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 When I was growing up my family went to Oklahoma about every other summer because my dad had family back there...but when you live in 100 degree heat already, going somewhere with 100 degree heat plus 50% humidity ain't exactly a vacation! And it wreaked havoc on my 80's feathered perm. LOL! But in hindsight the road trips were fun--there were definitely memorable parts about them. Camping, staying in hotels and stops along the way, like the Grand Canyon, Flintstone Village and Carlsbad Caverns, to name a few. In the beginning it was just me and my two sisters, me being the middle child. But later when our baby sister was added to the bunch it was a little more tense in the car. She was 2 the first time we took her on the road and by then seatbelt and car seat laws were in effect. Sitting with a restrained 2 year old next to me is not one of my fondest memories!

Now that I'm the Mom, my girls and I have a tradition of visting Sequoia National Park every summer. I have taken my eldest every year since she was 1 (with the exception of the summer her baby sister was 9 months old).  I have done this by myself mostly, a couple of times with their dad, and last year with a good friend along for the adventure. No matter what, I love being up there among the big trees. I spent my 18th summer working there and it has held a special place in my heart ever since. Obviously, since I named my daugther Sequoia!!