Trip totals

July 29 

Well we made it home and now over a week later I can reflect on the trip.  

We had great weather and a great experience. 

We visited 25 states

Major attractions: 4 corners, Mesa Verde,  Grand Canyon, sequoia National Forest, Yosemite, Golden Gate Bridge, Redwood Forest, Space Needle, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, Corn Palace and Gateway Arch

 

Total miles: 8,700 

Total gas $: 2,800.00

Total RV site $: 1,358.00

Food I can only estimate around $800.00 for groceries. 

We all had our own spending money we had saved. 

All in all our trip cost under or around $5,000 for everything.  That isn't to bad for 33 days of travel. 

Day 33: Home at Last

July 20

Well, I can truly say I have had a blast but I am ready to be home. We left the KOA by 8:30 and had a 5 and a half hour drive home. We stopped a couple times for gas and a hot dog lunch.  We also had a 1 hour time change to deal with.  We pulled into our driveway at 4:00 sharp. Thanks to our neighbors Gretchen and Allen who came to help us unpack the trailer!  Home sweet home at last. The Good Lord blessed up going and coming. 

Only a short time until school starts but before I know it summer will be here again and off on another adventure we will go. 

Day 32: The Gateway Arch

July 19

I can't believe today is our last full official day and tomorrow we will be home.  It has been an amazing and wonderful trip, one I know I will never forget. 

We were up and headed to the Gateway Arch by 7:30 because we had an 8:20 tour time. It was overcast threatening to rain. We have been lucky so far with only two evenings that rained this entire trip. 

  There was a ton of construction in St. Louis but we were lucky to find a handicapped parking spot on the road. Mom and Dad walked to the court house while the boys and I headed to the Arch to take the 4 minute tram to the top. 

After our trip to the top Mom and Dad joined us to watch a 30 minute video on how The Gateway Arch was made. Unfortunately the museum was closed for construction. 

We were back at our campsite and packed up by 11:00. We had a 5 hour drive to East Nashville KOA.  We arrived around 5:00, set up and Nupa and the boys headed to the pool while I did laundry and Mom started dinner. 

Tomorrow we will get up leisurely and head 5 and a half hours home. I have truly enjoyed seeing all of the United States and look forward to planning a shorter trip for next summer. Anyone up for a road trip? 

Day 31: Driving to St. Louis

June 18

We are on our very last leg of the trip. Today was a travel day leaving Wisconsin in the rain at 8:20 and heading around Chicago (not through it) to get to St. Louis. Mom and I tag teamed the driving the entire way. I think we are both dragging after 30 days on the road. We arrived at the Cahokia RV Parque at 4:00. The younger two headed straight for the pool since it was over 90 and very humid here. 

Mom made our favorite dish, chicken Paprikas for dinner and now the boys are playing on their iPads.  Early to bed tonight because we have to be at the Arch for our tour at 8:00. This is our last tourist attraction. I have had an awesome  trip but I am so ready to be home!!!

Day 30: Rummage Sales and Putt Putt

July 17

Up and leaving the campground around 8:00 to head to Rummage Sales.  We had the best time looking for bargains. Cayson's best bargain was a car/ boat / trailer for 75 cents.  Carter's best bargain was a book full of Pokemon cards.  Camden's was a pile of plastic Easter eggs for his annual hunt. All for the price of $1.00. My best bargain was a brand new swivel bottom lightweight suit case for $20.00. We probably went to 8 different rummage sales. Dad bought books and Mom bought small cooking Utensils. Andrew (their cousin) bought several candles and a hydration station. 

  We ate lunch at Aunt Jeanne's and then  the boys and I went back to Bender Park because it was sunny, hot and humid. Cousin Kim met us there. 

We stayed at the park for a couple hours, headed back to the campground, showered and then went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. 

   On the way back we spotted a putt putt place so the boys enjoyed putt putt while Kim and I got to talk. 

After golf the boys wanted to make a fire and roast marshmallows. After many failed attempts, they roasted marshmallows over a candle. 

The paper would burn but the wood was damp from the rain the day before. It was a fun and relaxing day. 

Tomorrow we are onto our final days and headed to the Gateway Arch. 

Day 29: Minions Movie and family night

July 16

It was overcast and chilly today. Andrew, the boy's cousin spent the night so they were up playing games and on the playground early. I had a chance to run again and enjoyed a waffle breakfast made by Carter, Andrew and my mom. Aunt Jeanne even came to join us. We had fun playing frisbee and bouncing a ball outside. 

For lunch we headed back to Aunt Jeanne's house then decided to see the new Minions Movie.  I would not recommended it. The boys liked it but I had a hard time sitting through it with out falling asleep. Not my favorite movie!!!

After the movie Kim, Uncle Gary and Uncle Mike ( Mom Kaye's brothers)  came for a cook out.  We really had a great time catching up talking. 

Uncle Mike

Kim and Uncle Gary

The boys enjoying cards. 

The whole gang.

Tomorrows activities all depends on the weather but we are hoping to go to some yard sales in the morning.  

Day 28: Lake Michigan and Milwaukee Zoo

July 15

Today we didn't have to pack up.  It was so nice to get up and run 3 miles again.    While I was running the boys were playing on the campgrounds playground.  When I returned we headed over to Aunt Jeanne's house for breakfast... My favorite... Kringle. 

After breakfast we went to visit one of my mom's good friends from 20 years ago when she lived in Racine. Claudia had all kinds of goodies for the boys and the cutest little dog named Sophie. 

Once we left we went back to Aunt Jeanne's for lunch and headed to the lake. It was simply beautiful. 

The boys spent the afternoon playing in the sand, burying their feet, jumping the waves and eating gummy fish Aunt Jeanne had purchased. 

 Dad snoozed!

After leaving the beach area we quickly headed back to the camper to shower and then meet our cousins at the Milwaukee zoo. 

Everyone got a massage at Dairy Queen even Aunt Kim. 

Cayson wanted to take a train ride with Uncle Gary and me while the big kids did the climbing tower. 

The boys actually spent the majority of their zoo time on the playground. I got to watch a peacock.  

We decided to have their cousin Andrew spend the night so they could enjoy more time tomorrow.  We are waiting on the weather to decide on plans for tomorrow. I can't believe out time is coming to a close with only 5 days left.  

Day 27: Driving to Racine Wisconsin

July 14

Today will be a short post because it was basically a long 8 hour drive day with only quick stops.  We were on the road by 8:15 and had to drive through part of South Dakota, all of Minnisota and all of Wisconsin. The only fun part of the drive was finding a delectable bakery/ cafe in a gas station.  We spent $10 just on cookies. 

 We reached our Cliffside Campground at 6:00 after an hour of road construction.  Luckily we met up with our honorary aunt/longtime family friend Aunt Jeanne and we all enjoyed Chinese! 

Tomorrow we will enjoy Lake Michigan and the boys and I will head to the zoo to meet Greg's family in the evening.