RV Trip | The Grand Canyon

From The Grand Tetons we went down through Salt Lake City {wish we would have went through the Salt Flats -- on the list for next time!} to Las Vegas.  My in laws hadn't been to Las Vegas, so we wanted to let the experience it.  It was a first for our kids as well -- I thought they would like all of the lights but they were not a fan of Vegas.  I will say, do not go to Las Vegas during a pandemic.  It was very different than it normally is -- no shows, many restaurants closed, casinos super empty/closed.  It was almost eerie how quiet it was.  The highlight was staying at the MGM {our kids couldn't believe how bit it was} and swimming in their pool the morning we left.

After Las Vegas, we headed 4 hours East to the Grand Canyon.  Unfortunately the Hoover Dam was closed due to Covid {next time!}  We stayed at the only campground on the Grand Canyon property, Trailer Village RV Park and it's so much better than it sounds.  We had several Elk walking right up to our campground.  It was just magical!  Another trip highlight, for sure!  

People recommended to us to go to the Grand Canyon at sunrise, however that just wasn't a priority to us.  I haven't seen the Grand Canyon at sunrise, so I can't compare, but I will say we went around 10a and it awesome.  Only the South entrance was open, but it wasn't busy/crowded at all.  We really enjoyed our morning here.  

RV Trip | Yellowstone & Grand Tetons

From South Dakota we turned West and headed to Wyoming for days 3-5 of the trip.  We lucked out with a campsite right in Yellowstone.  We stayed at Grant Village campground and had an awesome campsite.  A word of warning, if you're staying with an RV, they don't offer full hookups and all generators must be shut off at 9 or 10p.  It wasn't a huge deal, but a little inconvenience.  That being said, the site was fantastic.  Behind our campsite was steps that led down to Yellowstone Lake which is where we saw a bear cub swimming and also a cow elk feeding.  It was one of my favorite memories of the trip.  We hung out down there until sunset.  Also, camping in Yellowstone National Park is super cheap {~$30 night if I remember right}

This is West Thumb Geyser Basin

Old Faithful Geyser is a must - check the website daily for eruption schedule.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone {I didn't even know that was a thing!} but it's gorgeous!
You can hike down to the bottom too.

The photo above shows the little hiking trail that goes to the bottom.

We didn't get to Firehole Canyon because there wasn't RV parking, but the water there is supposed to be super warm because it's fed by geysers.  You can swim in it, so bring your suit.

No photos, because I forgot my camera in the RV, but Midway Geyser Basin is breathtaking!! Don't skip this if you go!

Not a great photo, but lots of animal sightings everywhere. Adam and my father in law are amazing at animal sightings.  If you have a nice pair of binoculars, make sure to bring them. 

Grand Teton National Park is much smaller in comparison to Yellowstone, but they're connected and close enough you shouldn't skip it.

This is Jackson Lake and it's THE best part of the Tetons in my opinion.  Pack a lunch and walk down.  Parking is close and you can walk over to a little beach for the most gorgeous views!  The water is shallow for a long way, so you can walk pretty far out.  

We drove through Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, but found it underwhelming.  

The kids first Vikings game

For Christmas, we got the kids tickets to their first Minnesota Vikings game.  Well their first NFL game, too I guess.  Our friends Jon & Jess and their boys were there too, so we stayed in a hotel in the night before and went to the game together.  We always like to stop at The Vikings Longhouse before the game to get in the spirit.  The kids got to meet the cheerleaders, so that was fun.  

As for the game itself, the Vikings sadly lost to the Bears, but it was a great game!  Especially when you consider none of the Vikings starters played.  I was worried the kids would get bored, as football games can get a little long sometimes, but neither kid seemed bored at all.  We did however spend $6157248645 dollars on food! ;)  

It's been so long since we were there I can't even remember where we ate {sad!} but I do remember we stated at the Hilton Downtown Minneapolis {thanks Priceline!} and it was beautiful!  Longtime followers know how much my kids love a good hotel!  It's all about the pools and the two double beds to jump back and forth on.  :)

South Carolina 2019

My mom asked if I wanted to join her to visit my sister, her husband, and their dog in South Carolina while my dad was on his annual fishing trip to Canada, so of course I jumped on the opportunity.  Before long, my other sister, her husband, and their daughter joined, so I decided to take the kids too -- leaving just Adam {at home} and my dad {in Canada}.  In June, my dad ended up having emergency back surgery and wasn't medically released to go to Canada in August.  So, he decided to join us too.  All of this to explain why everyone in my family was on the trip, except Adam. :(  We missed him for sure.  It just felt weird without him.  However, having my mom with me on the flight down and my sister and brother-in-law with us on the return flight, paired with the fact that the kids are older now, didn't make it a big deal that he wasn't with us. 

Shirts c/o of 417Designs

This isn't a what to see/do/eat in South Carolina, because when we go see Alicia and Brad, it's mainly about spending time together, not exploring.  Even though we love Greenville and would highly recommend it!!! {maybe someday she'll put together a travel guide for Greenville and/or South Carolina}  Until then, this is what we did when we weren't playing Jenga on the patio, eating my favorite steamed bagels, or taking family walks around their gorgeous neighborhood. 

   

 

 

 

As soon as we got settled, we headed out to El Thrifty Social Club where we all had a blast {sometimes a challenge with such a wide range in ages/love of games}  I learned to play Mexican Bowling -- so much fun!  Papa go to show the kids his love for air hockey -- they bother loved it so much we down own one!  And shuffleboard brought back memories of my first vacation to Florida. It was an incredible afternoon, even if it was a million degrees outside! :)

     

 

One day {I have no idea if these are in order, because honestly I can't remember since it's been 6 months!} they took us to Chimney Rock State Park.  Everyone except my dad {back surgery} and Cullyn {my dad's shadow} climbed to the top for the views a photo with the flag the ice cream. :)  At this time I was training for my marathon and this hike may or may not have caused me to pause training for a week!  The back of my calves would NOT move!  I hobbled around for the rest of the trip -- hahaha!!  After the hike, we ate at Old Rock Cafe at the bottom of the mountain.  My sister and the kids and I explored the creek behind the restaurant while we were waiting for a table.  It felt so good!

Another day we 'hiked' around Lake Placid.  I never feel qualified to said hike without the quotation marks, because we are not true hikers.  Both of these hikes are appropriate for children.  I walked them in sandles if I remember right. It was more about being together and seeing beautiful views than getting a workout. I just thought I should clarify that. :)

     

Another day we went putt-putt golfing at McPherson Park.  They have a bunch of putters and golfballs and you can borrow or bring your own an play for free.  Such a fun idea.  I would love to implement one in our little town!  Unfortunately, I was having an off day and didn't take first but it was still super fun. ;)

One afternoon while my niece, Oaklyn, was napping my sister and I took the kids to the backyard for a few games of tennis.  The kids had been begging all week for us to take them out there and play.  I'm so glad we did because it was such a great time even Kiko, my sisters dog, approved! :)

Thanks for hosting us Brad & Alicia.

We love getting to spend time with you in your beautiful city!

A little flashback to our first trip to Greenville in 2016.  They were just babies!!