Sounds like you had a wonderful trip and glad you all enjoyed it. That's a lot to cover in 11 days! Dh and I drove across country right after we got engaged, starting in No. California. We'd both been to the Grand Canyon before, but while living in Hawaii, we met a guy who grew up in AZ. He told us about this canyon adjacent to the Grand Canyon that he and his family used to hike into - the trail ends in an Indian reservation. We decided to do it on our trip across country. I'm not sure what we were thinking...while physically fit, we weren't big hikers and it was a 10 mile hike down, it was 100+ degrees (middle of July). We camped overnight and then hiked back out the next day. I was never so happy to get back to our car with A/C! From there we were headed to Denver, so we drove up through Utah along some deserted 2-lane highways, but the scenery was spectacular. We didn't make it to Bryce or Zion, but we have vowed that once all of our kids were old enough to appreciate, we were going to do a trip like yours. We'll probably just do Sedona, Grand Canyon, and then one place up in Utah. I assume you were driving from place to place? Did you get to stop at any of the pueblos? Those were really pretty cool. I agree with you about Vegas. Once was enough for me. We stopped there too on our trip from San Fran down to AZ via L.A then San Diego (our trip was very convoluted as we were all over the map visiting friends along the way). We just had an overnight in Vegas, but did hit a casino just for fun. Totally not my thing at all. Just too much for me. It was neat to experience once, but I have no desire to head back. Did you see the Hoover Dam too? Probably not as I imagine that wasn't on your way if you were coming from Utah. If you have any specific kid-friendly info of places you stopped, please share! I'm taking note of the Pink Jeep tour! Glad you had a great time but totally understand being a little bit too much togetherness! With four kids, I get that when we are having to stay in hotel rooms for any length of time.

Joining in the praise, and I can truly relate to value of a (good) decision made. I was curious to see the view count but I don't see it now. ( we need to know how many bridesmaids still counting)-- I don't see it though I have looked. I wonder if I need to sign in? lol

As someone who is scent sensitive I wish Febreeze and Downey wrinkle releaser were banned from the planet. Sitting next to someone who smells like either one for an extended period of time could very well induce a vomiting migraine for me, which wouldn't be pleasant for either of us. I'm struggling with packing right now too. I leave Sunday to spend a few days with my sister in Alberta (fall / chilly), and then on to Hawaii. When I travel I decide what suitcase I want to take, depending on itinerary, etc. Then I'm allowed to take whatever I want so long as it all easily fits in the bag.

Specific Ibex, They showed us how the tea is picked (still by hand in this part of the world), dried, rolled crushed and roasted in a cool 100yo factory overlooking the hills, that I could not help think, with its old wood floors and huge windows, would make great condos. Our guide also went into great detail about the soil conditions and chemical processes, how tea is graded and sold, etc. We did have a tasting of their single source teas, as well as various blends. I am a big tea drinker but honestly I can enjoy everything from Red Rose to Harney & Sons to Mariage Freres, not to mention all the not-tea teas.