Our Family's Travel Journal

Mesa, Arizona

August 21, 2004

I am not sure I was more scared when nana asked to take you to see your great grandma in Arizona. You were tiny only 8 months old, special because you are our first born son and you were going on a plane already. Good thing is that it sounded like you were oblivious to all the traveling and super cute so everyone loved you on the flight. In Arizona you met my aunt Rosemarie and my Grandma Muriel. They took you to a nut farm, where they should have stayed but then we probably would have has to come out to get you.

Nana loved her daddy Charles, she loved his chair and while you were in Arizona you had to be in that chair to share her special memories of him with you. 

In Arizona, nana couldn't put you on the ground. Not sure if it was because you were too special or the floor wasn't safe but had to snuggle you on the couch for nap time. I think, she wanted it that way, heaps of cuddles. 

On your first trip you spent some good time with Great Grandma Muriel. She liked to hold you and you did so well being held by her. My Aunt Rosemarie was so happy to see you and to have you around for the trip. It made it for an amazing trip everyone there. 

Lake Powell

July 21, 2004

Summer 2004 our first big trip with Ryleigh, super excited but we are going to Lake Powell and we are nervous too.  This trip ended up being a 12 hour road trip but you did amazingly well. Being here in the warmth, the sandy beaches is amazing. Mom had been here before recently but it was years since I I was here last time. Being able to share Powell with you is amazing. Just 7 months old and you are already experiencing life at it's finest. I am glad that Jake, Beth, and Logan are here too. Two little bald guys with elder statesmen that is also bald and that made this all happen was special for us. Chuck came with us two and this is the trip that 'One Nut Chuck' became a thing. 

Crested Butte

February 2, 2004

Ryleigh, you're my favorite person in the whole world and Crested Butte is one of my favorite places to visit in the whole world. I have so many memories here as a teenager. I can't wait to make memories here with you and we get to start these memories when you are just a bit over 1 month.

Dad hated the drive, you were so little in the back of the car and all he could think about is your safety (counting the minutes until we got there). I couldn't wait to get to the mountain house and hold you. I thought I would want to ski but I didn't, I wanted to spend all my time with you. This time with you was truly precious to me and something I never want to take for granted. Dad was the same way.