we choose not to put any more miles on our oldies but goodies. My job was to pick up the rental car the day before we left. That would give us time to pack it up and head out early for day one. Pam dropped my off at the airport so I could get the mid-sized SUV.
Check in at Enterprise was fast and easy. I was in the Ford Escape heading for home in no time. When I pulled up to the front the girls ran out to see what the car would be. As soon as they got into to see our rental, AK announced that it stunk like smoke. Evidently my sniffer is broke because I didn't smell it. Delaney confirmed the smell and Pam nodded in agreement.
With the Best Parent of the Year award on the line, I loaded up the girls and headed back to the airport for car number two. The second SUV turned out to be a Jeep Compass. This car had no gizmo or gadgets and was basically a go-cart in the shell of an SUV. When I pulled up to the house Pam came outside and started laughing at the thought of this small go-cart taking us and our luggage through four states. I did what any good husband would do when they were about to celebrate their 16th anniversary while traveling. I gleefully went back yet again to the airport to see if I could get something else.
The wonderful lady at the counter was extremely nice and supportive. She upgraded me to a much larger, more comfortable, turbo sized air conditioner, with a huge storage area and powerful engine Dodge Journey. I arrived at home feeling like I had conquered the world as Pam shook her head proudly at what her husband brought home for the family's safe travels on the long and treacherous journey they would be embarking on! We went to Eskimo Hut to celebrate my win with a an adult beverage, and Pam was able to christen our new traveling partner the Grey Goose!
Day one started out at 4:00 am. Pam and I got up and took the dogs for a mile long walk. We woke the girls up, took quick showers and were on the road exactly as we had planned it at 5:00. Delaney was an early candidate to push for the Grumpiest Kid of the Day award with 20 minutes of huffing and puffing while complaining about everything. She finally tossed in the towel and dozed off. Pam and AK soon followed in slumber and I spent the next 3 and a half hours with my own thoughts as we cruised towards old El Paso.
The girls woke up and we hit the gas station for some refueling and some draining. Pam took the wheel and I was next to take a little snooze. I woke up about an hour later feeling lost and confused. Pam was chuckling because I was smiling in my sleep. I'm not sure what she thought was so funny about my smiling in my sleep? I obviously was dreaming about the sixteen years of wedding bliss we would be celebrating the next day!
It was decided in the planning stages that the hurry up offensive would not be put into play. We wanted to take our time and explore whatever came our way. It was not long before we came across a sign for Tombstone, Arizona. I had always wanted to visit it after seeing the movie. Pam did a quick Google map check and it was well within our range to visit.
Tombstone was a great side stop to make. It feels like you are going back in time. We enjoyed walking the same streets as Doc Holiday and Wyatt Earp. AK and I decided we needed a memento from the excursion. We bought some matching shirts with the quote from the movie. Pam and little Delaney made fun of us for acting like a couple of rookie travelers and looking like tourist. We didn't care, we wore them with pride! AK and I decided that this would be a new mantra for the trip. "Tell 'em I'm coming & Hell's coming with me!"
We continued through the streets and happened upon the jail. I locked the family up and thought about going on with a solo trip! But they looked pretty pathetic and were whining, so I sprung them out before the angry mob came for them.
The heat was starting to bear down and little Delaney was getting hungry. If there is anything we have learned from the past was that Grumpy needs need nourishment to truck on. It was only 11:30 in the morning and we had a lot more fun to take on. We couldn't have little Delaney tapping out early on us. Since little Delaney is some cute and irresistible, she gets what she wants and on this day she defiantly proved that she came from my loins as she requested In-N-Out Burger while batting her pretty blue eyes. Pam put the hurry up offense into full effect and headed us to Tucson to replenish our depleted systems.
After a wonderful meal of a double double animal style burger, fries and a chocolate shake it was time to move on to Scottsdale which would be our final destination for the day. We drove the last hour with the temperature raising into the 100's! It was hot and you could feel it when we reached our Embassy Suites. Check in was a breeze and we instantly put on our swim suits to hit the pool for a few adult beverages, rest, relaxation and family fun!
After swimming and cooling off we decided to go get ready for the evening. Embassy Suites has a nice reception with free drinks. and snacks. The girls enjoy the snacks as much as Pam and I enjoy free booze!
Pam knew that AK was needing a trip to the local mall. So she made the executive decision that we would go there for a while and let AK do her thing. I loathe going to the mall. I would rather have each eye lash plucked out individually than have to go shopping at the mall. However, this trip was not all about me and I had to agree to be a part of the fun.
Once we hit the mall, I ditched them like a bad date. I may be forced to go shopping but there is no way I am going to stick around for the endless hours of trying on clothes only to have them realize they don't like it. I had for the sport shops to kill some time. After about an hour Pam texted and told me to meet up with them in another store. Could it be that we were done?
No such luck! When I found them Pam informed me that AK was yet to find anything, and we would be there longer. I grabbed little Delaney and headed to the pet store to kill time. We enjoyed looking at the puppies even though that I had to battle little Delaney's super powers of getting whatever she wanted.
We started to walk back to find Pam and AK when my worse nightmare came true. Little Delaney spotted her favorite store, Justice! With Pam no where in sight, I was forced to enter and watch Delaney shop and try on clothes. Thank the good Lord, little Delaney was quick with her purchases!
We regrouped the family and went off to eat. My nephew Garrett suggested we go to Oregano's for gigantic salads and Chicago style pizza. Garrett may be 6 foot 3 and a 140 pounds dipping wet, but he knows his way around a pizza. Oregano's did not disappoint. Avery Kate gave it four and a half slices of pizza!
After dinner we headed to the hotel and quickly fell asleep after a long day of driving and fun! Tomorrow will bring a new day, two different towns and many more crazy Desparrois' adventures!
Pre-trip
As you know, my family likes to travel. In fact, it is one of my favorite things that my wonderful side kick and self proclaimed family leader, Pam, and I can provide to my kids is the ability to take really cool vacations.
Growing up we did not have many chances to go on great family vacations. We were always busy playing sports. The lack of travel might have also been that my parents had four kids and were focusing on other small things such as food, clothing, shelter, and figuring out unique ways to send all of us through college.
An exception is one summer when my dad loaded up me and my brothers into the family car and we drove from Denver to Chicago to watch baseball games. I had just turned 15 years old and it was the greatest adventure of my life. Not only was it my first time to see a professional baseball game, it was also an opportunity to hangout with my older brothers and my dad. I remember ever aspect to the trip. From the thrill of the drive, stopping and getting snacks at gas stations, eating sandwiches my mom packed on the road, and sleeping in a hotel in Omaha that was halfway on our journey.
At the time I was to young to understand the impact this would have on me in my life. I now realize that not only did it give me an amazing chance to spend time with three people who I looked up to, it made me fall in love with the open road and traveling across the country.
This years family trip was originally going to be to Chicago so the girls could meet all the great relatives we have up there. This plan fell short since Pam has a major conference at work the week we get back. So we decided that we would go somewhere that we could get back a few days early so Pam could wrap up any last minute details and take care of any issues that come up!
At first I was bummed about not going back to Chicago. I would love for my girls to meet all the unique and great people that are a part of the family, and more importantly their heritage! That trip is postponed for one more year.
After I got over my little pity party it came to me to do something that I have always dreamed of doing and something that we have not attempted to do in the past. We are going to drive across the great southwest and explore the beautiful desert. This might sound a little strange to do in the summer, however; we are a little strange, so it should all work out!
The plan is to reach a different city/town each night and stay to explore and take in the local culture. There will be a great deal of miles to travel, lots of homemade sandwiches to eat, battles over the control of the radio stations, strange noises, possibly odd smells coming from the back seat of the car, and maybe even a few from the front seat of the car. It all depends on what we feed Pam! Of course we will continue to have the always popular contests such as: Grumpiest Kid, Parent of the Year, and Coolest Family Member. We will laugh with each other, sometimes at each other, hug, smile, takes lots of pictures and even have the typical fights and arguments that come from too much time together in a tight space. But in the end, my hope is that the girls will have an adventure that they can look back on and smile just like I do when I think of the great trip I got to take to Chicago when I was 15! I hope you will enjoy reading about it as much as I hope to enjoy
living it!
