Preparation for Portland

We are in the midst of preparing for our great adventure out to Portland, Oregon to visit family; children and grandchildren. The trip is a little over 2400 miles and the first step was getting the Sienna in shape. We planned on just 2 new tires and the timing belt replacement.  Green's Toyota said we needed a LOT more, adding belts, brackets and water pump. The total bill was double what we had planned for. This was the first major repair since we bought it, not too bad for a 1999 model.

My dear wife (DW) and I discussed how to save money on the trip. My kids have agreed to host us in Portland so that's covered.  For the trip out, DW got a suggestion from her hair dresser; use Love's Truck Stops for overnights. They have lighted parking, showers, food, WiFi, etc.  I'm a little nervous about sleeping in the Sienna and thought about purchasing a little protection (Cuy would be proud) but DW said she'd rather not. For now, we'll do Love's one night and a low-priced hotel or campground for the next.

Jacob is actually somewhat excited about going. Well, excited after his overnight with friends and then some big Nintendo tournament.  Third place is still good, though.  He's starting to earn some decent money in the tournaments. I've cut off his allowance now so this is his current income. He's made more in the last 3 tournaments than I've given him in allowance for a year; nice going son!

Tomorrow we go to U of K for a college readiness workshop. We spend a couple of hours, he spends the day; sounds fair to me. After I come back it's the beginning of the Sienna preparation, to see if everything we want to take will fit.