A Roadtrip of a Lifetime

   I had this idea that it would be so much fun for all of us to drive down to the Grand Canyon.  After all, the kids are getting a bit older and getting much better at driving long distances in the car.  I have such fond memories of getting to travel mostly by car around the country with my parents when I was a little girl.  I love driving and seeing new things.  So, Brian and I decided we would attempt the impossible.  Take seven children ages 10, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, and 2 on a fifteen hour roadtrip to the Grand Canyon. 

   Frank and Belinda, Brian's parents, were so generous and kind to let us take their incredible, enormous RV on our journey.  And it was the first trip this RV had been on too!  Let's just say this thing really is a house on wheels!

   The first night we drove to Lehi, Utah.  Neither of us realized a blizzard was coming... Seriously it was one of the scariest times on the road I've ever been through!  Brian's first time driving this enormous vehicle with seven little kids clamoring in the back.  We could hardly see the road with all the snow plummeting down.  And the wind!  I felt lucky to be alive when we reached Lehi.  The hotel had lost power and so we were literally using our cell phones for light to see in our room.

    The next day we made it just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada.  Brian insisted that I at least try to drive the big beast.  I drove it almost the whole entire day.  I actually found driving was easier than dealing with the kids.   lol

   The following day we made it to the West Entrance of the Grand Canyon.  We drove through an Indian Reservation to get there and then park your cars and ride busses to three different points of interest.  The sites were incredible.  Standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon my heart literally stopped for a moment.  It is breathtaking and incredible.  It makes a person marvel in the amazing creation of the earth.

   My favorite site was The Skywalk.  It is a glass walkway that literally goes over the Grand Canyon.  They don't allow any cameras up there.  It is a reverent feeling to be standing over one of God's Creations and enjoying it with those you love.  There was an amazing rock formation of an eagle right in front of us.  It made us think of Lence...

    The next day we were able to walk across the Hoover Dam and take a tour of it and actually go down into the ground and see how it works.  There are so many amazing things to see and experience in this country. 

   We drove to Cedar City and went to church on Sunday.  We spent the last day resting, playing Wii, and recuperating from all of our travels.

   What a roadtrip!  What a memorable experience!  And Brian and I learned what it could really be like managing all seven kids, on vacation, and in "real life."  I think we did pretty awesome all things considered.  And it was an experience to remember for always...