Awhile ago, I posted about a decision that we made to ask each of our kids what one thing they would love to do with their dad in the next few months. I think I mentioned that we were surprised by what they picked and I can tell you that we’ve learned a lot about them in the process of working to make these dreams become reality. This is a project that I would recommend for every parent – it’s been priceless and the memories will be as well.
So, the planning is done, the time has come and Dream #1 is in motion as I write this. On Thursday, Steve, Tess and Josiah took off in a big, fatty motor home for a road trip through the National Parks. This is Tess’ pick. She has always wanted to see Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore through the lens of her camera and we are so excited to be along for the ride. I had a conference and a couple of other obligations that I needed to finish up, so I let the family pile into the RV and waved goodbye from the driveway (not my favorite moment). They took a few days making their way to Nebraska, where Steve was able to pull off a fun surprise for his Dad on Father’s Day (Steve’s parents live in Nebraska, along with his sister’s family.) Tomorrow, I will jump on a plane and meet them in Lincoln, and from there, our trip will look like this:
Our stops are as follows:
Lincoln, Nebraska: We lived in Lincoln for four years and we really love this city. Tess is our only child who was born here and that’s how we explain her red hair (ever seen the crowd at a Cornhusker game?)
Wall, South Dakota: I hadn’t heard of this Western wonder til I put out a little facebook request for traveling tips. Now I’m looking forward to experiencing Wall Drug and some museums.
Mt. Rushmore: We’re excited to see this cool monument and Tess and I are on the lookout for – not even kidding here – a necklace with the head of a president on it. Sounds a little creepy that way, but I think I meant the silhouette of a president. We’ll be staying near Mt. Rushmore in Hill City for several days at this fun place.
Cody, Wyoming. I recently followed another blogger’s road trip and their raves about Cody convinced me to put it on our itinerary as well. Who can pass up all those museums…and a town with a roundup every night? Sign me up!
Yellowstone. Oh, how I love Yellowstone. We’ve been there on a fairly extensive and adventurous snowmobiling vacation, but I’ve never seen Yellowstone in the summertime. I cannot wait! All the web sites for Yellowstone were lame, so I didn’t link it. How can you make something that looks like this seem boring? 
Stay tuned because I’ll definitely try to keep you posted from the road and Tess will document the trip with her trusty Nikon. We’d love prayer for safe travel and for an extra helping of strength for Steve to be able to really enjoy this trip and all that it holds. Also, that we find that President necklace!
Rolling, rolling, rolling,
Bo
What an awesome adventure and wonderful memories in the making! Will look forward to reading about your travels and seeing pictures.
I met Susan, Steve, Tess, and Josiah sneeking in the back door yesterday 🙂 but wasn’t in the sanctuary to see Paul & Eleanor’s faces when your family appeared. I’m sure it was priceless.
You have a beautiful family. Thanks for sharing them. We hold you close to our hearts and are keeping you in our prayers.
We had so much fun surprising mom and dad. Mom said she was “shocked”!! So sorry Jerry and I had to leave before we saw you…..I need to come to Bend just to have coffee with you and you alone!
Have a wonderful trip home and give driving that motorhome a try…you can do it!!!
Love,
Susan
Missing you, Susan…but loving your house!
Love this. Love you. Love Yellowstone. LOVE the Gibbon River (affectionately known by my family as the Ribbon Giver).
http://jandtheboys.blogspot.com/2008/02/lord-of-gibbon.html
Please say hello to the strange winding river for me 🙂
This delights my heart! Talk about making lemonade out of lemons; that’s our Stern family!!!
Safe travels!
Prayers and Love,
Jill
Oh.. what fun.. I do love road trips and I am sure you will all have a Great time.. I do remember a coffee shop in Hill City.. the only one around that i can remember.. not a whole lot of Starbucks where you will be traveling.. you might want to pick up some of those instant packets .. I know your family does love a Good cup of joe.. have fun and Blessings and safe travels to you …
I have always loved road trips with my family….some of my most favorite and memorable moments. May the Lord be with you in all of your travels and the memories last forever.
Speaking of trips . . .
Our son, Jonathan wanted to support Team Stern and ALS but had already signed up for a marathan in Idaho on the day of the the September walk.
He bought raffle tickets to support Team Stern and ALS and we just found out this morning that he won the trip to Costa Rica!!
Marla -that is the coolest news EVER!! Tell Jonathan to have a fantastic time and thank him for supporting Team Stern!
Hi Bo, our family is leaving soon to go on a similar road trip. We will stop in Boise to visit my family, then Yellowstone, then Rushmore, then Chicago, then to Michiagan to visit my Mom!