Catching Up - Go West Youngish Man!

The next step in our busy lives after graduation and my commissioning was to load whatever the movers didn't pack, my wife, son, mother, father, and plenty of Coke Zero into our new van and set off across the country. We left on June 3 and had to be at our new house on June 7. Needless to say, there wasn't much time for anything but driving. We took the time to stop by Carthage and Nauvoo, although we'll have to make more time on a future trip. We had a great time on our trip and are extremely grateful for Mom and Dad's assistance and willingness to sit with a cranky 2-year old and even crankier 34-year old for over 2,200 miles!

The packed-to-the-brim van immediately before leaving the Bronx. If you look carefully, you can see actually see Andy's arm in the middle of the picture.

Despite being packed like a little sardine, Andy mostly enjoyed the trip. He especially liked the fact that our snake and turtles were riding right next to him.

Mom and Dad at one of our rest stops. This was early in the trip. Later, they looked a little more travel worn!

A teetor-totter somewhere in Illinois. Andy insisted.

Papa going down a slide at the same park in Illinois. Once again, Andy insisted. The things you'll do for your grandkids!

Safely at the bottom! Thankfully, my CPR skills weren't required.

The room in Carthage, Illinois where Joseph Smith was killed. A humbling experience.

The door that the mob shot through to get to Joseph.

Outside of Carthage Jail. I was very glad we were able to stop by. It was good to connect with early Church history.

Mom and Dad at Carthage. Looking a little well-traveled!

We were only able to stop in Nauvoo for an hour or so. It was great to see the temple, however. It's an amazingly beautiful building.

Mom and Dad at the Nauvoo temple. Next time we'll actually have time to go inside.

The best way to deal with a never-ending drive? Just sleep!

It's funny, but once we hit Wyoming I felt like I was back home. I guess I'll always be Western at heart!

At a rest stop in Utah. There was a small army of prarie dogs running around everywhere, which fascinated Andy to no end.

Grammie, Papa, me, and Andy at the rest stop before we dropped the folks off at the airport so they could take the shuttle back to Idaho. I was so glad they drove with us. It made everything much easier and helped me realize that my folks can actually be fun to hang out with!

The van during our stop at Grandpa and Grandma Nelson's in Utah. As you can see, we were in survival mode!

The last part of our trip was from Utah to San Diego. I didn't get any really good pictures of that part of the journey. They would have been the same, though, so you're not missing much. We arrived safely and I started my Surgical Intern year the next day. As the saying goes, "No rest for the wicked"!