April 17, 2025
We were up at 4am and ready to go on our two month adventure! Easy flight to PHX and drive up to Sedona. On the drive up we introduced kids to In-and-Out burger. Consensus was that Shake Shack was better (particularly the fries).
After arriving at the hotel we spent some time at pool and then nice family dinner in Sedona. Then back to hotel for some more wine and card games. We made it to 10pm local time.
April 18, 2025
We thought we were leaving Boston weather. But had a SNOWY day in Sedona! We made the best of it and had a family game day with aunts and uncles. Natacha taught everyone Mahjong. We also played Nertz. Morgan played blackjack with uncles. And finished up with game of LRC.
April 19, 2025
Happy Birthday Owen!
We had much nicer weather today. We did some morning pickleball. Then grabbed some lunch in uptown Sedona (tried cactus fries).
In afternoon we went on the famous pink jeep tour around Sedona. And then birthday dinner for Owen.
April 20, 2025
Justin got up early to get in round of golf with Dad, Jordan, Ted, and Joe. It was a beautiful course with dramatic views and elevation changes. Then we headed back for Easter brunch, followed by some time in the pool. Kids played games with uncles, culminating with some synchronized swimming coordinated by Uncle Joe.
Peyton babysat cousin Elliot while adults went off for dinner. She offered to pay to get the chance to babysit Elliot (think she needs to work on her negotiating skills).
April 21, 2025
After saying good-bye to Tennessee crew, the remaining folks went to walk around town for a bit. Peyton and Morgan got their aura photos done, which was a hit.
After lunch, Jordans, Elliot, Justin, Natacha, and Peyton went on hike to Devil’s Bridge. Natacha was very nervous when Justin and Peyton went out on the bridge. Meanwhile, Morgan and Owen hung out with Oma and Nonno and got ice cream.
We had our last dinner of trip with cousin Elliot.
April 22, 2025
We left Sedona in the morning to drive up to Grand Canyon. On the way we stopped at the Meteor Crater to see the world’s best preserved meteor crater.
Then we drove on the our glamping hotel south of Grand Canyon. It was super cool spot. Really fun vibe and we get to try out “camping”. Kids got their own small tent and successfully made it through the cold desert night together.
April 23, 2025
Justin was up early and got to see the desert sunrise and start a fire early to warm tent for others. After breakfast went to Grand Canyon for a hike. Kids were less impressed with Grand Canyon than the meteor crater site, but we made it through.
Back at campgrounds kids found some friends to play with while adults relaxed.
April 24,2025
The kids got to play with friends again in the morning. We took Route 66 to Las Vegas. Along the way we saw some come cool towns, some abandoned towns, and lots of long trains.
We stopped by Hoover Dam and then to the Strip. Owen really wanted to watch some NBA Playoff games, so we posted up by the Caesars sports book. Morgan got to realize a dream of seeing the Eiffle Tower. The kids were more impressed by the Bellagio fountain than the Grand Canyon.
April 25, 2025
We met up with Aunt Judy and Uncle Bill for breakfast at great spot close to condo. Kids loved the Oreo pancakes 🙂
The rest of day was spent preparing for departure tomorrow. Laundry, home schooling, getting electronic devices ready…
Dinner at New York New York and then back for bed.
April 26, 2025
Up at 4:30am to get to flight to Vancouver. We hit a snag checking in. The agents had concerns about second flight, but they eventually let us through. We hit a similar snag in Vancouver trying to board flight to Beijing, but these agents seemed more on top of issue. After some discussion, they let us on plane in a more confidence inspiring fashion.
We got to ride in our first 787. Fingers crossed that the theory of lessening jet lag is true.
Everyone did great on the ~13 hour flight. Peyton says she watched 7 movies. Morgan and Owen did mix of movies and sleeping.
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