When we got home, we worked out the rest of the details. We decided to leave on Wednesday, giving us plenty of time to finish up projects and pack. I talked the girls into going; Nadine was thrilled as she hadn't been in big mountain country before, and Natalie was excited to meet other kids. Melanie was reluctant, but she didn't want to be left home either. Olivia needed a diversion, and this trip would be that.

Moe and Theresa were going to ride with all of us. Michael, Linda, Luke and Katy were going to trail us in the SUV. The unmated boys were going to stay behind and...