Read Fam Road Trip 2018 : In the Beginning / OKC

Several years ago we spent a few weeks in the Northwest and it was a very sweet time. We were just a family of three. 

A few months ago, I got a phone call from an old friend. A now engaged friend who wants me to photograph her wedding! It's two weeks after Liam finishes school. Perfect timing for a trip out west. 

When we started to plan the trip, I thought it might be more affordable than flying. It's not. At all. What could be a 10-14 day trip will take 3 weeks + we'll spend over $1000 in gas. BUT! We are suckers for a good adventure so that plan marched on. As we started to develop our ideas, I dreamt of taking my boys to the Grand Canyon. Dan and I went about a month before we came parents and it is still one of our favorite trips of all time. 

So, Liam finished kindergarten and we loaded up Dan's van. Dan bought this van last year and I was very anti-gas-guzzling-van but we have all grown to love Big Green very much. 

Dan, Liam and Ronan at the Mississippi Riverfront in Memphis, TN

Our first day was one of the longest days we'll spend on the road. We drove for 10 hours to camp outside of Oklahoma City, at Stanley Draper Lake. It was $8/night and very primitive. Just about 40 tent sites with one spigot and one outhouse. It was beautiful and remote and full of bugs and humidity. We stayed warm all night and I woke up early to take Indie for a jog. Liam came with me. He was beaming and told me over and over again how much he loves me and loves this trip. He asked if we would be home in 4 days. I told him 20 days and he screamed with glee. (Praying that sentiment lasts the full 3 weeks). 

Today we're on the way to Albuquerque, NM! 

Photo by Liam

Read Fam Road Trip :

Day 1 OKC

Day 2 New Mexico

Day 3 The Grand Canyon

Day 4 California

Day 5 Pismo Beach and San Francisco

Day 6 Pacific Coast Highway and Oregon