Life of Larisa or LOL

Wrapping up this three part blog series with the final destinations on our two week road adventure we took at the end of May/beginning of June.  And of course it's an opportunity for one more shot of the men in the mountain... It would seem that everything after Mt. Rushmore would be a let down. But, we were happily surprised to discover more breathtaking views, animal encounters, and weird landmarks on the tail end of our road trip.  After we had exhausted every possible view and photo op of Mt. Rushmore, we embarked on the part of the trip my husband was really excited for...Bison. Wild Bison. His dreams were realized as we drove through the untouched beauty that is Custer State Park. Home to real live Bison. This wasn't on my agenda, but I found myself enthralled. Living in Hawaii, there are no big land beasts. They are truly a sight! And tasty too! We know because after our big day of men on a mountain and observing wild Bison in their natural habitat...we devoured a delici

When we last left off, The Majors road to Rushmore adventure was leaving Arches National Park in Utah.  This next portion of the #majorsrushmore saga begins in Colorado. After our exciting day of hiking, skirt flying, and taking in the gorgeous sights that the enormous rocks at Arches had to offer, we trekked on. Through Utah and back to Colorado.  Parachute, Colorado: Home of the nicest Rest Stop in America.  These things matter. Free stuffed animals (you may notice stuffed Dory in a few future pictures) to take with you on your journey. An array of picnic tables and plush grass perfect for lunching and frisbee. A full play area, complete with static electricity slide. Solar paneled flowers paid for by the Colorado State Lottery. A historical lesson on a sign as you enter. Free books for the long car ride! And a pleasant Rest Stop Docent who happened to have a shared history of living in Atlanta.  Colorado River and The Rockies: Driving through Colorado was picturesque. We took time t

Part One: Turning 40 brought new gray hairs, kicked me into Yoga, and the idea of checking a few things off my "to do" list...or as most people call it, a Bucket List. I'm not a huge fan of this terminology, but since I can't think of anything more clever, it will just have to do.  So. The Bucket List. Things on it mostly pertain to travel. 1. Do ALL THE THINGS in NYC 2. Eiffel Tower 3. Great Wall of China 4. Alaska 5. Meet Keanu Reeves See. Mostly travel. Prior to two weeks ago, "See Mt. Rushmore" would also have been on the list. But now, having survived yet another crazy Griswold-esque vacation, I can finally say, "I've been to Mt. Rushmore!" The road to Rushmore was filled with fun, climbing, hours of car riding, Starbucks, SnapChatting, Rest Stops, Lottery ticket buying (and winning), Willie Nelson songs, tourist traps and post cards, photos, and of course every Hawaii girls must have---In and Out Burger. And just to cover all my hometown