The Four Day Drive

Day 1.
We pulled out of Portland bright and early on Saturday, May 4th. B, Kate, the coffee plant and I were cozy in the Jeep, followed by Mom in the Focus and Dad in the U-haul truck pulling the trailer. We were quite a caravan. Since it was a clear, sunny morning, we were able to really soak up Portland as we left--the Willamette River, the downtown skyline, Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens and the stunning views into the Columbia Gorge. It actually was a nice day for a drive.

Our last view of downtown Portland as we drove east across the Marquam Bridge.

 Kate getting her diaper changed at a very scenic rest stop in eastern Oregon.

 All four of us cozy in the Jeep.

 The sky above the Blue Mountains in eastern Oregon.

The view from Deadman's Pass east of Pendleton. That white speck is the U-haul and the red speck behind is the Focus.

 Day 2.
We started Day 2 from Boise, ID and again had sunny skies as we cruised through Idaho and into Utah.  Afternoon monsoons greeted us as we drove through the Wasatch in the late afternoon and we made it a short day by stopping for the night in Evanston, WY. It is worth mentioning that Kate only napped for about 90 minutes total on this day. Riding shotgun not only meant you were co-pilot, but also full-time toddler entertainer. Hence, a considerable lack of photos from Day 2.  Whoops.

Caravan Hoybook

 Mom, taking her driving duties very seriously. Or possibly, and more likely, engrossed in her audio book.

Following the "White Rhino" into the Wasatch.

Day 3.
Day 3 was spent driving the length of Wyoming. Big skies, brown hills and interesting sights like windmills on the skyline next to coal plants and the tree rock. We spent part of the drive up on a high plateau at 8,000 feet and continued on downhill into Nebraska and found a hotel in Sidney for the night.

 The only spot of shade during our lunch break in Rawlins, WY.

The infamous Tree Rock in eastern Wyoming.

Snuggled up with all of her friends.

The state line! Look at that big sky.

Day 4.
Nebraska baby! After three days in the car, Kate was pretty much over it so we put The Lorax on repeat on the Kindle and drove fast. We made a quick pit spot to stretch our legs at the Air and Space Museum and then rolled into Omaha around 5pm.

A Great American Road Trip moment: Kate's first Happy Meal.

Organizing rocks at the Air and Space Museum off I-80.

Giving Mom and Dad directions to our new house. Obviously, you go here, take a left, go straight, then over there. Duh.

All in all, we got really lucky and had a great trip.  No flat tires, no break downs, no epic toddler tantrums. The Great Traveling Kate was such a trooper and she got to add a new state to her growing list: Utah. (Can you believe she is up to 8 states already?)

Big thanks to Oma and Papa for we couldn't have done it without them. From helping us pack up the last bits and driving the truck and my car to distracting Kate when we needed a break, they were amazing.  We are so grateful for their love and support.