We left Nevada with big smiles on our faces, not because we were excited to go, but because we were thrilled for what was to come!
My family planned to all meet up in Utah this April and the day had finally arrived! My parents were the first to arrive. They got in last Saturday afternoon. We spend a few days alone with them (celebrating my mom’s birthday) before adding my sister’s family to the reunion. Once you have grandkids and grandparents in the family mix, everything is more exciting. There was much hugging, kissing, and playing to be had!
Our little family of four anticipated this family meet up for months. It truly felt like we waited forever. “When will we see Mammy and Papa” and “what day will our cousins come” was all the kids could talk about.
It was early in our marriage, before we even had kids, that we ever went that long without seeing family. I’m thankful my sister helped plan the Utah trip for everyone to get together. Utah was our last big state to conquer before heading back for the Midwest.
Along with enjoying the comfort of family, we also took on the craziness of visiting multiple national parks! We spent two days at Zion, then one at Bryce Canyon, and a couple more days at Arches. You just cannot visit those parks and tell me there is no God. He’s a true Creator, and His artwork is on display across this whole earth. Few people may have the time or dedication to take a road trip like we are in their lifetime, but for those willing, I am sure you will experience God in a whole new way. His fingerprints are everywhere around this world.
Here’s just a few of my favorite shots at the national parks as well. I felt Bryce Canyon was the most kid-friendly spot because the size was a bit more manageable. However, Zion and Arches are pretty iconic in the social media world, so it was fun to actually see them in real life.
We stayed in five different Airbnbs over the course of just one week. We ate meals anywhere we could and drove lots of miles most days. Our six month road trip has taught us an immense amount of flexibility and I’m still no expert at bending with changed plans. This trip has also humbled me. Not only am I a small speck on the face of this planet, but I’m also far more sinful than I ever realized. The sweet and kind woman I hope people perceive me as actually struggles with a whole lot of bitterness and shame as well. I don’t love to admit it, but I’m pretty worried about what others are thinking. What I imagined to be an incredible time with my family quickly turned into my own sin flooding out to disrupt everyone around me. This is real life, guys. It’s not really what you imagine, but that’s exactly how God grows you.
This blog is about living frugally and traveling the country, yes. But sometimes I can’t help but share what I’m learning. This life wouldn’t be one defined by Christ if there wasn’t discomfort.
We are on route to Wyoming now, and I’m surprised at how much I’m loving it. The state I imagined to be the most boring on our list is actually proving pretty entertaining!
As we spend our final month on the road, we look forward to reuniting once again with our Green Bay abode. It’s not just our own beds and toys; it’s making memories in our home once again. I look forward to celebrating our May and June birthdays with homemade cake. I cannot wait to go on walks around our familiar neighborhood. And I know some routine and consistency will be good for everyone in the family.
I’ll be back with a list of all our Wyoming fun because this states is highly underrated!
See ya on the road!
