Road Trip - Day #1

Total Mileage: 610 miles
Total Hours: 11.5
"This is taking a long time." 11 times
"This is taking a long, long time." 4 times
Dead snakes seen: 4
Live deer seen: 1
Number of stops: 5
"I have to go potty." ZERO. Well, once if you count James. Seriously, this was the most amazing part of the day.

Today we began our adventure. We planned on leaving the house around 4:00 this morning, but really didn't get out until about 4:45. Well actually we drove a few miles and I remembered I forgot the bag with shampoos and soaps and such... so really it was closer to 5:00.

I must say overall the kiddos did pretty well in the car today. Our first stop was Austin, TX. Getting close to Austin, we realized we forgot the DVDs. So far that's the only thing I think we have forgotten, but it was one of the most important items. I mean that's hours and hours of entertainment for the kiddos.

Abby was demanding a snack as we were getting into town. I told her she could have one after we stopped in Austin. Of course, she thought that we were talking about her brother (Austin). We explained over and over that there is a city called Austin, TX where she replied, "Where is Abby, TX?" She was not thrilled with the answer to that.

Of course we had to stop by The University (it's only fair since we are going through Lubbock at the end of our trip) where James was seriously trying to convince the boy that he will be going to college there in 12 years. Hmm. He pointed out several spots to him where Austin said, "How DO YOU remember?" Like he's 74 years old... I swear I had 4 kiddos when James was on campus -- he really enjoyed getting back there... Hopefully he won't get any ideas about applying for another degree. His toga party days are long over.

The Texas state capitol is in the background.


Here are the kiddos in front of the famous tower. I wonder how many photos have been taken there?

"Too much partying?" or "Man, that English test is going to be brutal." Actually, I think Austin was just spitting out his gum.

The scenery through the hill country was very nice. We stopped in Fredericksburg's Wal-Mart to get some DVDs. Luckily every town over 5K population has a Wal-Mart now. $94 later we were out of there with new movies and let me tell you it was worth every penny. Complete silence through the rest of the trip (for the most part). Before the trip I packed a goody bag for each kid, complete with games, puzzles, books, etc. Emily loved to make pictures out of the clouds. Can you make out the shark in the below picture??


When we got to I-10, the speed limit was 80. Yes, EIGHTY! Holy pedal-to-the-metal, Batman! I had no idea it went up that high. It was great - we flew by the hills (which Emily claimed were mountains). Very soon, we ended up on a desolate road to nowhere. Fields of nothing... for hundreds of miles. We went through a little town called Pecos, which according to its signs had the world's first rodeo, but apparently nothing has happened there since. More than half of the businesses were abandoned. This is what we saw the majority of the trip.

I packed tons of snacks for the kids and James mentioned that cheese in a can stuff (total junk, but oh so good) and I ended up buying some. He told me, "Thanks for recognizing a good idea." Gee thanks dear, is that a compliment? :) Well it doesn't take much to taste like gourmet after 12 hours in the car.

We found our hotel relatively early, around 4:30. I must say I think I picked the right motel in Carlsbad, NM. There are some scary ones around here. We took the kiddos to the indoor pool and then discovered a Chilis. Score! We'll take our chances on local flavor somewhere else. For today, a familiar friend hit the spot.

Right before bedtime. All and all it was a great day.

Random

I'm getting a little behind. I've been taking so many more pictures than normal since I started this blog. So here are a few random pictures from the last couple of months.

At my sister-in-law's family farm.


Good moms always let you lick the beaters, right? Better moms make sure the mixer is turned off (which obviously you can see how good of a momma I truly am).

Rodeo day at gymnastics.

Emily cut this chunk of hair out at school. I almost flipped out. Ok, maybe not almost...


Trying to find the "rent money." We can't find it anywhere...

Right before Austin's first field trip. We ordered a youth small shirt, not adult small.

Water day at preschool. That is Aidan, the boy Emily is going to marry.

According to Abby, the boy to the right is her future husband (Trey).

Austin had to dress up as the letter G for school. This is the best I could come up with (and judging by the pictures I saw, there are many parents who are way more creative than me). He did write 42 "g" words on the back.

Have a great weekend! We are headed out of town in the next few days on our road trip... most of the places we are staying have free wifi, so I hope to update the blog a few times while we are gone (because let's face it, the chances of me sleeping in a different place every night are slim to none). And if you're reading this, please say a prayer that we will stay safe. We ARE going to have fun by golly, even if I have to force it. :)

Kindergarten Graduation

Where does the time go? My baby boy's last day of kinder is this week. It seems like just yesterday when we carried in our first born, put him on the bed, and just stared at each other… “Now what do we do?”

I remember holding him for the first time and falling in love instantly. Amazed at the beautiful gift God gave us. Praying that He will be with him, every step he takes throughout his life. And hoping we would be able to give him everything he needed.

Everything changed when we brought him home. And for every diaper, every hug, every first experience, every question asked and answered, every song, every dance, every meltdown, every laugh and every tear - we will never be the same. Ever.

And now he's completed his first year in elementary school.

He has grown so much in the last year. From barely reading to now reading at an almost 3rd grade level. From being somewhat reserved to the life of the party. He's transformed from a kid who was scared to get on the bus on the first day of school to a kid who just can't wait to see what's next in life. What a difference a year makes. And what a great joy Austin has brought to our lives.

Congratulations on finishing Kindergarten, kiddo.

Here are some memories from this year...

Austin and his teacher, Mrs. Harl, during the Thanksgiving feast.

Having fun at the end of the year class party.

The proud graduate.

Goodbye Beautiful Butterflies

The girl's last day of preschool was on Thursday. They really enjoyed being in the Beautiful Butterflies room with Ms. Trish and Ms. Becky. This picture is from Christmas, and I think the only one I have of their teachers.

I had every intention of bringing my camera the last day of school, but I got a call from school around 11:30 to pick Abby up. Apparently she was falling asleep in class and they thought it might have something to do with her facial injury. I freaked out and made her a doctor's appointment where I found out nothing was wrong with her face, but instead she had strep. Joy.

I had to bring Emily to the doctor with us, and she left pretty upset with me. I'd like to think it was because she couldn't spend the extra time with her class (or because she felt so incredibly bad for her sister), not because she missed out on the pizza party. Because my daughter values her friends more than pizza.

I did have to make it up to her with some serious carbs and calories. She got a Happy Meal that evening.

This is a picture of the little girls in their class (plus one boy who wanted to be included). They love all the friends they have made this year!

My Sisters Made Me Do It

I was seriously considering not posting this picture, but since Austin decided to cover Abby's hair in lip gloss last night I reconsidered :) After 7 washings of her hair it is still not out!

To be quite honest, his sisters did dress him up and the dress was STUCK. And he was not a happy camper. Hell hath no fury like a little boy scorned. Think I might save this one for his wedding day.