Day Fifteen - Grand Canyon to Lake Mead

As we have traveled west, Brogden's internal clock has remained consistent. He is now waking at 6:30 for the day. I have to wake with him but family around me snoozes away. ​

By 9:30 we pulled out with everything in it's place. The elders had a photo shoot with Giggle Monster and their fairy house they built while I made breakfast and George broke camp. Sad days are coming since there is one or two more mornings of homemade oatmeal mix. 

​I have come to enjoy taking things out of the suburban for camping. It allows me to find missing toy parts. Today, I found Tiny's Junior Ranger badge, Biscuit's ninja men, a pony, turtle, marker, four puzzle pieces, a stamp, and crackers from Day One. Crackers fed to the ravens at our campsite and all the others were stowed away in their proper place. 

Easy drive into Flagstaff. Finally had connections to work on updates! I do feel bad that I am so far behind but I can't change it. Tears shed over attempting everything I knew how to do to get pictures/videos into the blog.  Decided to copy and paste from my notes and worry with media later.  Seemed like all children woke up screaming at the same time.  I was going to pee in my pants. Exited at the next available spot. 

​Found a surprise waiting for me in the toilet.  I will never understand why people do not check behind them after defiling the commode.  It flushed just fine.  I guess they wanted me to check it for them.  Went back for my angels that also needed relief.  They are learning not to ask to look, touch, or buy any of the trinkets we pass.

Peanut butter/nutella wraps are next on the list.  I failed to realize how much pressure the content of the tailgate is under and a rush of chairs fall out. Put together wraps.  Put in children’s hands.  They eat.  Most of them do.  Bubble had a bit of a come apart and threw half of hers at me.  Patience and grace are two things that I have been asking for each night.  I had to summon all of my patience and grace in that moment.  

Back on the road.  Bubble fell asleep.  Exactly what she needed. 

​George saw a few travel centers and we debated on stopping for showers. At 3:00 pm in the afternoon, we figured it was better to get to the campground and set up camp then get cleaned. This is not the first or second day that we have missed a shower and all been in the same clothes. I don't think we stink but again we really aren't with anyone else. We are all doing our part to make laundry last as long as possible. 

​Walmart for diapers, wipes, cooking fuel, and lunch or dinner. Walmarts are the same all around and completely different. Sausage section is paltry in Arizona. Liquor is sold cheap on the aisle with water. Attitudes are much better with food. 

Biscuit complained she was bored. Kept asking for something to play with. I was busy snacking and then writing so I told her no so many times. They figured out a way to play together with what they had. They have been the most creative when we give them nothing.

​Passed the Nevada state line. Saw the sign. Could. Not. Figure. Out. How. To. Get. To. It. We will try the welcome center. Secure a hotel for the night. Nobody wants to camp when it is 108 outside. Found the welcome center. Closed. 

Unloaded at the hotel and girls got on swim suits. George took them down to burn energy while Brogden and I worked on the blog. Reliving all that we had done this past week was heavy. I cannot believe writing it down that it happened. Being there in each moment, I know it did. ​

Made dinner in the room while George bathed the ladies. They ate their supper while watching a new favorite, American Ninja Warrior.
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​Brogden and I finally got a shower and George made the trips back and forth from the laundry. Everyone clean, we all passed out. 
Steps taken: 6,885
Miles driven: 273.2