It's Official, I Can Never Be a Truck Driver

Early Sunday morning Dad, Derrick, and I set off for Minnesota. Last night around 7:30 Dad and I got back. After hours of driving across seven states, I have officially crossed truck driving off my list of back up plans for after I graduate. I could never survive those long hours. 

Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota

 We left early Sunday and drove all day. Seriously, from Centerville, Utah to Omaha, Nebraska. We covered almost two states. I drove with Derrick all the way to Minnesota while Dad drove the truck. 

Wyoming Windmills (basically the only good part about Wyoming)

Welcome to Nebraska!

Famous Nebraska Cornfields

Monday was Dad's birthday. And was filled with another long day of driving, plus some moving. 

We drove through Iowa and into Minnesota, which means we finally got to see some varying elevation and more trees. Other than that, the fields looked just like Nebraska.

Traffic getting into Minneapolis is was crazy, but gave me plenty of time to get a picture of driving into the city. My first impression was that there was a lot of blue.

We drove to Derrick's new house and moved his stuff in. Then we hit up Ikea to get him a box spring, dresser, bookcase, and lamp. After we dropped these things off, we picked up his new roommate James, who is also in his program, and found a Sports Grill for dinner and to celebrate Dad's birthday. The food was really good! Although it could have been partly because it had been a really long time since we had eaten.

Derrick just outside his house. Too bad he might not end up there so
 this picture is much less cool.Oh well, it's the thought that counts.

After dinner we drove around trying to find a hotel, but it was the State fair so many of them were full. Derrick ended up finding us one. Before we went there, we went back to Derrick's place where Dad gave him a blessing. And it was there we said good bye to our Derr Bear. I was crying pretty hard, to which Derrick said, "I'm not dying." What a charmer he is. Still, I love him. 

One last picture

They were delighted I insisted on a picture.

The view of Minneapolis from our hotel room window

Since Derrick is independent and we had full confidence in his ability to figure everything out himself, the next morning Dad and I headed out of Minneapolis. I took over about a half hour and drove us to Rapid City, South Dakota where we stopped for the night so we could head to Mt. Rushmore in the morning (that is a totally separate post).

In Custer State Park

Back in Wyoming

After Mt. Rushmore we drove to Cheyenne, Wyoming to spend the night there. The next morning we went to visit the University of Denver (again, a separate post). We spent a couple hours there and then headed for good ole' Centerville. 

Even though it was a lot of time in the car, I am so glad I got to do this! It was great to spend a little extra time with Derrick and Dad!