Steve Van Dyk 8/19/14 Steve Van Dyk 8/19/14

Knock Knock... Day Seven

P.S.A. - Our kids are awesome little people, however it is likely that all three (Madeleine is too young yet) stink at knock knock jokes. If you are in a boring lectures, or other situation that seems too tedious for words, just add "Knock Knock", "Who is there", "Ms. Julie", "Ms. Julie who", "Ms. Julie why do I have to sit on a camper" follwed by racous laghter. Kristi and I really aren't that good at jokes either... which is why we don't tell them often. Hint hint kids when you read this in fifteen years. We love you, please stop telling jokes.

Ok, now that that is over here we are on the night of day seven. Contrary to conspiracy theorists we were not abducted and taken to Area 51, nor were we crushed by falling rock in Marble Canyon. Nope, we are safe and sound in Zion Canyon. That right IN A CANYON. Go figure that being in a canyon provides for so-so cell service while being on top of a canyon (Grand Canyon) gives us nothing. We even got to go through a mile and a half tunnel to get here that was punctuted by an "AGAIN" by Ms. Madeleine. She likes tunnels.

That's the van we are using in the middle. I took this picture from the bathhouse... not in the bathhouse Uncle S.

A lot has happened since we last spoke. We left Albuquerque for an uneventful ride to the Grand Canyon. We arrived and had quite the time geting the camper "level" I still am sure we didn't get it right but as far as married people go Kristi and I are killing the whole parking of and hooking up of the camper. Here is our site at Grand Canyon - 138 and we even got two citations for not removing our clothes line when we were away from the site.

When we arrived we set off and paid with birthright for ice and wood. It seems that even the areas surrounding our National Parks are not immune to supply and demand. Combined with the massive road system at the park it was like Disney World. All the comforts readily at hand, as long as you are willing to part with your cash. Once we did get the wood though, we cooked up our first meal over the grill, it turned out edible which was good.

Expertly marinated chicken done (poorly) over the fire.

On Monday morning we awoke, ate a pancake breakfast and headed out to the canyon. The kids did a wonderful job of hiking and we were able to hike 1.5 miles into the canyon to a rest stop to refill our water. We then hiked 1.5 miles out again for a total of 3 miles. That equates to 1,120 feet down followed by 11,200 feet up. I'm not sure how that math works but that isn't a typo :). Here are some pictures of our hike.

After our hike we went back to relax and ended up napping due to a rain storm that took most of the afternoon. After playing in town a bit we came back, had dinner, and went to bed.

Today (Tuesday) we woke early and packed up before the rain fell. It rained most of the 4-5 hours of our drive to Zion, some of it through curvy mountain roads and some so hard it felt like the van was floating on the water. All in all we really did have a "safe" drive through some of the most beautiful canyon country I've ever seen. We took 89a instead of plain old 89 (Saved 20 minutes) and though I'm questioning going back that route, it was well worth it.

Upon our arrival and setup at Zion we went to the store and Benny asked to take this picture.

Three characters. Or, Mini her, mini him, and where did she come from?

Tomorrow we hope to hike thourgh some of the Zion Canyon trails. The weather looks good and I think the kids are looking forward to hiking in a river.

The first four days of the trip were taxing with our constant travel, setup, take down, travel plan. Our kids brought smiles to people on the trail yesterday and that pretty much made the drive worth it, as did seeing them simply hike in such a beautiful place. They've had their sibling issues and we are still working through those as parents too. All three kids have done some amazing things, coming up with the number game (Ben), fearlessly speaking Chinese to people in various locations (Kayleigh), and even though she cheated and really did age one year on the trip, Madeleine is rounding into quite the little (real) individual. It has been fun to spend time with them and watch them as they grow.

Hopefully I have more to share tomorrow. Until then enjoy waking up to this:

Steve Van Dyk 8/16/14 Steve Van Dyk 8/16/14

You're gonna hear me roar: Day Four

Benny was singing Katy Perry in the swimming pool today. I'm not sure which adult in the house introduced him to Ms. Perry, but her musical stylings rarely (every?) grace my play lists. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that if my kids had the same access to technology that Ms. Perry uses, they too could have a hit record from that recording I shared a few days earlier... but I digress.

As you may have read, yesterday was tough. Mostly becuase we were late and then we were greeted by severe weather, standing water on the highway and someone's suitcase where the left lane was supposed to be. I swear I saw a flipped car on the other side of the median, but I have no corroborating witnesses on that one so let's just say it was a rough entrance into Amarillo. Once we got there, however, we had an hour of happiness at Chik-Fil-A. All the workers said "my pleasure", the bathrooms played lyric free worship music (subtle huh?) and the staff even treated the kids to free ice cream. If you work in the service industry and don't know the name S. Truet Cathy then you are doing yourself, and your customers a huge disservice... and let's face it - we are all in customer service.

In between Oklahoma and Texas we got off at the Wellston exit on I-44 West and stopped off at Pop's for fries and rare soda pops in glass bottles. A huge thanks to high school classmate Paul Ryckbost for the tip. From what I've seen of his current vacation, he knows where to find a good milkshake as well. Thanks again Paul!

In quick review yesterday was a long day in the van with kids who had to use toilets and at least one grown up who struggled with keeping the kids happy and making the destination on time. Turns out he failed at both. Amarillo is probably a nice place but the rain and late arrival did it no favors. Our campground was located at the cross section of regional air port, train line, and highway. Around the corner were homes that looked less like homes than the camper we pull with us. If anything has stuck out so far, it is in the "homes" I (we) see people living in. It makes one grateful for what is hopefully sitting safely back home.

This video is being shared simply because with the thunder in the distance and the squeak of the swing I can only think of a bad horror film. That my daughter is in said squeaky swing has nothing to do with the horror. Yet.

Today started a little rough, had its rough times, but overall was a great day. We are dealing with some sibling love on the trip. It seems that when in doubt punch it out is the motto for all of them. Some a little more than others, but hopefully the kids are learning to keep their hands to home and use words instead of body parts. That said, our little combatants are sleeping soundly next to each other at the moment so that is a great thing. We were a little slow in getting out of Amarillo as we drove through Historic Route 66 (6th st. in Amarillo) which turned out to be lots of old shops and a few bars We then needed gas and coffee - yes needed coffee. Once on the road though it was nearly four hours non-stop to Albuquerque. We arrived at a great time and were able to peacefully setup camp for the night. After that, we swam in a very nice pool, had a good dinner and after showers we celebrated Madeleine's 2nd Birthday with Loft House Cookies. I'm not sure why I needed to share the cookie brand... maybe I'll get a kick back.

Madeleine is our little independent. She's smart and a little conniving like her sister, she can also be sweet and charming like her brother, and all in all she's a little package of hurt just waiting to happen. I just hope she moves out before she lets out her full fury :)

This is random but I did want to say that Oklahoma has some incredibly straight and hilly roads, Texas had some flat roads, and New Mexico has some beautiful scenery to welcome you to the state. This is the farthest west I've driven as an adult and the scenery is fantastic.

Tomorrow we take our last showers and head off to the Grand Canyon. I've promised the guys at work that I will not hurt any squirrels, nor will I ask the kids to take my picture as I climb over the guard rail. Neither event ended well.

So with that I say good night from Albuquerque.

Here are a few more highlights:

Coincidently the same shirt he wore two years ago on the day of little sister's birth. He fills the role well.

Our campsite in Albuquerque. That wall in the background separates us from the highway.

With apologies to the inlaws... it isn't a "Van Dyk" camping trip until the baby finds a beer bottle.

They recovered well from the bed time news. Maddie, as is custom, doesn't care to be a conformist.

The best giggle in the world.

Steve Van Dyk 8/15/14 Steve Van Dyk 8/15/14

Hurry up and wait...

We are in Amarillo in the rain. Today had good times and some rough times. Like the pool being closed at the campground... Pools at campgrounds seem unrelated to camping, but I was looking forward to swimming with my kids tonight. They are taking it better than I:).

For now I leave you with some pictures from today. My iPad is in the van and there are rain drops between us. Also, I'm allergic to rain. Weather and attitude permitting, more tomorrow :)

Steve Van Dyk 8/14/14 Steve Van Dyk 8/14/14

Blurred Lines: Day Two

I saw a sign yesterday advertising Robin Thicke and PitBull putting on a show. I kept on driving. If you aren't familiar with Robin Thicke he is the referee that Miley Cyrus attacked on that fancy award show. I could send the YouTube links to study up but this is a family blog.

Speaking of family things today was our second day on the road traveling from Pacific, MO to Claremore, OK. We are staying at the luscious Will Rogers Downs KOA which magnificently blurs the lines between campground and parking lot. On the one hand we are on a grassy lot with electric... on the other I'm half a block from a horse track and casino (Do they deliver drinks?? Family Blog, Steven, Family Blog). The other good news is we are right by a gas station that seems to have good rates on ice, Mt. Dew and Coke. It was 90 (bazillion) degrees when we arrived to our shady spot (ha) and now it is a nice cool 70-something with a slight breeze. The Michigan summer sure hasn't prepared us well for the heat.

Today started pretty well. The kids woke up a little later than usual and for the first part of the trip they were in good spirits. Kayleigh and Ben learned how to do dishes after breakfast so Kristi and I can sit back and eat bon bons while sipping grown up lemonades. Tear down of the camper went very quickly and we were off just before 10. I should share that we had a "Van Dyk Middle Child event today. Years ago I remember my sister Sarah (middle child) throwing a fancy frisbee thing into the Atlantic Ocean. I was crushed. Today Benjamin (middle child) threw a similar frisbee into a cemetary. I was spooked. So our drive started into the cemetary to retrieve the frisbee and off we went down part of historic Route 66. I had absolutely no idea how pretty and hilly Missouri is. We saw so many trees and rock faces along the highway, and when we weren't appreciating the scenery we (ok I) was lamenting the fact that we were either powering up hills or screaming down them. There were a few hills tops that would make a great retirement retreat... but only if I have a helicopter to get to it.

Oklamhoma started with lots of heat, and a speed limit sign that said 75... and another one saying road construction. Actually, construction today was non-existent compared to yesterday, we had good roads and the kids held up pretty well too.

Bedtime was another story, as evidenced by this video:

All is quiet now, and hopefully it stays that way.

What we learned today:
1. Kids are getting easier to camp with, despite the bed time issues.
2. Oklahoma is home to mosquitos. I'm not impressed.
3. There is simple joy in finding "Free" beverages at the Oklahoma tourist center where you can fill up a water bottle for free. Mix in a Crystal Light Pack and it's like a gas station stop with cleaner bathrooms.
4. God kept us safe another day and let us see some of his great and varied creation.

Here are some of the hot shots of the day:

We didn't eat here, but it's open 24 hours so it must be good.

Welcome to Oklahoma. You will pay the toll.

Oklahoma where the water is free and the wind comes following the rain.

Bed time innocence. Soon to be disrupted.

Casino to the left of me, sunset to the right, here I am stuck in the middle with you... — Casino to the left of me, sunset to the right, here I am *stuck in the middle with you...*