Woke up in Iowa, and the views immediately reminded me we were back in the Midwest.
Today has been spent completely in the dining car (breakfast) and our roomettes (packing up, final lazy moments, and lunch.
We all just sat together for a while and took turns sharing our favorite moments from the trip. It was really fun (and affirming for the tour operator - yours truly) to hear the "Top 3" that everyone shared. They ranged from the presumably obvious (like seeing the Grand Canyon) to the unpredictable and quirky family moments (like when Oliver decided to call the boys the "Fever Brothers" and Mila and Emery countered with the "Rainbow Sisters"). It was fun to reminisce and journal about it.
I'm writing this final blog post for our trip as the Zephyr speeds toward the Chicago metro area. We should be in Naperville in about 10 minutes now. The views are becoming unmistakably familiar ...
... which means, of course, this is the ...
I'm sad to close the cover on this book, but feel blessed to have shared it with my three favorite people on the planet. I'm so appreciative of Kristen's partnership in executing the trip, and unbelievably proud of Miles and Emery for their curiosity, travel savvy, wit, politeness, compassion for others and positive energy throughout.
Now it's time to go get the laundry going, and take a hot shower.
Shave? That's still TBD ...
