Thornton-Clarkston-Moab-Mesa Verde-Telluride-Grand Jct-Thornton-Road Trip!

We literally drove for about 25 hours in one week and had a nice time. Oh there were moments for sure, but as I look back, it was worth it. We had a nice 3 1/2 days with Kathy and Reggie. We saw Lola and Tip, Diana and Gary and Merle. We had dinner with Shari and Randy. We went to Logan and to USU. We drove around Clarkston and had lots of down time. We hadn't seen Kathy and Reggie in person for almost a year other than our quick visit over Conference weekend, so it was time and it was nice. They love us so much. The kids loved playing with her cat and watching lots of tv and I got to read and finish Alex's quilt after starting it 11 years ago. Travis was the best son and just did a lot of nice things for Kathy around the house. He's the best. We also saw Connie's family and met her twin girls. Chloe and Jessie were born on Alex's birthday so he was excited to meet them. We left Clarkston and headed to Moab for a night and a day at Arches. 

Moab was great cuz we stayed in a hotel, swam and we didn't have to do the 3 mile hike to the arch because we did a few years ago and everyone refused! We had a great time visiting other arches in the park that were pretty remarkable. 

After Arches, we headed through Monticello, temple stop, to Cortez and Mesa Verde where we camped for two nights. We didn't get eaten by mosquitoes or bears so it was a success. We didn't get rained on or thrown up on either. First trip in ten years without a major issue! 

We loved seeing all the ancestral Puebloans homes on the cliffs. It was quite remarkable. So exciting for my Minecraft kids. They have so many plans to recreate some of these dwellings. I just think its amazing that people chose to live on cliff in the 13th century in Colorado!

We visited Cortez and had fun at our camp site both afternoons and evenings. No fires so we were in bed by 9, but we had a good time together. Ethan did a lot of reading, but he was happy that way. 

We left Cortez and travelled north to Telluride. A most beautiful, green, scenic drive and to see Telluride! It was beautiful. The kids said they'd never get bored if we lived there. I don't believe it. We aren't moving.

After our pit stop in Telluride we headed to see the Gibson's in Grand Junction. They have a beautiful new home and the move has been wonderful for their family. Kailee continues to struggle, but she hugged both Kedzie and I at the end of our visit which was touching. Natalee was so grateful for our visit. It was a blessing for all of us and so nice to catch up. After a few hours with our friends, we headed home to enjoy the neighborhood fireworks in the street! 

Grateful for our home, our friends, our family. Grateful for our freedoms and blessings that we encounter each day. Our country is struggling and I've come to realize that all I can do to help it, is to support and love my family and those around me. That is something I can and will do. I'm grateful for the opportunity. Our life is far from perfect. There are struggles for each one of us on a daily basis, but I'll take our challenges over so many others and I will strive to learn and grow from them and be a better person each and every day.  Love to all.