This trip took place in July 2009.
So most people would probably think we were crazy for taking a family of 4, which included an 8 year old and a 2 year old, on a 19 day road trip from Texas to California and back in a Mini Cooper, but call us crazy because we loved it and continue to recommend it!
Our main reason to go to California was to see some of the National Parks there and then drive the Pacific Highway (State Highway 1) from north to south along the ocean.
Day 1: Thursday, June 25
We drove from Houston to Kerrville, TX (4 hours) and stayed at the KOA in Kerrville. The kids did great on the way to Kerrville. They had their DVD players in the backseat with headphones to keep them entertained.
Our cabin 
She slept on the bottom. 
Our bed, camp pillows, and sleeping bags 
Tickles on the swing 
Loved this moment. 
He got to sleep on top.
We asked our friends where we should eat dinner and they recommended The Lakehouse. It did not disappoint! We had so much food and it was all good!
After dinner we drove over to the river, walked along the bank, stuck our feet in the water, and watched the sunset.
It was so much prettier in person. 
She thought she was big stuff. 
Walking along the bridge area. 
Happy kids. 
Our Mini Cooper Clubman
Day 2: Friday, June 26
We drove from Kerrville, TX to Carlsbad, NM (6 hours). We of course went to see Carlsbad Caverns!
Breakfast 
Somewhere in West Texas 
Arriving at the Caverns 
The one rock you CAN touch. 
Her feet were cold. 
Exploring the caverns 
An old ladder going somewhere. Um, no thank you! I don’t think I’d gone this way.
We slept at the Carlsbad KOA. We saw lots of bunnies and tarantulas around the campground. They had a nice family game room area.
Day 3: Saturday, June 27
We woke up and drove to Albuquerque, NM (5 hours). We drove through Roswell and ate lunch at Farley’s. They had a lot of space themed items in their restaurant and it kept the kids entertained.
Having never been in New Mexico, I expected to see all desert! 
Lots of alien themed signs in town.
On our route we passed The Valley of Fires Recreation Area in Carrizozo, NM. We all needed a break so we pulled in and walked around.
Stretching our legs 
Everything looks dry 
Lava flow remnants
When we arrived in Albuquerque it was already dark, but we rode the skytram up Sandia Peak anyways. I’m kinda glad we did it in the dark because I couldn’t see how high up in the sky and away from the ground we actually were.
Weather for the top. 
Waiting for our gondola 
At the top of Sandia Peak 
The lights of Albuquerque 
So cool to be there!
We slept that night at the Albuquerque Central KOA. This KOA wasn’t as quiet as some of the others we had stayed out, but it is right in the city and next to the highway.
Day 4: Sunday, June 28
We drove to Williams, AZ (5 ½ hours). On the way we stopped to see the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano in Grants, New Mexico. This wasn’t on our plan, but Greg had read about it and it sounded cool so we detoured just a bit to see it and we’re really glad we did.
Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano 
Walking to the volcano 
Volcano 
Lots of black lava rocks 
Never say we didn’t take you places. 
There are a lot of stairs down to the ice cave. 
Still going. 
The ice is covered in an arctic algae. In New Mexico y’all!
When we arrived in Williams we checked into the KOA and then drove the hour drive up to see Grand Canyon National Park. It was our first time seeing it and it was amazing! It’s so big and vast. We stayed and watched the sunset.
Amazing! 
It seems to go on forever. 
Small hike 
Making memories 
Seeing how far they can see
We thought Williams was the closest town to the Grand Canyon, but realized when we actually got there we could have stayed literally at the gates of the park or inside the park. Oh well, you live and learn. We drove the hour back to sleep at the Williams KOA which had brand new cabins at the time.
Day 5: Monday, June 29
We made the drive back to see the Grand Canyon again. We did a few hikes in as much shade as we could find. Remember to always carry water with you, more than you think you need. We saw people started along the Bright Angel Trail in flip flops and one 16 oz water bottle which is not recommended. Wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water.
Fixing her hat 
Beautiful views 
He’s such a good brother. 
Favorite photo! 
Beginning of the Bright Angel Trail 
Those squiggles are more of the Bright Angel Trail. 
So happy! 
Love being here with my people!
After we ate lunch we drove towards Las Vegas, NV (5 hours) to meet up with some of our family. We crossed over the Hoover Dam on our way. At the time they were still building the bridge that now goes around the dam.
Security check to cross the dam 
Hoover Dam 
It was hot! 
Working on the bridge
When we arrived in Las Vegas we visited with our family and then walked around to see the Las Vegas strip at night. Our son really wanted to see the fountains at the Bellagio because they were part of the Disney movie Bolt which he loved. We also visited M&M and Coca-Cola World.
M&M World 
Talking to Pop 
Nana, Karen, and Aunt Sue 
This bear scared the crap out of us! 
Watching the watershow. 
Bellagio fountains
We wanted to play in the hotel pool after we got back, but the Monte Carlo pool closed at like 7:00 PM! So everything doesn’t stay open all night in Vegas! Instead we watched the skyline out of our window.
Well, that’s it for this post.
See where we went next over here!
