on the road

Slow, sticky summer days have a way of running together, don't they? You almost forget that they are a succession; you don't feel them rolling forward. But forward they roll, of course, which is why there's never enough time -- not even enough time to do nothing. This is especially worrisome because it's often nothing that stays with you for the rest of your life. So we stopped putting off our list of nothings to do, hopped on a plane, and did what we always talked about doing: a family roadtrip through the American West.
I think the best thing about traveling the world is gaining an increased appreciation for what you have back home. I don't just mean that in a "home sweet home" way. I mean that, after visiting over 35 countries on 5 continents, I truly believe there is nothing in the world you can't find right here in the United States. I've burned incense in Buddhist monasteries and seen a Zoroastrian sky burial, but I felt equally out of my element touring the Salt Lake Tabernacle. I've seen Scylla and Charybdis, Caribbean beaches -- the water of our lakes is just as blazing blue. We have ruins, monuments, and little immigrant grannies cooking the most exotic food you could desire. It's all here..you just have to know where to look.
And nowhere is the sky so big.
Thought I'd share some pictures -- I'm struggling with this meager app, so apologies in advance.

Jackson, WY: view of Grand Tetons national park

Bear Lake, ID -- you can't really tell, but the water is this awesome turquoise shade

Mmm ribs. Giant, juicy ribs.

Under an arch made of antlers, Jackson again

Garden City, UT: signature fresh raspberry shakes right after crossing into Utah