NJ Rock Gym - Claire

The bear in her element

"Ain't no Mountain high enough..."

NJ Rock Gym - Will

Will was a natural at this. He could climb all day.

Wow, this is fun! What should I climb next?

Renting Ski Equipment

We tried on these hats.  How do we look?

Will and Claire are ready for the slopes. We just rented them equipment from Ski Barn.  They climbed up the Flex and stowed their gear in the cargo box themselves.  We like the initiative, but the car is taking a beating so we will handle stowing the gear for them from now on.  Aunt Liz was on hand to pump up the fun.

Getting strong at Brazen

Claire's Story

I am excited to go hiking and skiing and climbing rock walls.  I want to see the Grand Canyon.

Gearin' Up...

Spent the day at REI

Will's Story

Will, 8, Navigator

I think that this is going to be the best trip ever. I am going to get to see so many good things. I can't wait to see the mittens, Bryce national park and the Grand Canyon, and skiing will be great too...

Let's Go...

So we are starting to set things in motion... 

• Ruled out the Airstream. Turns out that the Ford Flex doesn't have the ability to tow a trailer. We are disappointed but it will probably be warmer sleeping in hotels. We do plan to camp when in Joshua Tree and Southern CA so there will be some roughing it... 
• We purchased the road atlas (Will is going to be our navigator)
• Nailed down a preliminary list of destinations 
• We have received the kid's new winter coats
• Hiking boots are on order
• Rock climbing lessons are set for this Sunday (NJ Rock Gym)
• We have begun to contact family and friends that we hope to see along the way
• We met with Will's teacher to let her know of our plans and have a meeting set for next week with Claire's teacher to do the same.