Traveling Thursday~ Hello Arizona

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Well, hello there! It's been a while since I've shared a Traveling Thursday post. We've traveled a bit since my last post. I figured I'd start sharing some of our recent trips. A few things have changed from when I posted last. We have officially completed our homeschooling journey. Both Michael and Therese have graduated high school and both have earned an associate's degree from the local community college. They are both currently working on the next step in their journey. Therese is continuing her education, while Michael is currently in the hiring process as a firefighter/paramedic. Life goes by so quickly!

So what does that mean as far as our traveling journeys? 

It means the last few trips have been just my hubby and I. It's been a little weird to travel without kids again. It's nice but completely different. There have been many times during our trips that I stop and think how much they would love to see what we are exploring. I miss experiencing new adventures with them, but I am loving the time with my hubby.

So first up... Arizona! This past September, we traveled to Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. We spent 2.5 weeks exploring this beautiful area. We had never been to Arizona or Utah before so it was amazing to see these stunning states. We both had been to Colorado as children, so it was a different feel for both of us.

The last time I flew anywhere was when we went to Disney World when the kids were 3 and 4. So it had been a while. Security is crazy now. The airport in Virginia was better and quicker with its security line. Phoenix was not good!

My gf free meal on the plane. 

I got sick so I didn't eat my meal on the return flight.

We flew into Phoenix, Arizona. It was hot, hot, hot! It was a city. Not a city like New York City, but still a city. Nothing too spectacular to me. 

I tried to get the Welcome to Arizona sign but as you can tell I missed it. I missed quite a few along the trip. Oh well! We did see Sequia cactuses alongside the ride though.

We picked up our rental car...a Jeep!

It was a fun ride. It was great to take the top off when we were sightseeing. 

The pictures don't do the sky justice. Coming from the east coast it always amazing me how blue the sky is out here. The difference is drastic. 

From Phoneix, we drove straight to the Grand Canyon! 

Stay tuned for our adventure there!

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Travelings Thursdays~ Fort Mackinac

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Today is our last day on the Island! We are touring Fort Mackinac.

Fort Mackinac was found in 1780 by the British during the American Revolution. It was built so that the British could control the Strait of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

In 1796, the Americans took over the fort which led to the first land engagement of the War of 1812. This battle was bloody and many lives were lost. The British gained back control of the fort. 

After the war, the fort was turned over to the Americans. 

The fort was officially controlled in 1895.

The fort now acts as a living museum for visitors to Mackinac Island.

The fort has 14 fully restored buildings to explore. Visitors will see soldiers milling about, period displays and furniture in the buildings, learn all about the fort, and learn more about American history.

As visitors walk through the fort, the will see the homes that the soldiers and their families lived in.

Touring the fort gives everyone a peek into what life was like for the families that live at the fort over the years.

They offer a wonderful kid's museum filled with tons of hands on learning. 

Next stop....home!

Our week long cross country journey has come to an end.

I will admit I am ready to sleep in my own bed!

Till Next Time,

Monique

Traveling Thursdays~ Mackinac Island

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you. 

After a restful evening in the hotel, we boarded the Mackinac Island ferry and headed over to Mackinac Island. 

The ferry ride was a first for the kids. 

They loved it even though it was a little chilly as we zoomed over the water!

This quaint little island and town is like stepping back in time.

No cars are allowed.

Want to get around?

You'll have to walk or ride around in a horse drawn carriages.

On the island you'll find a wonderful collection to Catholic history. Perfect for a Catholic field trip. We walked around Marquette Park, viewed the Father Marquette statue, and visited the small hut showing Father Marquette taking part of Mass. We even visited Saint Anne's Catholic Church.

You'll find shops, homes, and lodgings that are from the early 19th century. The town makes you feel like you've stepped back into the Victorian period. As you walk around the shops, you'll smell the delicious scent of fudge. I recommend buying some.

The views are incredible. The homes are gorgeous. 

I could easily live here, if the winters weren't so bad!

I'd love to go back sometime for the summer.

Maybe a second honeymoon.

Till Next Time,

Monique

Traveling Thursdays~ The Great Lakes

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We've left the west and are now in the Great Lakes region. 

We spent the night in Duluth, Minnesota and then headed out early in the morning to head to the Great Lakes! I was excited about this since I've never been here either! I love the water.

We crossed over into Wisconsin and stumbled upon the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center.

They have a wonderful hands-on learning exhibit all about the heritage and communities found along Lake Superior. 

Till Next Time,

Monique

Traveling Thursdays~ Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you. 

After our relaxing days at the ranch it was time to start heading back east! We still have a few places to visit before we arrived home though.

Our next stop was the Theodore Roosevelt National Park! 

This is the least visited park! It's a little out of the way, but it has a wonderful visitors center and you can see Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin! 

It was raining that day, so the sky was cloudy and overcast.

Thanks to the rain, we didn't see any animals.

The fall foliage was pretty to see though.

Till Next Time,

Monique

Traveling Thursdays~ Our Days on the Ranch

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you. 

While visiting out west, we knew we wanted to relax a bit and hang out on a ranch. After searching around on the internet for awhile, we discovered the Double Diamond X Ranch. It was beautiful.

Located in a valley near the upper South Fork of the Shoshone River near Cody, Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park. The setting is breathtaking, peaceful, and absolutely stunning. The road that takes you to the ranch dead ends and  leaves you in the mountains!

When we arrived (it was mid-September) there was snow in the mountains. 

It was freezing.

Thankfully the 2nd day there the weather warmed up and we were able to head outdoors and enjoy the mountains around us. 

We rode horses while we were there. The kids even enjoyed horseback riding lessons from a our guide. He was a wonderful old cowboy.

Of course Michael had to get a cowboy hat. You can't visit Wyoming and not buy a hat!

I found a beautiful pair of cowboy boots to my collection! 

So if you ever head out west and want to visit a guest ranch, I'd definitely recommend the DDX ranch. It's 9 guest cabins makes for a fun filled adventure without all the crowds. 

The food was amazing too.

Till Next Time,

Monique