Greetings!
So we're sitting in the airport waiting for our first flight to begin the Great Tate Family Adventure! Last evening, we drove from our hometown to Virginia's capitol, Richmond during what seemed like an endless monsoon. Rain...well, rained sideways, frontways, backways, and every other way in between, but hey, I'd rather it rain on the drive to the airport than any other time on our trip.
Anyhow, today is Day 1 of our 21 day excursion. Today's destination is Denver, Colorado - land of the Rocky Mountains, and other exciting things I'm sure (I guess we'll find out when we get there). Hopefully, we'll make it to Colorado before the Uruguay/Germany World Cup game, but we'll see.
Lastly: I forgot to let you know the ground rules of our family "vacation." If you know our family at all, we always are looking to up the ante and raise the bar to make life a bit more...interesting. So here's how our trip works:
We're going to 12 major cities (Denver, Salt Lake City, San Fransisco, Sacramento, Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas, San Antonio, Austin, New Orleans, Memphis, & Nashville) and 12 major landmarks (Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, Alcatraz, Yosemite, Napa Valley, The Space Needle, The Riverwalk, The Alamo, Graceland, The Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, & The Black Hills).
We split these destinations up between the 4 of us, and in each location that member of our family is the "Tour Guide." This not only engages each member of the family, but also created this adventure into more or less "The Amazing Race" or a inter-family competition. Therefore, each tour will be scored, graded, and there will be a winner determined for the best Tour Guide. Each tour guide must provide the cities' food destinations, alternative attractions, and other exploratory opportunities - in addition, because we are a family that loves music, each destination must have a theme song. We will be taking still photos, video, and doing personal interviews along the way - hoping to probably make this into a reality TV Show. So stay tuned!
Things to note - last time we all were on a plane together was approximately 15 years ago when we took a family vacation to disney world, so needless to say this will be very interesting.
More to come!
~Josh
Saturday, July 10, 2010
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11 comments:
So can the blog followers vote on best tour guide, too?
Can't wait to read more about the Tate Family vacation... as you know, I look forward to seeing many pictures of Flat Jessica (aka myself) hanging with the Tate family. Love you guys! And try not to kill each other on the very first day- although it would make an interesting start!!
Josh,you need a handicap since you were a tour guide for a few years. That, or if you don't win then maybe Kelsey should become a High Point guide
Oh this is going to be so much fun to follow. Thanks for taking "Flat Jessica" along with you. Lucky for me, we stopped her weight loss before the real Jessica got skinny enough to sneak in the suitcase.
Who's the guide for San Francisco?
Kelsey & family, I just read on facebook about the "The Great Tate Adventure". I know you will create a lot of good memories and fun times. I am going to enjoy "traveling along with you" in the comfort of my home. It will be "almost like being along". Take care each of you and have a wonderful time together. Celebrate the good times!!! Kristin Payne
Kelsey & family, I just saw where you have left on a 21 day trip across the good ole US of A (redneck speak). I hope you create lots of wonderful memories and fun times. I am going to enjoy "sitting at home" for the ride while you make your way there and back. Good times!!! Kristin Payne
Oops. . . sorry guys. I didn't think my first message went through. :) Kristin
Hope your trip goes well, your cheap uncle Kenny loves this. I can act like we have gone to all these places without ever spending the money. What a great deal for the Bennett family. Have fun!! Be sure to see some ball parks.
The Lovins are looking forward to vacationing through you. So take lots of pictures so we can cherish the memories, too!
I know you guys hate not having me on this trip. I could be the one to tell if the facts u r giving about each city/attraction is correct or a FIB(LOL). We will definitly miss u guys at the beach this year.
I predict Josh will be the tour guide that puts a little spin on things, Kim will be the most knowledgable about her 4 cities, Jay will have the perfect music and Kelsey will just make it fun and quirky. Love to all and pray for a safe trip..
I agree with the Dr. We should get to vote. Although - If the Blog is posted only by Josh - does he have an advantage over the readers' votes? -- Holly D.
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