I can’t describe the feeling I had when I opened my eyes…it was light and I could see familiar surroundings! Damian had some kind of super power to drive all night long and I am filled with guilt and gratitude because of it.
We did it…3,000 miles, 8 states, $600 in gas, and 46 driving hours in the car with 2 kids and Landon whose lung capacity blows my mind! I lost count of how many times I heard “bum bum,” “smarker face,” and “young man” at a decibel level I am positive has permanently damaged all of our hearing. The boy loves his books though and would not share even the one he was using as a headrest. Nevertheless, everyone is still alive and we all arrived tired but relatively happy. This is nothing less than a small miracle!
Some of our travel tricks:
- separating the kids so they can only hand each other things
- new children’s books on CD
- individual snacks with enough for everyone to have the same
- suckers for when I feel too guilty using ear plugs
- flashlights for nighttime shadow puppets and entertainment
- kids songs to help the kids settle down
- tiny travel pillows and blankets for all (thanks Ann!)
- rolling down the windows when sanity is at stake
- flicks for screaming
- hand sanitizer in the mouth for potty talk
- using movies as rewards and taking turns choosing
- an empty bottle for just in case
- stickers and surprises up front to pass out when car fever strikes
- maps with the states to follow along and the license plate game (We saw plates from 38 states!)
- nap mats on the floor for mom crawling back and forth
- family stretches and relays during gas and potty breaks
It’s great to be home and I must have gotten some sleep last night because I had everything unpacked and put away within a couple of hours of getting home. There is no feeling like walking into your own house and sleeping in your own bed. Ahhhhhhh
1 comment:
flicks. hahahahhaha those are good tips though. i'm going to file them away for when macy gets older!
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