#74: Go on a roadtrip with Grandpa Bill.

Ever since I lost both my grandma's a couple years ago, I have had a growing desire to spend quality time with my Grandpa Bill. He is the only grandparent that I have left and, at 85 years of age, is not getting any younger any time soon. My grandpa loves life, and absolutely loves to travel through the U.S. He has taken countless roadtrips, tours, and flights through the country over the course of his life, and I think he loves nothing more than being on the open road, seeing the sights, talking about cars, and eating at random places. I must confess that I have actually done this task twice before in my life, to Colorado and Michigan, but I put it on the list because that was a long time ago and I wanted to do it again, to somewhere new. This was the perfect opportunity, and was an added bonus that my mom, brother, and aunt were along for the experience as well. So how was it? Overall it was fabulous. Yes, it was hard getting used to staying close to the speed limit, keeping the music quiet, having my driving critiqued, and hearing commentary on every vehicle or manufacturing plant we passed by. But it was also 48ish hours of quality driving time with my g'pa: driving through 8 states, singing some songs, talking, and experiencing Niagara Falls which was new for both of us. The whole trip I just kept thinking about how lucky I was to have a family that I could travel so far with, and still appreciate them afterwards (although we were all a bit cranky on the ride home...everything can't always be perfect, right?). Overall we had a ton of fun, and I'm thankful I got the chance to do that now while my grandpa is still able.

Oh, and just to make you smile, here is a little video of the family...



and some pictures...


grandpa at the wheel as the sun rose.


fields of hay.


me and the big guy. we matched that day.