33 days,13 states and $2100 in gas. Our journey has come to an end. We are on our way back home today. I will take with me memories that will be treasured forever hopefully into the next generation. A little bit of our souls was bonded with each an every stop we made. The time with my family was so great. seing my grandma at 80 years old and just to know that she looks amazing was so priceless. My grandmas house and the area where she lives was a huge part of my childhood so it always feels so good to bring my kids back to the same spots so they can have a memory of that same area. Spending time with my family and letting the cousins play together made me feel so gratefull to have such a close family and the joy that they share together just playing (there were fights, so it wasn't all bliss)and hanging out. Being able to play outside and roam around is just something they don't get to do in California so all 3 really took advantage of that. The new additions to the family where just so cute and fit right into the family. That has to be the hardest part of leaving knowing we got to know them but they won't remeber us.

We had so much fun with our kids. It wasn't all smiles but for the most part we all got along in some situations we were tested as a family but we stuck together and now can look back on our experiance as a great bonding of a already tight family unit. I asked the kids to try and think of there most memorable or favorite part about the whole trip and they all said that was way to hard they loved something about every part. Even when they thought we were going to die on the Buffalo river, they said it was still worth it.I do have to say after over a month away they all said they were home sick but mainly because they wanted there own bed. I guess sleeping together every night and usually with a cousin or 2 is what they could of done without. Ending our trip with our friends and family was the absoultly perfect way to go out. We got to share somwhere we fell in love with with the people we love and they all loved it as much as we did.

This trip was on an extremly tight budget, we did the best we could and had a fantastic time but with out the help of our loving family and friends it would not of been possiable so we want to say thanks to everyone that helped us either with a place to stay, a meal or two, money, or their skills. This increadiable journey would not of happened with out you. Thanks Mom & Dad, Stephanie & Jeff, Bridgette & Jason, Maw-Maw, J.J., Aunt Cassie & Uncle June, Don, Don's Dad, Jenn & Pete, Sara & Mo, Bommie & Papa, Grandma & Poppie and all the special campers we have met along the way.

The Mottes