Wrap-up post

By all accounts this was a successful trip. And without question the best part of this trip was spending time with everyone.

Seeing the stuff we saw was cool. My family being as excited to see the stuff I like to see makes me happy.

Maybe my favorite moment was when I heard Cal (oldest) talking in the back seat of the car and I thought he was talking to one of his friends. Just the tone made me think he might have been on his cell talking to one of his buddies. So I asked Debbie who he was talking to and she said Beau, his brother. That was very cool.

I'm so glad Debbie talked me back into this trip. More like, "Oh we are going on this trip". It definitely wasn't a vacation for me. Driving all those miles, not getting enough sleep, not working out enough, but it was a great time.

The next long road trip I'd like to take is maybe to follow the Lewis and Clark route or at least part of it. Or a trip to Southern California like the Griswolds. Talk to you then.

Final Post

I wanted to mention each person's highlights of the trip.

Isabelle's favorite was the beach and the arch. I would also like to add gift shops of any kind, at any place.

Beau's favorite was the aquarium in Atlanta.

Cal's favorite (though he is not here right now to comment) in my opinion, was catching the rolls at Lambert's throw the rolls and the different hotels (pools, showers, mattresses, fitness centers, food, TV's, TV channels, shampoos, etc)

My favorite was definitely Folley beach in SC and singing Elvis songs and Paul Simon's "Graceland" on the way to Graceland, as well as Graceland itself.

I will let Gary post his own thoughts.

Well, I think I now know what it must have felt like to be the mother of the Partridge family, except she had a bus and we didn't do any shows (for those of you who are under 30, never mind)

2600 miles

11 states

9 nights

7 hotels

5 Brangers

1 mid-sized SUV

more memories then I can count

Priceless.

Stay-tuned, there are talks of a sequel!

We are home

We are home, rental car unpacked, rental car returned, laundry started. Trip over and it ended on a high note. Returned to St. Louis, where it all began, about 18 years ago. I am more then tired and will post my final thoughts tomorrow, but I will leave a few pictures of our return to St. Louis. For those of you who don't know, we were engaged in the arch, fun to return with our three children.

The Home Run - St. Louis to South Milwaukee

I'm posting this before we leave because I am sure I won't want to tonight. Can't wait to sleep in my own bed. Close to 400 miles today, looks like it will be dry as well. We have not seen rain the whole way. This will be a nice streak to continue.

I'll post my reflections on the trip tomorrow. Ok so no one outside our family cares (if that), but this has been a nice way for us to remember the 2008 Branger Road Trip.

Lamberts

Graceland

We made it to St. Louis. Our last night so the kids were right to the pool. From Memphis to St. Louis today. We are getting good at this, it didn't even seem that long. We did make a stop at Graceland and I agree with Gary, my expectations were very low and I really enjoyed it. It is not about the house, but more about Elvis, his life and how he lived. You also have to realize that the house was a Southern mansion in the 50's, so the standards for what is considered a mansion have definitely changed.



We saw the arch, but by the time we got here it was already closed, so we will have to go tomorrow morning before we head for home.



We also made a stop for linner or lupper if you like in Sikeston, MO at Lambert's Cafe. It is a restaurant where they are known for their rolls and when you want a roll you raise your hand and they throw it at you. Hopefully you catch it and FYI they are fresh baked and therefore Hot! You order off a menu, but they also walk around with special sides that they serve in addition to what you order, kind of family style. Today they had fried okra (a favorite of Gary's), fried potatoes, black eyed peas. Definitely an experience and as you will see from Gary's chefs salad, huge portions.



Somewhat looking forward to getting home, but not looking forward to jumping back into the routine, it has been a nice break. Alot of great family time, you learn alot about each other when you sleep in the same room together for nine nights. Tomorrow St. Louis to Milwaukee.

Almost Home - Graceland to St. Louis

We're hitting the home stretch. Last night in a hotel. This was a long fun day. Gotta say I am tired. Looking forward to taking the kids to the Arch tomorrow. Debbie will talk about Graceland, but I gotta say it was very cool to see it. This isn't about seeing a nice house. You can see much nicer properties by going to a parade of homes. This is about seeing an Elvis hall of fame. A must for anyone who even moderately likes Elvis. Maybe it was because my expectations were low. It was one of the coolest things I have ever gone to.