Growing up, my family was not affluent, but summer trips to Minnesota for family reunions were a non-negotiable. We would hop into our packed station wagon at 0-dark-thirty to make the 12 hour drive to the land of 10,000 lakes and countless memories. The best was sleeping away the first part of the trip in sleeping bags that spanned the back of the station wagon. Whoever invented the station wagon and its ability to put the seats down to make a cozy sleeping space in the car was a genius. After hours on the road and a satisfactory nap, we kids would wake up to eat a cold toasted bagel before diving into the stash of Twizzlers and Oreos. Most of the time, we would drive straight through, making a pitstop at Ehlenbach’s Cheese Chalet to visit Sissy the cow, take some obligatory silly pictures, and pick up some Wisconsin cheese. On rare occasions, we would stay the night at a Best Western hotel in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. A huge moose statue greeted us as we approached the hotel, and we all welcomed the reprieve from hours in the car. Our final destination in Minnesota promised lots of fun and boisterous laughter with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I don’t know that it gets much better than sipping a cold, bubbly Fresca on a hot summer day at the lake. These core memories are ingrained into my mind and have stuck with me for decades. While my parents took us on a wild west adventure, driving for days on end to see some spectacular sights, as well as a trip to California in my late teens, it’s the Minnesota memories that I cherish most.
Fast forward to raising a family of my own. Up until a handful of years ago, family vacations were a rarity. We took the kids for a family reunion to Minnesota when my youngest was a baby, and then most of our vacation time was used to build businesses. That changed in 2017, when we planned a family trip out west for our first big vacation adventure. We flew into Utah and had family photos done in the mountains and explored all of the breathtaking beauty of the great outdoors. My cousin and his wife were incredible hosts and opened their home to us for the week while we explored the sights near them. His wife, Jen, took the black and white family photo pictured above at our last extended family vacation in Minnesota before my grandpa passed away. She also took our family photos in the mountains of Utah. Pictured below is one of my absolute favorites from that session that I have printed on metal and on display in my dining room.
After spending several days in Utah, we headed south to Arizona. We broke up the 8 hour drive with a visit to Zion National Park. It was the perfect opportunity to sight see and go for a short hike to stretch our legs and enjoy the views that surrounded us. From flowing rivers to soaring rock formations, our eyes could barely keep up with all that there was to take in.
The terrain is vastly different out west than in Ohio. The snow capped mountains of Utah turn to red rock and dirt and cacti as you approach Arizona. Lush green grass is nearly nonexistent in that part of the U.S. It was amazing to appreciate the variety of views that we have available to us throughout our country. After about an 8 hour trek in the car, we arrived at my aunt and uncle’s home in Flagstaff, Arizona. We were greeted by hugs and smiles and a delicious meal of homemade lasagna and delightful conversation. The next day, we all hopped on a train to the Grand Canyon. This may have been the highlight of the trip for my son, who was a huge fan of trains at the time, and the fact that they had “bandits” riding on horses and holding up the train added to the adventure. The Grand Canyon is indeed grand. I had been there once when I was a kid. To come full circle and bring my own children to witness its magnificence was quite the experience. I wish I could say that I enjoyed every moment of it, but the plunging drop-offs had me on edge, making sure that my kids were accounted for at all times.
After our adventure at the Grand Canyon, we headed back to Flagstaff for the night before traveling to Sedona the following day. We stopped along the road to explore a swimming hole and then again to admire and purchase some authentic jewelry made by Native Americans in that area. My aunt and uncle treated us to a stellar suite in Sedona for our last night of vacation. The contrast of the red rocks with the green trees was breathtaking. There was a pool that looked out over the beautiful views, and my kids had the best time swimming in the pool and then coming back to the suite to soak in the oversized tub. It was the perfect way to wrap up a wonderful week out west. My kids still talk about that trip years later.
As grandiose as that trip was, the ocean has my kids’ and husband’s heart. I appreciate the sounds of the ocean but prefer to keep my distance. There’s a lot in there that we can’t see, ya know? My husband and kids dive right in and fully immerse themselves in the salt water. I dip my toes and walk along the shore, and when I’m feeling super adventurous, I might go in up to my waist. The waves always catch me off guard and drench me at some point, and then I head back to shore to dry off and keep an eagle eye on my people as they are living their best life. We have enjoyed time in Myrtle Beach several summers, as well as time with friends in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and time with grandparents in Williamsburg, Virginia. Each trip has its own flavor, but one thing remains the same. You can’t put a price tag on quality time with family.
What was your favorite family vacation memory or your go-to vacation spot? Whether you plan a day trip or make a long weekend or week out of it, know that the family time you are investing in and the core memories you are making are priceless. Plan that trip. Make those memories. And if you need someone to travel and take your photos, I’m your girl.
XO, Katie