August 31, 2026-Ultimate Utah Adventure Day 10

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Yesterday evening was wet, and today has turned out to be a wet day too. We pulled out of the campground near Capitol Reef around 9 this morning or possibly it was 9:30. Either way, we were pleased with our time.

We had basically one road to drive down, but it was a doozy. It was hwy 12 which is one of the most scenic drives in America. It was that, but I felt it was also a little on the treacherous side. Ha! Actually, I wasn't nearly as stressed as I was in Colorado leaving Denver. 

The scenery was gorgeous even with a steep drop off and no guard rails on both sides. There were turn outs every few feet almost plus we were listening to our audio guide with information about what we were seeing. 

Before we even go to the scenic views, we had dealt with construction and a super long traffic light, a heard of cows in the road, and even crazy foggy weather. Thankfully, by the time we made it to the on top of a mountain part, everything had cleared up, and the drive was super nice-maybe because Robby was going pretty slowly so he could take it all in as well.

We arrived to our campground in Ruby's Inn right outside of Bryce Canyon just as the rain started. We ate as it rained. When there was a break in the rain, Robby hooked everything up, and we unhooked the car. Then the rain started, and it went on and on. 

Robby caught up on some work while the kids did school. Campbell is making her way through college algebra so she just has a test to do tomorrow, and then we can be finished with that at least this week. After school was finished, we had to wait on the rain to finish.

When it did, we headed towards the visitor's center. We did all the things there-bought a sticker, got our stamps, bought 2 postcards (one for an obu kid and one for a little friend studying the states), and turned in our jr ranger booklet plus at this park we even watched the movie. I stayed awake during it because I was busy working on writing the postcards.

We then drove around the park some-we didn't see anything of note except we did drive around all of the campgrounds plus we looked in the lodge. We like to check out all of the campgrounds just so we can see what we are missing by not being in the campground. Here, we aren't missing anything since we have power and water. 

Then we drove out of the park, through town, and to another section of the park to walk Mossy Creek Trail. It was just a short little hike, about a mile, to see a cave and to see a waterfall. We were even able to see some pretty cool hoodoos on the hike.

We then stopped at the general store in town. Pretty much everything in this town is Ruby's something or another. We are at Ruby's campground, and we went to Ruby's General Store beside Ruby's Inn right near Ruby's Laundromat. Seriously, good for Ruby. I think that she was actually an earlier settler here, and her family still runs all of this. 

The store was massive-we all got separated, but we eventually found every in the food section. We were all hungry. I guess I took the crock pot out so when we went to make the soup for supper earlier, we realized that we would have to make it on the stove. It was just a bag soup so it only took 15 minutes, but that was a long 15 minutes.

After eating, we played Whitman's warewolf game before urging everyone go to go bed. Tomorrow is an early morning!

August 30, 2026-Ultimate Utah Adventure Day 9

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We left the camper around 7 this morning. We were trying to beat the heat, but we all left wearing jackets. It took us a bit to drive to our trail, but by 7:30 we were climbing out of the car. Now, it is a bit eerie being the only car in the parking lot though.

Campbell had wigged herself out on the length and altitude gain on this trail, but once we got started all was well. We literally climbed to the very top of a cliff today. When you drive in, you can see Cassidy Arch, and it is at the very top of cliff or maybe I could even say a mountain.

The first part of the trail was steep, rocky switchbacks which we weren't sure were going to end. We took quite a bit breaks on this section of the trail. Once we finished the end of the switchbacks, the trail did get easier though we were constantly climbing the hill. 

We had walked over a mile and a half when we made it to the slick rock face that we had to walk over. The weather perfectly cooperated with us the entire day. We were often in the shade, or there was a breeze. Even when the sun would peak out, it was still comfortable. 

There was a lady walking in front of us, and we weren't sure why she had stopped. Then we realized that she was indeed at the end of the trail. Not only could we see the arch from where we were, but we could also walk across it. Our photos look like they were not real, but they were. Robby said that it was his favorite hike so far. I would pretty much agree! (Though everyone walking around on the top of the mountain side did make me and Campbell a little bit nervous.)

We took our pictures, and then after one last look we headed down the mountain. Of course getting down wasn't nearly as hard as getting up. We made it down after walking 3.4 miles, but we didn't head to the car. We kept walking along the grand wash-basically a dry riverbed.

We walked another 3.6 miles on the riverbed. The cliffs are on both sides of you, and it was neat to see. However, this afternoon it has stormed so I know that dry riverbed is no longer dry at all. We were all pretty beat after 7 miles of hiking.

We, of course, made time to to stop at the farmhouse on the way out of the park. As we were walking towards the building, Campbell told us to hurry up because more people were coming. Robby just about broke into a sprint and managed to grab the last cinnamon roll. Plus we managed to get a few pies. However, I just couldn't stomach paying 6 dollars for a cookie.

After leaving the park, we stopped at Rim Rock Patio for our late lunch. We had thought about eating supper out, but we were all pretty hungry. This was the perfect place-they had a patio so we opted to eat outside. There was baggo and horseshoes outside, but the view was wonderful. Plus the food was really good (though we were starving and could have eaten anything happily.)

We had pizza, salsa, nachos, and sloppy joes, and what we didn't eat, we brought home. Back at the camper, the girls took the dogs to to the dog park which they love. The temperature was comfortable plus it is the most lush grass ever. Then Robby did laundry while I napped. 

Then a crazy loud storm rolled through. All storms are loud in the camper, but the thunder was really loud, and then when the rain finally started we were having to shout at each other. We were trying to watch church from this morning, but there was no way for us to hear it so we had to give up. We would think that the rain had stopped, and then it would pour again.

Our first stop was the side of the road a few times to take a picture of the most beautiful rainbow ever. It just kept following us. The girls made sure to get quite a few pictures of it.

We eventually did leave, and we were pretty surprised to see the water rushing in some of the creeks. We have to assume that the dry creek bed we walked through earlier was flooded like those creeks. Then we walked down the little boardwalk so we could see the petroglyphs.

Next up was a little drive the other way down the road. We did stop at the town of Notom. Apparently, when they were naming the town, someone said, "well, we have No Tom here," and that is how the town got it's name.

We then drove back through the National Park before realizing that sunset was beautiful. We stopped so the girls could take some pictures. They even hiked to the top of a hill to get better shots. Whitman even joined them, and they all came down the trail with their arms linked in a circle. It was amazing that they didn't fall down the hill. 

Back at the camper, the girls walked the dogs briefly. Then everyone heated up their own suppers. Now, the girls are headed to the bath house to take their showers, and Whitman is going to take his shower here. Then I'm next in the shower because I'm about to fall asleep!

August 29, 2026-Ultimate Utah Adventure Day 8

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We didn't leave Moab until 9:00 this morning. It was nice getting to sleep in a little bit before getting up. Of course we were quiet when we did start getting everything ready to leave, but it is just hard to be quiet with the dogs and with starting the camper. When Robby starts that camper, it is like a race car revving its engine.

Campbell woke up feeling much better this morning, but she did continue to remind us that she was sick-especially during our trail hike this afternoon. I do believe that I am getting her cold now, so that will be fun. Graham wrote late last night saying that he felt horrible, but it looks like he hasn't stopped today and has had a busy day. 

We stopped in Green River where we had actually stayed before years ago with Grannymom and Grandpa when Campbell was a baby. Robby drove past a museum and hotel and immediately remembered it. We had to get gas so we stopped at a Maverick, which according to Keaton is a famous Utah gas station that she sees her blogger stop at.

Not only did we get gas, but we also had some dirty sodas. Whitman was sleeping so I stayed in the camper, but they fixed me up with cream and vanilla flavoring in mine. I like my dirty sodas with more cream than actual coke. 

We had to drive through Capitol Reef National Park to get to our campground tonight in Torrey We made here about 12:30, and this is the first campground that Robby has not had an extra 110 outlet to plus up our back air conditioner. Our front one can easily do the job, but he likes the noise. However, there may be no air conditioners running tonight, because it is chilly tonight. During our night time walk with the dogs, we both had on jackets plus it was more like a jog because it was so cold. It is just 64!

After getting everything set up, we left for Capitol Reef. They sky was pretty dark, but we pressed on. Our first stop was an overlook and then to Gooseneck point which was another overlook. I really think that Capitol Reef is my favorite park. It is so gorgeous, and in the middle is the orchard..where they sell pies. However, they were out of them today! We knew that they would be because it was nearly 4 when we went. Though we will be there tomorrow at 9 when they open!

We stopped at the visitor's center-it was small and hot so we didn't stay long Then it was down an unpaved road. I mentioned that the sky was dark earlier, and on our drive a ranger stopped us to make sure that we weren't hiking in that area in case it rained/flash flooded. 

We then drove to Hickman Bridge. This is the hike that the ranger suggested to me, and he even mentioned that it would be a good one to do because of the weather. This was a 2 mile round trip hike to a bridge. It was really neat with spectacular views. There was a bit of uphill, but it wasn't horrible. 

However, Whitman and Campbell were a bit concerned about the weather. It never rained or even thundered, but we might have been in a pickle if a rain storm did come our way. It was a fun hike with lots to see on it. I think that it might have been my favorite hike so far. 

We made it down the mountain and drove around Torrey for a bit. We even stopped in a store that said "Bakery" on the sign. It was not a bakery, instead it was just a tiny grocery store. We were disappointed, but back at the camper we heated up some chicken pasta and all was well. Robby and I even had some ice cream before our walk which could have been why we were so cold!

Tomorrow is an early day-maybe even the earliest yet!

August 28, 2026-Ultimate Utah Adventure Day 7

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This morning started early once again with my alarm ringing at 6. That was fine this morning because at 1:30 last night I woke up to go to the bathroom, and I thought that it was nearing 6 already. Needless to say, I was super happy that the night hadn't really even started yet.

Campbell is still feeling kind of puny today, but I think that she is on the mend. We definitely have her good and doped up. She did take a hot shower this morning which probably helped more than any medicine could at all.

Then after we all grabbed breakfast, we were on the road to Canyonlands National Park by 7:30. It was about 45 minutes away, and once again you don't have to drive too far for the scenery to completely change. I had a podcast to listen to on the way there about Canyonlands, and when we drove through Robby had things to listen to as well. We are kind of dorks like that!

Our first stop was at the visitor's center. Robby did the stamps on the passport books while Whitman and I did the Jr. Ranger book. The ranger asked if we wanted to do the pledge, and I told him that we would in our hearts. We bought a few postcards and a sticker for the camper before leaving the visitor's center.

We stopped at a few overlooks, but our first main activity was a 1.8 mile hike on the White Rim Trail. It was just a trail then we ended up at an awesome overlook. We climbed on some rocks to take some pictures, and man, the pictures were really good from up there.

We drove pretty much all of the roads in the park and even ventured up to Upheaval Dome, but when we made it there was a one mile hike so we opted to skip that so we didn't get to see it. I did google it, and it did just look like a hole in the ground so it was probably a good call. It was already getting hot. 

Our main stop at Canyonlands was Mesa Arch. It was really pretty and a bit crowded. We were able to get a few pictures plus we had more rocks to climb over and explore. Back in the car, we had more snacks before heading back towards Moab. It didn't take us long to go down the hill, and we were soon back at the campground.

Robby collected laundry while the kids ate. Then while we put the laundry in the wash, they headed to the pool. We then came back to the camper and collected the dogs for a quick run to the store. When we came back, the kids had returned and were showering. Our afternoon ended with some school before leaving around 4 for the next adventure.

We drove almost back to Canyonlands to get to Dead Horse Point State Park. From here, you could see Canyonlands, but this is basically on the other side of the road and the fee goes to the state. If I'm currently ranking things, I would say that our delicate arch experience was the best, but my favorite spot so far would be Dead Horse Point. 

We hurried down the main road so we could get to the visitor's center before it closed-the mission was to buy a sticker for the camper. We made it, but as I was inside it got incredibly windy and started spitting rain. The rain stopped but the wind did not!

We drove to the point, and it was amazing. I'm not sure why we haven't stopped here before. It was incredible. We could have done the whole rim trial for 4 miles, but opted to just do a shorter version for one mile. The point had 360 degree views and the little trail we walked took us to all the sides. Again, it rivals the Grand Canyon.

We then came back and took a few pictures in Moab at a sign before going back to the camper. Robby loaded the car first while I started on supper-meatball subs. We all ate, and then Robby took one more load of laundry, mainly bathing suits. Now, we have a bit of down time before bed plus we might just have ourselves some ice cream.

August 27, 2026-Ultimate Utah Adventure Day 6

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My alarm went off at 6 this morning because we are in Operation Beat the Heat. It was warm yesterday afternoon so we knew that whatever we did today needed to be in the morning and evening hours. The kids surprisingly stirred pretty easily. Keaton is really loving this trip the most since she is the one who really wanted to go to Utah. 

We left around 7 and headed to the back of Arches. Before we stopped at our destination, we did drive around their campground. There are some beautiful camping spots but not for our rig. Then we started our hike to landscape arch. It was a mostly flat hike compared to last nights, plus there were long stretches that were in the shade of the rocks.

It was about a mile to the arch, but landscape arch is a super long arch plus it is super narrow (I think they said 5 feet in a few spots). After our pictures there, we took a short trail to two other arches, tunnel arch and pine arch, before going back to the car. Back in the car, we had some more water and some snacks.

Then we stopped at two other arches-skyline arch and sand dune arch. These were both about a half mile, but sand dune was my favorite by far. There was sand everywhere and it was incredibly cool because you were surrounded by canyon walls. 

We then went right back to the camper. The girls walked the dogs while Whitman explored the putt putt course. Robby and I went to the store to pick up a few necessary items: gallon sized ziplock bags, body wash, ice cream, teddy graham cookies, and more water. They weren't all necessary items, but some were (body wash and water!)

Back at the camper, everyone ate, and then everyone napped! Well, Whitman didn't nap, but the rest of us did. Our naps were long enough that we may not sleep tonight. I was going to make meatball subs for supper tonight, but my bread must have gotten a little bit warm so it wasn't usable. Instead, we did walking tacos which was even easier to make. The kids all ate before we left this evening, but Robby and I ate when we came home. 

Tonight's hikes were in the windows section of Arches National Park. We first walked around North, South, and Turret Arches. Two of the arches were pretty deserted so that was fun to explore them without anyone around. 

Then we drove just a bit to get to Double Arch. This arch is the one that Robby climbed up on when we were here last and got a bit panicked because he wasn't sure how he could down. Keaton climbed up pretty high tonight, but she didn't have any problem getting down. It was pretty, but I think that the pictures would have been a bit better if it had been sunnier-however, the attitudes would not have been better because the temperature was perfect tonight, and we all enjoyed the evening.

On the way back to the camper, we stopped at 7-11 again for some refreshments. Now, we are taking turns showering because tomorrow is again an early morning. 

August 26, 2026-Ultimate Utah Adventure Day 5

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We slept in this morning since we couldn't check into our spot in Moab until 2. Robby and I walked the dogs around the lake on the campground. It was a mile walk and was pleasant when we started. However, it started to get warm by the time that we finished.

When we made it back, we immediately hooked up the car because we wanted to do it before it became too hot. The kids were stirring when we came back, and around 11 we headed towards Moab.

The drive was just about 2 and a half hours. We only stopped briefly at the Welcome to Utah sign. We took a few pictures there-with Campbell and Keaton both taking pictures, we have over 800 pictures so far on this trip. 

We made it to Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway campground a little bit before 1. The girls were worried that we did not know that check in was at 2, but we thought we would try anyway. We were able to check in early, and we have a pretty perfect spot. We are next to the dog park (though the girls took the puppies, and the dogs just stood in the shade.) Plus there are mountains on both side of us, so it is a pretty perfect campground.

We had a slow and wonderful afternoon. It was too hot to go and do anything, plus our plans included a sunset hike, so we just rested until time to leave. I read some of my book and napped some. We should have been doing school, but there is always tomorrow.

At 4, we left for the Arches National Park visitor center. Keaton went with Whitman this time when we turned in our junior ranger book. The guy looked through it, and then gave use the badge-it was super easy compared to last time. We were actually finished before Robby had finished stamping all of our passport books.

We watched some of the film about Arches. It was better than the last one, and I stayed awake. Robby bought a guide that tells you about the sites as you drive by so that was interesting. We stopped at most of the overlooks plus we walked around Balanced Rock on the way to our main evening attraction.

Around 6, we made it to Delicate Arch trail. We knew that it was going to be steep and 1.5 miles each way. It was a haul. If we walked that every day, we would be in the best shape of our lives. Seriously! Our goal was to make it by sunset, and I wondered for a little bit if we would make it.

Keaton and Campbell were in the front of our group. Robby was in the middle, and I brought up the rear with Whitman. He is not a hiker, and he will tell you this. However, this was a hard, hard hike. It is about 1.2 miles straight up the side of a mountain, and then the last little bit is on the edge of a mountain with a drop off beside you. Whitman does not like heights at all, but he did super well on this part. 

I got a little bit wigged out when we made it to the top and saw the Delicate Arch. There are steep drop offs everywhere plus you are walking on super slanted ground-one slip and you just roll down the hill. We had read that up to 100 people or more could be there to watch the sunset. There were just about 20 or so which made things nice.

After we took our pictures, we sat down and had our snacks and water. We ate and enjoyed the view for a good while. Then one of the girls said that we should probably start back down. They were right, and we were prepared with flashlights to walk down in the dark, but that wasn't preferred.

Robby and I took one last picture before leaving the arch because we knew that we sure were never making it back there! Then it was down the hill-Whitman was the last one up, and the first one down. He walked with our ahead of Keaton and Campbell. They only slowed down when a family of mule deer were waking on the trail with them.

By the time we almost made it to the car, it was pretty dark. We could still see, but the man in front of us had his flashlight out. However, on the way down we passed at least 10 people going up. I wanted to tell them that they were not going to make it before dark and encourage them to turn around or even give them a flashlight, but I kept my mouth closed. 

Back in the car, we rested for a minute before we left the park with many other cars. Then we drove into the town of Moab looking for a Sonic. They didn't have a Sonic, but they did have a 7-11 so we had drinks on the way back to the camper.

The kids started their showers while Robby and I walked the dogs. Marley was terrified walking tonight, and would have given anything to run back to the camper. We all had a bit of supper after showers even though it was super late...and the morning begins super early because we are going to try to beat the heat. 

August 25, 2026-Ultimate Utah Adventure Day 4

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Robby and I were awake around 7 this morning. We quickly walked the dogs before waking up the kids. We weren't in too much of a hurry, but we did want to leave at a decent time. I'm glad we did leave when we did because the weather was fairly decent while we were out and not blazing hot. This afternoon in the camper, we could tell that it was warm outside because the air in the front was struggling to keep up because of the windows.

We about a mile from the entrance of the Colorado National Monument. I was disappointed at the entrance because we couldn't buy a park pass-it is the 115 birthday of the National Parks today so there was no admission. I wanted to buy the pass, use it, and count the $25 from today's fee towards our total of money saved by buying the pass. The park is beautiful; we even discussed why is the Grand Canyon the most popular of the National Park places when there are so many other just as pretty sites. 

We had just began the climb up the hill when we turned the curve, and there was a big horn sheep on the side of the road. We slowed down and snapped quite a few pictures before our next stop. We were a few minutes before the visitor center opened, so we pulled off into the park campground to check it out.

Robby said that the camper could make it up the hill, but I'd prefer for it to stay on level ground. We would even be able to fit in a few of the spots size wise-though after seeing the spots I'm not too sure. However, we do enjoy being able to plug up and those sites didn't have any of those amenities. However, the view on some of them were excellent. 

At the campground, we walked around a short nature trail, Window Rock Nature Trail. We had actually just stopped for someone to go to the bathroom, but after a bit of exploring, we decided to do the trail too. Then it was on to the visitor's center. 

We watched the video, and I tell you even just the room that they show park movies in makes me sleepy. I was struggling to stay awake listening to the man talk about the video before he started it. And it was a good movie, but gracious I guess I'm used to listening to everything in 2x speed because the video could have been sped up a good bit. I suggested that we leave in the middle, but Robby said that we were almost done.

We bought a postcard and a sticker for the camper before turning in our Jr. Ranger book. Whitman has helped me on some of them, but since even adults can do the books, I did most of them this year. I would turn them in myself, but Whitman went with me and before we knew it, he was being sworn in as a Jr. Ranger, and it took forever. The man was thorough and wanted to talk about every page, and every page was completed. 

We went to Otto's Trail next. John Otto pretty much founded the Colorado National Monument and made most of the trails. He even suggested that the park be named Smith National Park because it draw lots of Smith families to come and see it. It was just a short little trail, but gracious the views were impressive. 

From there, we continued driving over Canyon Rim Road. We stopped at quite a few overlooks. The prettiest part of the park was definitely the beginning. However, the end of the park put as in the town of Grand Junction which had a ChickFilA. 

The plan had originally been to eat CFA for supper tonight, but since we were in the town, we had our lunch there. We wanted to the try the waffle sandwiches. They were good, but too pricey to buy regularly. Keaton and Whitman just had nuggets though Keaton wanted to try it but was afraid she wouldn't like it.

After CFA we stopped at the post office in Fruita before going back to our campsite. The puppies were happy to see us-we left Marley in her kennel, and we also left Bentley's food out for her to eat. She doesn't always eat, and she will not eat if Marley is around because Marley will snatch it all up. Bentley had not eaten, but she had taken Marley a few pieces of food-she didn't get them in the kennel, but she had laid them close by the kennel door. Maybe she was buying nice or maybe she was taunting Marley.

We had a lazy afternoon-Robby worked and did the laundry, I napped and did math with Campbell, Cambpell and Keaton also napped before doing their school work, and Whitman, who has never been a napper, played on his ipad before doing his school work.

Around 5 everyone had some supper, and then we loaded up to go and eat some gelato from the Fruita Gelato Company. It was really good-Robby and I had birthday cake and chocolate. Whitman had vanilla while Campbell had chocolate. Keaton saved her dessert for a Starbucks drink at our next stop. Keaton did want to buy a tote bag from the store-she really debated it, and then decided not to. However, tonight she is regretting not buying the bag. I told her that Grannymom could help her make it, so they  might have another project coming up soon.

After picking up our snacks, we headed back to the Colorado National Monument to watch the sunset. On the way, much to Campbell's delight, we saw more big horn sheep. Then we stopped at Independence Monument View where we didn't watch the sunset-we couldn't really see the sun setting, but we could see the sun changing the colors of the landscape, and it was super pretty. 

Then it was back down the mountain, where we saw more big horn sheep on the way down. In the camper tonight, Whitman showered, I emptied the trash, Robby unhooked most things, Campbell and Keaton straightened. Then we took the dogs on a walk before playing a game. Now, it is my shower time, plus bedtime for this sleepy crew. 

August 24, 2026-Ultimate Utah Adventure Day 3

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I slept well last night, but I did keep waking up wondering what time it was. I was always super glad to see that the clock was not nearing wake up time. We still slept in a bit, but ended up leaving at 8:30 this morning.

Our trip was smooth again today. However, there were a few hiccups: 1. Marley hurt her paw somehow and started limping. We trimmed a bit of it off though, and she seemed fine tonight. 

2. The camper wouldn't move out of low gear on the hills, but that fixed itself (probably with all the prayers I was sending up.) 

3. Most of the way today was construction, and most of the construction was during the mountain passes. I'm not sure how stressful this was for Robby, but I was a nervous wreck. 

4. The generator stopped while we were driving which terrifies us since we have had to replace it before (not cheap) However, Robby knew it was just an easy fix because of the altitude, and it started right back up. 

5. Anderson wrote saying his phone got crushed today by a weight. We have ordered him a replacement, plus Pops is able to get him Reagan's old phone tomorrow. (Anderson has started the semester off with a broken phone and a broken monitor. I hate he is having to start his semester off like this, but he said, "it can only go up from here.")

So we did have a few hiccups, but honestly, everything went super smoothly.

We stopped a few times today at gas stations. At one of them, we were all outside with the dogs when it started pouring, and we all had to run to the camper. 

Our main stop today though was in Golden, Colorado. They have a huge Golden Retriever festival in February. However, today, it was just our Goldens walking around the town. It was a super cute mountain town with a stream running through the middle. The stream had people floating in inner tubes. It was one of those things that we wished we could have known about ahead of time so we could have done it.

Even though the mountain passes semi terrified me, they were still beautiful. The last section that we went through was the most beautiful. I with that I would have thought about taking a picture. 

We arrived at our campground in Fruita, Colorado around 6. It is a pull through spot which makes things so easy. Robby unhooked the car, the kids brushed the dogs, and I made English muffin pizzas for our supper. After supper, Robby and I went on a walk by the Colorado river. It was a bit longer than expected, and we made it back just as it became very dark.

When I came back in the camper, the kids were already working on their school work. It didn't take them too long just like it didn't take us too long to clean the camper after supper. Keaton and Campbell have had their showers and now it might have mine...or I might read a little bit.

August 23, 2026-Ultimate Utah Adventure Day 2

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Marley was not the most cooperative last night. Robby moved her kennel to a much more comfortable spot, but I guess it wigged her out. She fussed enough that he took her our and moved it back to the regular spot. Of course, she quickly figured our her ticket out and fussed until Robby relented.

I was so tired, that I was having a problem keeping up with what was going on. I could have let her bark for a bit longer since I was sleeping so well, but that might have disturbed the kids. Marley ended up sleeping with us, and she did very well. However, when we leave her during the week to explore, she will have to be in her kennel, and she probably won't like it!

We left the parking lot around 8 or 8:30 this morning. I'm not really sure what time it was, but things went incredibly smoothly today. We drove, we stopped for gas or for driver potty breaks, and we just drove some more over and over again. We did stop at one gas station and ate McDonalds ice cream while we let the dogs run in a dog park. 

Since we left yesterday, that changed the original stop that Robby had for tonight. Then throughout the day, he kept adjusting where he wanted to stop and finding new places for us. You can't just sleep anywhere so he has to do some research on each location. We have ended up at a little campground in Seibert, Colorado for the night.

It is little, but it is perfect for the night. We are right off the interstate, but just far enough away. Our site is a pull through so we didn't have to unhook the car, plus there was even a dog park. The girls took some pictures of the far off sunset, before we ate our barbecue for supper. 

After eating, we walked the dogs one more time. Then the kids and I played a game before we all settled in our beds. 

College kid update: Reagan was very happy to get back to her church in Arkadelphia. The boys both went to another church this morning. Anderson's monitor isn't working, so he is going to have to get a new one of those. And Graham said that so far school feels like summer camp, and he is having a blast. 

August 22, 2026-Sophomore Move in Day for Anderson and Ultimate Utah Adventure Day 1

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• The morning started early, but not quite as early as the day before. By the time that I woke up, Robby had already folded our laundry and was working on last minute trip things. I woke up Anderson, and he started on his last minute packing things.
• At 8:30, we left to take my little boy to college. I know he's been there a year already, but it still makes me sad especially that half of my crew is not home anymore. But they are just were they are supposed to be.
• We stopped to pick up breakfast this morning, but not at Buccees-we were changing things up. We had worried that move in today would be crazy, but it was relatively calm. We pulled up to the front door and unloaded everything. Then Robby got the things to the elevator, I brought them upstairs (on the elevator), and Anderson moved them to his room. It was incredibly smooth, and no one broke a sweat.
• Anderson's room was a bit tricky. How he wanted his room wouldn't work initially because there wasn't room for his desk. We tried another configuration, but that would mean the door wouldn't close, so we pivoted back to the original plan. 
• For this plan to work, Robby and Anderson had to take the bed frame apart, turn it over, and reinstall it. Robby has carried his tools with us all week and hasn't used them, but when they are needed, they are handy to have. This didn't take too long, so the next project was moving the crazy heavy furniture around so we could lay the rug down.
• Once the rug was laid, we started emptying bins pretty quick. We did most things, but Anderson was fine with us leaving a few things for him to do later. He said at lunch today that he wasn't why moving in stresses him out. We thought everything went really smoothly and weren't stressed at all. 
• Anderson's roommate showed up, so the room quickly got full. This is when Anderson said that he could just do the rest later. Everything was really done except for a few decorating things. Graham came by to see us-or possibly he came by to see Brooklyn. Either way, we were able to lay eyes on him and see that he is having a great time. He ran 4 miles this morning and was going to most of his Wow weekend activities.
• Robby and I were pretty sure that Anderson would choose to go to LPs, the Mexican restaurant we went to yesterday. Graham had picked it yesterday, and we had even discussed what we would get today. However, Anderson suggested Fat Boys, where we went last year when we dropped Anderson off.
• Our sandwiches were really good. Then we went to Reagan's room to drop off some books. She has really done a great job making her room adorable. Everything is just perfect. Then we took Anderson back to his room before saying goodbye to him. 
• Robby and I didn't stop at Buccees on the way home, but we did stop at Sonic to get drinks for Keaton and Whitman. Campbell had gone out to lunch with some friends and had just gotten home. 
• Robby and I worked for a few hours around the house and in the camper. Then I had to take myself a power nap because I was exhausted. When I woke up, it was time for us to start getting ready. 
• I had just text the kids saying we were leaving soon when my phone buzzed saying heavy rain was coming so we kicked it into high gear. Even though the wind was really blowing and the rain was starting, we were able to get out of town before the storm rolled through.
• We had smooth sailing until before Russellville when we ended up in another rainstorm. Robby had to work pretty hard because it was pretty windy, but we made it through just fine. We only stopped when we made it to our stop at Roland, Oklahoma.
• We filled the camper up with gas and then found ourselves a nice parking spot for the night. Once we were settled, Campbell and I did some math (we are trying to get ahead enough that we don't have to think about math for a few days.) 
• Robby and I then took the dogs on a short walk around the parking lot before settling in for the night. Tomorrow will be a long day!

August 21, 2026-Freshman Move in Day for Graham

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• Graham has been ready to move into college for a few weeks now. He has been so excited, and we are so excited for him. We left the house a few minutes after we had planned to this morning. We wanted to leave a few minutes before 7, but it ended up being a few minutes after 7 plus we even had to turn around and go back to get Robby's computer.
• However, we still had time to stop at Buccees for some breakfast. Then we zoomed on to Ouachita. I think that Graham was a little nervous when we pulled onto campus. I was nervous for him too!
• Last year, dropping off Anderson, we had to wait in a crazy long line, but this year, we were there an hour earlier, but also the line was moving well. Within 15 minute of driving on campus, we were at Graham's dorm with everything from the white van unloaded. 
• We parked as he went in and found his room. The first thing he did was grab the desk by the window. His roommate made it to the room right after Graham, and the first order of business was arranging the beds and putting down the rug.
• Then we had to put together the couch. Anderson bought the couch last year, and since he isn't using it this year, Graham is making good use of it. It took a few minutes to get it together, but once it was done, we started putting things up. 
• Graham is sleeping on the top bunk and climbed to the top to start making his bed. We had packed mostly in bins, and I loved emptying a bin. Graham has a pretty good set up-they have lots of storage in their room. 
• We weren't able to get his phone cord to stay where it needed to go, and the bathroom shower storage is lacking, but other than that I think his move in went perfectly. After unloading everything, we went to eat Mexican at the restaurant at the edge of campus.
• Then we went to Walmart. I would have thought that a Walmart in a small town with two colleges would be lacking, but they were fully stocked with all of the things you would need. Robby and Graham went on the hunt for cord things and key chains while I picked up things for our trip along with something for Reagan's birthday box. 
• We went back to campus and dropped Graham off in his room. Then Robby and I went to change the light bulb in Reagan's headlight. It would have been easy to do, but the wires were practically apart so Robby had to tape them up, and hopefully it holds. We hadn't gotten sweaty all day, but we sure did then.
• We saw Reagan earlier in the day. She was helping move freshman girls in, but she took a break to come and see her brother's room. She even came back later in the day to check on him again. After fixing her headlight, we met up with Graham and walked to the bookstore to pick up Anderson's books. 
• Each time we passed Cone Bottoms we did have some punch and a popsicle-I had cookies and cream for 2 of the 3 popsicles I had and they were delicious. Soon it was time for the little ceremony that they do. 
• It was warm in the auditorium, and we were all tired so I struggled keeping my eyes open. However, the last bit they pray over each of the students and call their name. The admissions counselors are spread out across the room calling names, and it is pretty neat. 
• Then it was back to Cone Bottoms to tell our little boy good bye. We left Graham only to find Reagan again. She was getting ready to meet her group for the next few days. I think that she was excited about meeting new people, and Graham was excited about his group too because Brett is his leader for the next few days.
• Robby and I then headed home. We decided that we would stop at Buccees to pick up barbecue for a supper on our trip, plus we got us a bite of cookie dough to give us some energy for getting home. 
• Once we were home, we unloaded the car. Then Robby reloaded the minivan for the trip while I started working on loading the food in the camper. He then helped me, and after we had the food done, we loaded up Anderson's things before loading up the car on the dolly behind the camper. Lots of loading up happened tonight, but I feel pretty good about everything we accomplished (though I still have a few more things that need to happen tomorrow.)
• We celebrated our big day with ice cream at the Wilson's house tonight. We visited with them for a little bit. Then we had to return home to get back to work for a little bit longer. Now, we are headed to bed, and I'm just exhuasted!

August 20, 2026

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• This day was the calm before the storm, but it was still pretty busy though. We started with school this morning. And once again, I let Whitman take some breaks and drag school out for most of the day. I should let him just do this since he doesn't mind, but I wanted to be finished with school. Plus I think that he knows if he waits late enough then I will decide against working with him at the end of the day.
• When we finished with school, I gathered school things to take on the trip and school things to do the week when we get home. The trip school was a lot more books than I had planned on bringing, but I found room for them in the camper so all is well. (I actually found two different spots-one for when we are working on them, and one for when we are finished with them.
• My main task today was packing with Graham. He had all of his clothes left to pack, but that didn't really take long. Now, he is still out tonight, and he has a few more things to pack. I don't think that it will take him long though.
• After I finished with Graham, it was Anderson's turn to do some packing. He had about the same amount of things to pack, plus he will have some more to pack tomorrow. 
• This evening, we loaded up all of Graham's things plus we brought all of Anderson's things down the stairs and put them in the garage. That will be a big help tomorrow when it is time to load up Anderson to get ready for his move in day on Saturday. 
• Robby and I ran some errands tonight-we shipped an ebay sell, we went to Academy to pick up socks and shorts for the boys, we went to Walmart, and then to Costco and McDonadls for our suppers. 
• The Wilsons came over for a few minutes this evening. Then when they left we kicked it up into high gear to finish a few things up. Now, I'm already on the couhc for a few minutes before bedtime. 

August 19, 2026

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• This has been a day! I forgot how long Wednesdays are when we go to church on Wednesday nights. The morning started the same as usual. Keaton had done a lot of her work last night so she didn't start on her school until around 10. Campbell's college classes opened today, so she figured out her way around the classes before Whitman and I were finished reading.
• When we did finish reading, I helped her do a lesson of math. She even did half of another one tonight. She needs a bit of help right now, but she will quickly get back into the math groove. Plus her art seems like it may be a bit more difficult than when the others did it. It looks like there is a lot of writing, but Campbell has no problem at all writing. 
• Whitman took a bit for school today, but I was distracted with other things so I wasn't focused enough to keep him moving. He did get everything finished and even took a few breaks this afternoon. I haven't been letting him take breaks so far this school year during the morning time. 
• After school was over, I made some bread, and Whitman made some corn muffins since we have been reading about Native Americans. We also made one corn muffins like Native Americans would have-let's just say we are glad that we were not alive then. 
• I didn't pack with the boys today which may come back to bite me tomorrow. I did write out the list of everything that we have to pack plus I labeled all of Graham's boxes. Labeling the boxes took me forever. I'm not sure of an easier way to go it-though I probably didn't have to put labels on two places on every box. 
• I was able to pack my clothes in the camper, and then it was time to head to church for the first Wednesday night. Campbell and Keaton were thrilled while Whitman was not as thrilled. He has the same teachers as last year so that added to his lack of excitement. 
• I am with the kids again, and it was water night which was crazy as expected. However, I think that that kids loved it plus I stayed dry so that I loved. When we came home, I made myself a breakfast bowl, and now I'm stuffed and a bit miserable. 

August 18, 2026

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• I did get up and walk this morning, but I wasn't happy about it. I had intended to walk this afternoon, but I legit did run out of time plus it was over a hundred so I figured it was better for my health to not walk then to walk in the heat.
• We did our school work this morning. I'm trying to finish a few books so we aren't in the middle of things when we leave for our trip. Tomorrow I get to plan what I will make the kids do during the trip-that will be fun for me, but not so much fun for them. 
• Campbell was the first to leave this morning. She worked a few hours at church and will most Tuesdays from here on out. She zoomed through her school work when she came home.
• Graham left next to go and play real golf with some of his friends. Graham really has never liked Top Golf, so he also hasn't really cared about real golf. However, he did have fun today even though he sure didn't win. He did eat lunch at Wright's BBQ so that was a win for him.
• Anderson left next with his two suitemates. They were taking the couch to their room along with a chair and Anderson's tv stand. The couch is actually a sectional, and it is wall to wall furniture. They ate Mexican and then came home without even a stop at Buccees.
• Tonight Campbell left to go and eat with a friend. Graham went to watch Brooklyn's first volleyball game, and I went to Mahjong at the church house. I won twice so that was big for me-I haven't been winning lately. 
• When I came home, I helped pack some of Anderson's clothes. Graham and I had done his clothes earlier in the day. The boys are packed more in bins, but they are going to have just as much stuff as Reagan I think!
• All of us who were home except for Campbell played a game with Whitman tonight. I'm not sure who won the game; actually, I'm not really sure if I understand the game at all. 
• This evening Campbell has been anxiously awaiting for her college classes to open so she can get started on them. She is anxious to start doing college classes, and she is determined that she is going to do it on her own. 

August 17, 2026-Junior Move in Day for Reagan

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• This morning started off as a normal Monday morning. I did skip my morning treadmill walk-I should have done it, but I skipped so I could have a slower morning before school started. 
• I also slacked on the school thing today because I didn't work together with the kids; I just checked their work. Also, to make sure that Whitman finished his school work, I greatly reduced what he had to do though I did leave all of the hard things on his list.
• We weren't really sure of our plans, but after checking out some traffic cameras, Robby and Tony decided that we would attempt to visit Buccees on its opening day. 
• At 1, we left the house-three cars: Reagan's car, the Subaru, and the white van. The white van was completely loaded down so much so that Whitman had to move things around to find a seat in the row that we had tried to leave empty. The other two cars just had a few things in them. 
• There wasn't a lot of traffic getting to Buccees, and we were pretty surprised about how easily we all found parking spots. However, it was right around school pick up time so I think that is why the crowd was lighter. 
• We all found something to eat-Campbell, Keaton, and Whitman had a chicken finger box, Robby and I split a bbq sandwich, Anderson had a chicken sandwich, and I'm not sure what Graham had. Plus we all had drinks, and someone even bought some grapes. 
• We pulled our van next to the Wilsons and ate with them. Then we all got back on the road to Arkadelphia. We were a bit ahead of schedule so Robby and I pulled off to run an errand. That errand left us with a pizza which was eaten fairly quickly as we unloaded Reagan's things. 
• Reagan and Graham's cars both made it before Robby and I did. Reagan had already checked in, and they had moved the few things that were in their cars. We backed up the van, and then the kids unloaded everything. It took a few minutes to get everything up to the 4th floor, but thank goodness for the elevator. We would fill that thing up every chance that we would get. 
• There was lots to do-lower Reagan's bed, put the runs under furniture, hang her curtain, clean her light fixture (absolutely disgusting), hand her pictures, make her bed, unload bin after bin of things. 
• For the most part, in 2 and a half hours she had things the way that she wanted them. She still had some organizing to do, but we had done all that we could do to help. All of the kids but Whitman had already headed home, and yes, we had sent Graham early in the move in process to go and pick up Sonic drinks for us-we weren't that hot, but it's just a move in tradition.
• Reagan was heading to a swim party at a professor's house at 6, so we left to give her time to get there. We went to the other side of campus to see Brett's apartment. It is definitely bigger and newer than Reagan's room. We left there and managed to run another errand and snag another pizza before heading home. 
• Of course, we had to stop again at Buccees on the way home. It was much crazier with the line for the sandwiches stretching super far throughout the store. This time we left with cotton candy (Whitman), cookie dough (Robby and me), and beaver nuggets (Robby). 
• We came home, and sweet Campbell had the dogs outside. This was a long day for Marley in the kennel, and Campbell took care of her while she waiting on us to come home. We unloaded the van of empty bins, but many things stayed in the van since we will do this again Friday and Saturday.
• Anderson is now working on painting his helmet, Graham is upstairs on his xbox, Keaton has been napping, Campbell is working on a craft project, Robby is organizing his office, and I'm sitting on the couch!

August 16, 2026

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• This was our last week for everyone to be at church, and it was certainly nice to all be there together. (We were all there together last week too, but I was in worship care so it didn't feel like it to me.)
• Sunday lunch was at Nonna and Pops' house this afternoon. They had bbq and all of the fixings. We ate and visited for a bit before we headed home. We had some packing to do this afternoon.
• When we came home, we had to move all of the cars around, and then we started moving Reagan's things down from the bonus room.
• They took out one row of seats from the white van, and that van is completely filled up. We tried to leave the front row empty for someone to ride with us, but we keep adding things as the day progresses. 
• It took about 15 minutes to load the van, but we were all sweaty messes when we had finished. Robby and I quickly changed clothes and left for Costco. We had to buy all of the girls socks plus we found him 2 pairs of pants and some trip treats for the dogs.
• When we came home, Campbell was in the living room watching Marley with the lights off, the fan on, and a movie playing-I put Marley down for a nap and settled down beside Campbell for my Sunday nap.
• We had our Sunday supper with the Wilsons this evening. We took the easy route and just did quesadillas. It was easy and quick-Robby wanted to make them outside, but I reminded him that it was 100 degrees so we just did them inside. 
• While we visited, we made our move in plan (leave at 12:30) and our Buccees plan (probably have to skip it tomorrow). When the WIlsons left the girls did some clothes trading and more bins came down to put in the van. 

August 15, 2026

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• This morning started early for Campbell and Keaton. They left the house around 6 to go and climb Pinnacle with a few friends. Keaton felt like the easy side, which they climbed, was not much easier than the hard side that she climbed a few months ago with Graham and Brett. 
• When they were finished climbing, they went to eat at Waffle House. Since it was full though, they ended up at ChickFilA.
• They came home and were home for just a few little bit before leaving again. Campbell went to play pickleball and dropped Keaton off at Sophia's house to swim. I left when they left and went to Walmart and Sams. I had actually never spent so much at either place so that was fun.
• We all made it home at about the same time, but by this time Graham had left to go and hang out with Brooklyn. I unloaded my groceries and put everything away-or at least I just put everything in the piles that they go in.
• I even had a nap this afternoon, and when I stirred it was time for Robby and me to take Keaton to a birthday party. From her birthday party she went to another friend's house to spend the night-I'm sure that she is exhausted. 
• Everyone, but Keaton, met at Chilis for supper. When we finished our supper, Graham and Brooklyn went back to their house, Anderson went to Brody's house (Brooklyn's house too), Campbell went to volleyball, and Whitman, Reagan, Robby, and I ran to Target, Hobby Lobby, and Kroger before coming home.
• Robby and I are now trying out a new tv show, and we have already eaten our ice cream. I'm getting a bit sleepy, but we still have half of the kids out and about. 

August 14, 2026

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• Last Friday felt super like a Saturday to me, and I tried to make this Friday feel like a Saturday too. Even though I tried, it wasn't much of a Saturday. Our lists are pretty long around here because there are lots of things happening this next week.
• I was able to walk this morning, and I tried to go on my walk before it was too crazy hot. It was still pretty warm out there. 
• I'm so distracted trying to write this blog-it is nearly midnight but things are a bit crazy around here. Campbell and Graham both just got home, and now Campbell is packing to go and climb Pinnacle early in the morning. 
• Our house seems to come alive late at night. Tonight at 9 Keaton had Shannon come over to play Mahjong with us. It took us a bit to figure out how to play with just 3 people; we really should teach Tony and Robby how to play the game with us.
• Graham and I did leave the house today to go and get his license renewed. Robby got us an appointment, and when we walked in I was pretty worried that even with an appointment we were going to be there forever. However, we were out the door with a new license in less than 15 minutes.
• Kitchen update: all of the kids are downstairs now in the kitchen. Reagan must be done packing because she has brought an arm load of empty boxes up the stairs, Whitman walked through to see what the commotion was. Graham has finished eating my cinnamon bread while Keaton is munching on Goldfish. Anderson is trying to encourage people to go to bed, and I'm just staying up long enough to finish this blog.