It all worked out for both Dan and I's family to see everyone in one big road trip this summer & it was epic. We have done big drives before so really I wasn't too worried about it. The plan was for the kids and I to drive to Idaho & Dan fly in for the 4th of July. Then head to Canada.
This is all about part one of this trip.
We had a count down to when we would be leaving for grandma and grandpa's house! The kids pulling off the last chain!
The plan was to get out the door by 9:30 but it took me longer than expected to get loaded up and the house clean. So we didn't leave until about 10:30. Then Owen forgot his shoes so we had to turn back around. Then after a solid half hour in the gas station loading up on snacks we finally hit the road.
Kate snoozing away! She looked so comfy! I was jealous!
Our first stop was in Salina, Kansas. Our usual. We know our hotel. We know the stops, restaurants, it's an easy get to. Plus the drive is only about six hours. Eight including stops. So this is always the easiest day. Owen and I shared a bed and Kate slept on the floor on an air mattress.
Kate would be so wired at nights. So I literally turned off all the lights and told her we were going to bed. In reality I have no idea what time she eventually fell asleep. Don't worry she was safe.
She was OBSESSED with the hotel phones. I unplugged them and let her play! She LOVED IT!
We had our continental breakfast, loaded up and headed out for day two. Our longest day of eight hours, ten including stops.
I couldn't help but take pictures of her. SHe's just too cute!
We made it Wyoming for our last stop in a hotel. We did our usual thing of swimming and pizza. Then headed to bed early. I think we were all a bit tired this night!
Same thing the next morning. Breakfast, load up and head out. This drive through Wyoming was crazy. The GPS took me on some crazy backroads and there wasn't a gas station, food, NOTHING!! FOREVER!!! I called my parents to let them know if I run out of gas they would need to come get me! hahaha
Finally we came across an animal feed stop and got some gas there. five minutes later Dan texted me because our credit card company had called to confirm a purchase at the animal feed store so he was curious as to what I was doing. Hahaha
We finally made it to a small town and got Subway for lunch. At this point we only had a few house left of the drive.
We drove through the Jackson Pass and it was so incredibly beautiful! I would have taken pictures if I wasn't driving over a mountain at the time but man the views were breath taking!
Then just like that we made it!!! It was thee best feeling pulling into my parents driveway!
The kids instantly booked it for outside!
I felt good to stretch and play around with some yoga of course.
We got all snuggled in and grandma read the girls some stories. Owen was already out cold. He was tired. 
The next day we grabbed my two nieces Sam and Q and headed to bear world.
The little cubs were so active that day! They were fighting and playing like crazy! They were so cute!
Kate saying hi to the chickens. This little girl doesn't have a shy bone in her body. And it freaks me out. We were in the gift shop and I turned to grab Owen's souvenir and I look over and see Kate in some random ladies arms!!! I about freaked out!! The lady looked at me concerned too. I guess Kate just went up to her and gave her a hug. The lady was worried she was lost so she picked her up to see if she could find her mom. Which was me! It was a panic moment for sure!
Petting zoo.
The rides were the best this year. The kids played on them forever and still wanted more when we had to leave. They are at that fun age where they just go go go! It's so fun!
This bear ride spins like crazy and no adult wanted to go with the kids. Haha my dad was good sport about it!
Balance beam
Later that day we got home and just played, had dinner and watched a movie. We were beat.
The next day we headed over to our local park splash pad and carousel. A big Rexburg tradition.
Q and Owen were serious buds this trip! They definitely became besties!
Later that night we had dinner and then went to Mike and Shay's house in Idaho Falls so we could go take Dan a car at the airport. He was flying in that night.
He arrived safe and sound and we got ready to celebrate Independence Day the next morning.
Dan woke up on the 4th and went running. I went out and did some yoga and then we got ready for the parade. The day before my dad and I went and staked out some spots. It was fun. We both got super into it locking down our spot for the parade.
Three little Americans. Well half and half. Whatever.
Waiting for the parade to start
Then the fun began. Soooooo much candy is an understatement. By the middle of the parade candy was landing in our laps and the kids didn't even pick it up! hahahaha
We then had a fun day in my parents back yard with the Mendenhall's. Big Jenga, Corn hole, and shoving our faces full of awesome food.
How freaking beautiful is she?!?!?
My brother hooked us up with some BIG fireworks this year so we had our own little private show.
Sparklers
My brother was lighting off some big fireworks and the canister tipped over and started the fireworks all over the place. Everyone was in pure panic! It was so scary! Then it was over and thankfully no one got hurt. It was more confusion than anything, but my brother Mikey jumped in front of the fire work! He totally sacrificed himself! Haha it was crazy!
And then just like that our round one trip to Idaho was complete. Dan and I were packed and ready to head out that next morning bright and early for Canada!
Next stop! Calgary!
