Tuesday, July 22, 2008

We made it!

Whew - our road trip plan included FOUR days of driving (not all day) and with little ones, I'm glad the big push is over! We are now happily snuggled in at my sister's and having a great time!

My Grandma flew out and drove back with us since David couldn't go with us this time. She was a big help passing things to the back seat, getting snacks and dropped Pinky and Ellie's, holding Samuel so Mama could go to the bathroom and keeping me company! Thanks, Nana!

Here's what we've been up to so far: (Daddy, hope you enjoy seeing all your little family! We miss you!)

Day One ~ drove to Chattanooga; we stayed in a guest cottage at Covenant College. It was great! I felt good about staying at a Christian college rather than in some random place! The ladies had a ball playing with all the gravel outside and we had a beautiful view! I will definitely keep this in mind when traveling in the future - especially in the summer, to check with colleges for accommodations.

I had told the little ladies we would have a manicure/pedicure session when we got there that night so they had something fun to look forward to! And, we spread out a blanket and had a picnic dinner!


Day Two ~ drove to St. Louis (naturally we had to stop and take a photo with "Cinderella Road" sign!); had dinner with Craig, Megan and ladies - thanks for a fun and tasty time!

Rachel - some day when you can read this, I just have to say that you cracked us up with how many times you talked about seeing the cow at Chick-Fil-A! You would say it like this every time:

Rachel: "I saw cow at Fay."
Mama: "Really? You saw a cow at Chick-Fil-A?"
Rachel: "Outside!"
Mama: "It was outside?"
Rachel: "Corner."
Mama: "It was on the corner (waving to people)?"
Rachel: "Uh-huh!"

Day Three ~ drove to Kansas City - to see my aunt! Stopped at an ENORMOUS indoor playground and the ladies had fun! Had a fun afternoon playing and visiting. I put everyone to bed downstairs and headed back up to visit with my Aunt and Grandma! It was fun and as I headed downstairs to bed myself, I realized I've graduated to the living room - I have lots of memories of laying in bed on vacations hearing my Mom and her sisters and mom chattering in the other room. Now I am one of them and my little ones are listening to me - it was fun!

Day Four ~ had powdered sugar donuts for breakfast - a tradition my Grandma started when I was a little girl; then we went to get a picture taken of all three and get Rachel's two year photo and Samuel's six month photo - I'll share them when they come by e-mail; drove to Carrie's! Had a fun welcome with her trademark signs on our doors! After dinner, we walked to a park and the cousins had fun playing!

Today is Rachel's 2nd Birthday! Happy Birthday, Rachel! You are such a sweet and fun addition to our family and we are thankful for you! Rachel's new things lately include learning a few colors, saying different animals and what sounds they make, she finally says her name and Samuel's name! Happy Birthday, Rachel!!!

Pictures of our visit with Aunt Carrie and the cousins playing together to come next time!

15 comments:

Katy said...

Wow! It sounds like you made a LONG road trip into an enjoyable experience! That is so wonderful Monica! Your kids will treasure it for years to come! :) I love all the pictures and look forward to hearing about your time at Carrie's! :) Glad you got there safe and sound! have a wonderful time and HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY RACHEL!!!!!

gail said...

you are so smart to break up your road trip and to take your nana along! great pics too. and happy b-day Rachel!!!

Anonymous said...

So glad you made it well. I have been thinking of you and am glad all is well.

Krista said...

I'm sorry we didn't connect; I was out of town anyway and wouldn't have been able to see you when you were coming through Chattanooga.

Call or email or post again--I'd love to see you all when you come back through!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'm so happy to see these photos! I have been thinking of all of you so much during these days of travel, and especially Rachel today on her second birthday! I know you are having a great time with Carrie and family. We look forward to hearing more about that and then seeing all of you ourselves in a few days! Love, Mom

Kelly @ The Barefoot Mama said...

Happy 2nd birthday, Rachel! Our Grace just celebrated her 2nd last week...AND we have those same Carter's elephant PJs! ;o) Okay, not "we" but Grace, LOL. I'd certainly wear 'em if I could.

Glad that you guys had a good trip out and pray for a wonderful time! That Chick-fil-a story was priceless and Samuel is a gem sucking his thumb!

Anonymous said...

Oh I am so glad you are there safe and sound. I was praying for you. I am glad it is going smoothly.

HAPPY BIRHTDAY Rachel!!! What a fun way to spend it.

Julie said...

One of my favorite memories of childhood is when I laid in bed and listened to the hum of my parents' and aunt's and uncle's voices. I really couldn't hear what they were saying but it was a comforting sound. I was(and still am) one of those kids that takes a half an hour to fall asleep so I got to lay there and listen for awhile.

Anonymous said...

Precious times!!! Enjoy and thanks for posting!!!tammyp

Amy said...

I am loving your pictures and you are so brave doing the trip yourselves! I would have never thought to check at a college for accomodations but I will definitely do that next time!! Safe travels returning- I will be thinking of you!

Heather said...

The kids look like they're having a blast! Samuel looks more animated and smiley all the time!

Anonymous said...

Where is that play ground? I live right outside of Kansas City and have never seen that place - What am I missing???

Tracey said...

Glad your back...glad you had a good trip.

Anonymous said...

Wow! We stayed over in Chattanooga on Sat night, and we paid way more than we should have for the accom. we had! Next time we're checking out the Christian Colleges!!!!! Would've been great to meet you, too! :-)

~eunice
pa

Monica Wilkinson said...

Jenny - the play area is in Columbia, MO. At a Burger King - I don't remember the exit number, but there were a couple of bill boards advertising it on the way from St. Louis to Columbia. I didn't see any signs on the way to Columbia from KC.