Thankful Thursday: Road trip edition

So. Just a few things to wrap up our road trip...

Things I'm thankful for:

1. Snack bag tradition. Years ago I started a road trip tradition of preparing snack bags for each boy. I'd gather candy and snacks that each particularly liked and put them in a gallon sized ziplock bag with his name on it. This system has served us well for many a road trip! It keeps things tidy (trash can just go back in the ziplock bag as it's generated)...it keeps boys from asking for things (as they're free to eat from the snack bag whenever and tasked with spacing things out for the duration of the trip, as bags aren't refilled)...and it prevents needing to reach across the entire vehicle or toss things to people in the back seat. 

Even though it isn't really necessary any more, I prepared snack bags for each boy for this road trip for nostalgia's sake. Thankful to have had them all with us on this trip, as I know those days are numbered.

2. Small hands. I'd never really thought about it before, but did you know that larger hands don't fit inside Pringles tubes? ;) It's not been an issue for me, but apparently Micah and Nathan can't get their hands into Pringles tubes. It was pretty entertaining watching Noah reach right in sitting next to Micah in the backseat. :)

3. Restaurant finds. While we've made the road trip to Washington a number of times for family visits, we don't usually drive the CO-WY-UT-ID/OR-WA route. (We usually go CO-WY-MT-ID-WA.) There aren't as many places to stop along the non-Montana route. So, we were delighted to discover a couple of great restaurants this time on our way to Idaho. Thankful for Wonderful House Restaurant in Rock Springs, WY and for Fat Clarence Pub & Grill in Jerome, UT!

4. Vinnie. Our dear mini van has been with us for 15.5 years now. We got him new and his name is Vinnie, well, Vincent Van Go. He's reliably transported us all over the place. This trip was no exception. He survived 2240 miles and we're very grateful. I know he's not the most stylish vehicle and that one of these days we'll replace him, but I'm ever thankful for the space, convenience and dependability. 

5. Silly faces. Mostly, though, I'm thankful for the time with family! Look at these silly faces...

It was lovely watching all the cousins interacting and just having the time together. So glad we were able to get together with everyone! Happy sigh. :)