​We packed up the kids, we packed up the rental car,* and embarked on an epic cross-country road trip. We drove from San Diego through Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and South Dakota on our way to Minnesota.

This trip was all about making memories with our kids. We planned our itinerary so that we'd arrive in Rapid City, South Dakota in time to enjoy the Fourth of July at Mount Rushmore. ​​

A highlight was the lighting ceremony at Mount Rushmore. We were all inspired as the spotlights lit up the monument and we were reminded of the biblical values and ideals of our founding fathers. 

When we arrived in Minnesota, Taylor celebrated her 11th birthday at Uncle Kevin and Aunt Sandy's. Then both kids ​headed up to Faith Haven for their first week of summer camp. Mom and Dad tried not to worry and filled their time visiting family and friends. 

After a fun-filled and spiritually meaningful week at camp, we headed south on I-35​ to visit Kay Charlotte's family in Oklahoma City. Both her sister and her brother met up at Tom and Dorothy's place for two days of fun. Levi and Taylor loved hanging out with their cousins Carson, Tristan and Miley.

From there we made our way through Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. We made a slight detour to visit Hoover Dam and spent a night in Las Vegas to visit our YWAM partners there. 

We were all a bit saddle-sore by the time we finally pulled back into our driveway. We did make lots of great memories and we learned once again that there's no place like home!

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*We didn't think our little Honda would make it all the way across the country, so we rented a Chevy Traverse. That third row came in very handy on those long miles across this great big continent!