I finally got all 256 pictures uploaded....I don't worry they're not all in this post! There are lots of things to share, and I'll try to get them...and group pictures together.
The van ride. We drove 3 long days to IA and back. Three in car seats, which probably helps since they each have their own space. The dog in a kennel. We brought items for my sister as in 3 very large pieces of luggage and an all important cactus light. A light fixture for Eric's parents along with a Christmas tree --we did an exchange. Plus our luggage and a big cooler, 2 trash bins and a potty chair for those long stretches of road with no good stopping points.
I planned well, PB & Jelly sandwiches for a quick light meal on the road. We left the PB and bread at home...good intentions.
We played games and took silly pictures.
Drove through Greensburg KS, they seem to be recovering well from the tornado that nearly wiped them off the map.
We did drive in rain 5 of the 6 days, and on the fifth day as the rain finally stopped and even began to see the sun, we were crossing into New Mexico. CJ piped up, "Where are all the clouds". Dear, there are no clouds were we live.
Stopping with a pool to burn energy is key, and so is having a good book for daddy to read, like Pinkalicious!
The best quote that still keeps me laughing is CJ's
very upset she announced "Mommy, I got chocolate on my pants!"
I calmly said, it is probably from the rasinettes.
CJ, "I didn't know what it was, I thought it might be poop, so I tasted it."
Goodness...I laughed so hard...where do I begin, tasting unknown substances that are suspicious? Or knowing ones own bodily functions.
Who needs mom and dad when teamwork will get the job done?
On our way north, as we crossed into the IA border CJ asked, Where's the snow? I wanted to see snow.
On Monday, as we headed to the van to begin the southbound trip, it began to snow. Big light snowflakes. We took a moment to try and catch one. CJ beside herself with excitement, jumping up and down exclaimed "God knew I wanted to see snow, so he sent it!" Oh the faith of a child. The farmers and rest of the midwest had other thoughts of snow in early October.
Laurelei and Kjetil did a great job napping and keeping themselves entertained, even when it included Laurelei putting her foot on Kjetil's car seat which immediately resulted and him screaming at her...ah typical siblings picking on each other. CJ slept once, during the return, for maybe 45 minutes....they are all great travelers! Made us believe that we could do this again, sometime, not super soon though.
