After my last two failed attempts, I woke up this morning at 5 a.m. with a fresh resolve to make the drive or die trying. The boys and I were on the road by 6 a.m. and made it to my parents' house at 3:15 p.m. That's only a little more than 9 hrs for a 6 1/2 hour trip by myself with three children in the backseat.
Here are the highlights:
* We hit three McDonald's and two rest areas, but only one gas station. Luckily, it still costs less to fill up the boys than it does to fill up the car. I wonder if that will be true when they are teenagers?
* Caffeine is my new best friend. I stopped counting after I drank two Frappe's and four Cokes, but I did avoid Mr. RedBull.
* Benjy took two naps and watched Toy Story 2 at least two times. Jacob killed the battery in his Nintendo DS, and then regaled Andrew with stories of his hero Mario (and his brother Luigi) These stories and Jacob's persistence helped Andrew develop a new affinity for his sleep inducing pacifier. I listened to half a book on CD.
* There was no throwing up, running of fevers, or screaming uncontrollably. The boys behaved themselves too.
But most importantly, I can once again brag about my ability to road trip with my children. And even after all the drama of the previous two attempts, it was all worth it to see the boys with Grandmama. Now, if I can only get us all home again...
Yea!!! I'm so glad you finally made it and everyone cooperated!
ReplyDeleteI love Andrew's expression in this picture!
ReplyDeleteYeah Lisa, see how stubborness can be a good thing! You go, mama!
ReplyDeleteNow today is Aug. 13th, which means that logically you are on the road in 2 days, according to your blog and to how long we were both supposed to be away ;)
All of us really miss all of you. Feel free to vent on the phone during the drive home. We could meet you somewhere on Monday if you drive back that day instead. :)