More Legs than a Centipede (Plus Also Pictures)

Our Family Vacation...

Leg 1 (6/27-6/28): The family assembles in Dallas to prepare for take-off.  

16 hours of plush car travel, duplicate Happy Meal toys from excessive McDonald'sing, breakfast casserole, neighborhood park, Trenton searched excessively, Qdoba, in-seat entertainment consoles, suckers for all (under 21).

Silas: "I see a duck."

Leg 2 (6/28): Touch down in San Fran, pick up the AC-less rental car, quick tourist stop.

 

Leg 3 (6/28-6/30): Windsor, CA
Day 1: United with CA fam, much steak is eaten, children stay awake past zombie phase.

Day 2: Hot air balloons land on roof (practically), pool party at Nevin's, fancy-schmancy croquet, wedding decorating, rehearsal, officiant tears up adorably, Silas has a bought of nerves over ring bearer duties and pukes twice, skipped out on Mariachi band and Mexican in favor of sleeping children (third McDonald's visit & toy).

Day 3: Wedding Day!
Airport club pool & primping, vineyard pictures, candy store, down the aisle successfully for both Silas (panic veer averted) and the beautiful bride, dining and dancing galore (Dad chooses air guitar), the Remedies, a park respite, painting with fountain water, back to San Fran for an early flight.

 

Leg 4 (7/1): Dallas 2.0
Back to the airport, less than hoped off junky rental, Trenton searched again, Trenton rides first class, The Greatest Showman on the plane sets up for much singing on following legs, airport speed skating, In & Out Burgers, more driving, to bed in Strafford, MO. zzzzzzz

Leg 5(7/2): Springfield/Uranius
Family lunch with Grandma Cain, Target run, Silas picks PJ Masks Gecko costume as payment for ring-bearing, Jess picks Greatest Showman soundtrack mostly for track 6. Meet Kristen and Bob at Uranus tourist stop off Route 66, take in the gift shop, restaurant, and escape room, receive bracelet reading, "I escaped Uranus". (Wearing it now.)

Leg 6 (7/3-7/8): Branson
Day 1: To the lake via Bass Pro and and the purchase of infant life vest (on sale!), Eli regrets skipping lunch, nephews pass Walmart behavior expectations by loophole, three servings of tri tip as the name demands, pre-broken-boat boat ride.

Day 2: Happy 4th of July!
Find turtle named Buttons, dock picnic, swimming, Canasta victory, Conn, Nate & Hannah rejoin the fun, ribs, smores, sparklers, shoreline fireworks.

Day 3: A blur of summer glory, Silas does a dive, fishing, fish mysteriously die in bucket, dump dead fish in lake, scoop back up dead fish for swimming, Pizza Cellar, nephews perform Greatest Showman each car ride.

Day 4: Shelly visits, Daron sees Avengers with the brothers, dock Olympics, family photo shoot, Andy's.

Day 5: Wehrman family unites, Clint unsuccessfully rides giant unicorn, homemade ice cream, Escape room (Bible themed?!?!).

Leg 7: Home :(

If we are the sum of our memories, I now like myself better. These will light the corners of my mind for years to come.  Thanks to my sweet aunt for hosting us all amidst the chaos (wish we saw you more), Mary for giving us a reason to celebrate together (your day was perfect), my siblings for always being facilitators of fun, and my mom for being the most fantastic person I know (for real) ((Dad, you are a less smiley close second)), and the Lord above for providing you all.