Vacation memories

Something that I will always remember is the time that Mom and Dad took to show us around the US. We were lucky that for awhile both had a flexible work schedule with ample time off in the Summers. It is due to them that I have the travel bug - we have traveled through 40+ states together.

Some of my best travel memories with Mom and Dad:

Camping

• We had a little pop-up camper that took us to Oregon and back twice. I always liked the fact that we had a camper instead of a tent. One time driving back to Michigan from Oregon the tire blew on the camper (this was the 2nd or 3rd time). My father got out of the car in a furry and we heard all sorts of things come out of his mouth when he changed the tire.
• We used to have these great trips to the Lake Michigan coast-line in Michigan. I think a lot of these trips were related to church activities.

Picture of the family during an Oregon trip

Matt, John and Linda in Yellowstone

The Kaisers

• I could write a book about traveling with the Kaiser family. All I would like to say is that it was nice that my parents found a connection with Terrie and Nolan, as the families really fit together growing up. I couldn't imagine childhood without them.
• We camped West with the Kaisers. I have a memory of Mom driving the van through the Rockies. It was the ladies in one van and the men (and dog) in the other. Em and I were playing with barbies in the back. We were at a part of the road were it was narrow and the side had a huge drop -off. Mom said 'I don't know how you can trust me with the road like this.' Terrie said something like 'Well of course I trust you, if we go off on the side of the road, then there is nothing we can do about it.'
• Chicago - We traveled many times together to Chicago to see our Aunt Lil. One time I remember in particular was our visit to the Museum of Science and Industry. Another time was a few years ago for Dad's 60th birthday. We surprised him with a homemade chocolate cake (Marty helped) and tickets to the Lion King.

Annual family trips

• Each year we took turns visiting grandparents. One year to Oregon and the next to either New York or Florida.
• Oregon - We had some great times in Oregon, I remember spending at least 2 Christmas' there. One trip I got sick with walking pnemonia and I remember Mom and Grandma taking me to the doctor. When we returned home, they doted on me and helped me feel better...
• New York - When we were younger, all of Dad's family was in the Kingston, NY area. I have memories of getting in trouble at Grandma and Grandpa's house for eating another vitamin with my brother. Another time we vacationed to Vermont with Grandma and Grandpa.
• Florida - It was probably really hard on Mom's nerves, but Matt and I traveled to Florida several times alone. On one trip where we didn't, Mom and Dad took us to Disney World - it was my first time and a wonderful experience! It was so cold that they had to buy us sweatshirts.

Aruba

• I have never seen my family more relaxed in my life. One afternoon it decided to rain and the kids (Marty, Em, Matt, Laura and I) went to see a movie. When we returned our parents were already at happy hour (and had been for awhile!). Neither Mom nor Dad were ever big drinkers, but I must say I am pretty sure they were both buzzed and I know Terrie was!