Day 1 or 10 hours in the car with kids
We’re driving along I-40 and should be pulling into Memphis in about an hour. We’ve spent about 9 hours in the car today and we aren’t doing too bad. Addison hsa been a total dream, she had a good nap, on time. She has entertained herself and has not been too whiny or demanding which is a miracle. I’m already sick of “road food” which probably doesn’t bode well for the rest of the trip. All I wanted for dinner was hot vegetables. What I got was KFC. Poor Noah is starving since they were out of the only thing he could eat there, Mac & Cheese. Eating on the road is not easy.
Last year we did this trip in shorter increments so we could spend most of the day exploring new cities and doing fun things. This year we decided that, to save money and time, we’d just drive all day and skip the tourism. I thought that would totally suck until about an hour ago when I had the raelization that it is actually FAR less work this way. It was sooo exhausting to drive for hours and then sight-see on top of it. And in order to pull it off we had to leave at the crack of damn which is never good for my mood the rest of the day. But this trip I can actually sleep in, have a nice leasiurely breakfast and not stress about getting out ASAP.
One year I would love to do this trip totally alone, though, so I could stop every 3 miles and take pictures. There are some totally hilarious things that we passed that would have made the best pictures ever! It actually pains me to drive past them and not stop for pictures. There were also some beautiful old barns and horses and other gorgeous and unique sites that screamed “photo” but I had to just keep my eye on the destination. Oh well, some day. That’s what retirement is for, right?
More tomorrow, hopefully with pictures that don’t involve the back of semis or dead armadillos. 
July 30th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
WOW, I can’t believe Addy is tolerating that!
I just read your post from yesterday and am dying to know what you’re doing in Michigan. And what’s going on in FL (wink)?! But seriously, where the heck is NOLA? Anyway, safe driving. Can’t wait to hear about your top secret business in Michigan.
NICKI reply on July 30th, 2008 8:01 pm:
NOLA = new orleans, louisiana
July 30th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Ok all caught up again - I need to promise myself I will not get this far behind again! Wow have fun in Michigan, glad that you are able to spend a few extra days there! Cannot wait to hear more about the trip!
July 31st, 2008 at 6:13 am
YAY glad to hear it’s going well! I’m exhausted just thinking about it!
Keep updating
July 31st, 2008 at 6:35 am
So Michelle spilled the beans to me about your “secret mission” LOL
Don’t you hate not being able to stop and take pictures (or do anything for that matter) when you want? I have found if I dare stop the car with the kids in it then they all have to get out and it takes 3 times as long to go anywhere. Plus, we have the rabbit in the car with us now and can’t be leisurely anymore with her in the cage. UGH!
July 31st, 2008 at 11:58 am
I can relate to the picture taking problem! We’re leaving for PA next week and I want to take tons of photos along the way but with the kids… no way! LOL
I guess when we have empty nests, we’ll have plenty of time to pursue travel photography.
July 31st, 2008 at 2:17 pm
I love that you typed “the crack of damn.” I think I’m going to start using that phrase!
NICKI reply on July 31st, 2008 8:19 pm:
I did not!!! that is so funny and probably totally telling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hahaha
July 31st, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Goodness, you need to tell me ideas for dinner. I have stuff in mind, just need to make sure I have something for everyone.
10 hours in the car and no fits, that is wonderful!!!! We had 3 meltdowns on our 6 hours each day in 2 days, but only 1 for the 13 hour drive. We did elmo, lots and lots and lots of elmo.
have a great time!