Ep 3. Gosselins Go West

In Jon & Kate Plus 8 season 1 episode 3, the Gosselins take a trip to the Western part of the United States. The family of ten experiences a whole new world as they embark on their adventure to visit landmarks they've only seen in books or on TV. The episode starts with the family packing their belongings, including the eight kids, into an RV to start their journey.

The first stop on their trip is the Hoover Dam. The kids are fascinated by the sheer size of the dam, but there are concerns with eight kids and crossing high bridges. However, with much patience and teamwork, they make it across and enjoy the rest of the stop. They walk along the top of the dam, feeling the gusty winds in their hair. The parents are filled with pride and admiration as they watch their children experience something so unique for the first time.

Next, the Gosselins head to the Grand Canyon. When they arrive, they take a helicopter tour over the canyon, which is a new experience for most of them. The kids love the idea of flying, and since their plane experience was short, the helicopter trip was more exciting. When they land, the family walks around the canyon and takes a few memorable photos. They stop at a lookout platform, and Jon pretends to fall off the edge, creating a heart-stopping moment. They laugh at Jon's mischievous behavior.

After a long day of travel, the Gosselins check into their hotel suite, which was spacious enough to fit them all comfortably. The kids are fascinated by the hotel's different features and loved the pool, which they waste no time jumping into. While in the pool, Jon asks the kids what they learned on the trip so far, and they all have different answers. Then, he asks them what they're excited about for the rest of the trip, and they scream, "Las Vegas."

The next day, the family visits Las Vegas, where the kids experienced some great casinos, hotels, and sights. They head to the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel and Casino, and the kids are excited to find framed photos of Paris, France. The kids try to find the International Space Station through the high-powered binoculars, but with no luck.

The family then goes to the M&M's World, where they meet the M&M's characters and can see the enormous wall of chocolate candies. Not surprisingly, the kids want to buy most of them, but Jon and Kate convince them not to. Then they head off to Coney Island Emporium, where the family plays games and wins some prizes. Even the youngest, Alexis, beats her father at a game.

The last stop before heading back to their hotel is a drive-through wedding chapel. The kids are not too keen on the idea and joke around about getting married themselves. However, Jon and Kate explain that it's an option for many people and might be the start of their journey together.

The episode ends with the family headed back to their hotel room where they all jump into bed and watch a movie together. The kids are tired, while the parents are grateful that the trip was not only an adventure, but also a bonding experience for their family. They all know that the Western trip will be a lasting memory for them.