I realize this is an old thread and you've already traveled, but it's late and I'm awake . . .

This critique is more for "the next guy." I'm glad you did the Northern trip, as I think the trip out west may have been a bit too ambitious. I think it is important to keep expectations in check and try not to do too much. For instance, spending three days in Yosemite is great. Sure you could spend a week there, but three days in a place like Yosemite would be plenty of time to see some great sights at a relaxing pace (and save some for another trip!).

But then something like days 14-17 where you drive to/through NV and spending 3 days in both Bryce and Zion is a bit ambitious.

Having driven across the country numerous times, I think it is a good idea to use some days to simply cover mileage. They won't be fun (do what you can to help the kiddies), bit it may buy you time at actual destinations. But when you get to a destination, STOP. Unwind a bit. Enjoy that place at your own pace, not some arbitrary schedule.

A friend used to say "take the trip, don't let the trip take you." You take the trip for the enjoyment of it, not to check off boxes that you went to place A, B, C, D . . . I'd rather have only visited place A and enjoyed it than be able to say I've been to A, B, C, and D.

I'm guessing your revised trip was a lot more than just checking boxes! I hope you enjoyed it.