On the Road

We left early Saturday morning with the plan to meet my parents and brother in Hattiesburg, MS.  We just didn’t think we the kids could make the full 14 hour trip.  But before we left – I had to visit the doc about a spider bite.  That’s right, Bo had a bite a few weeks ago and now I had one.  I was scared to death he’d tell me to stay out of the sun :)  But I was in luck – got an antibiotic and was assured my flesh wouldn’t rot off.

As we were on the road to MS – it dawned on us that the Krauft’s were on their way back – we figured we’d pass them.  Somewhere in Louisiana we did!  Here’s the pic I snapped of them as we passed them.  This killed a good 2 hours of the road trip.  The kids were WONDERFUL.  It’s so nice not to have to stop every 3 hours for bottles.  Throw in a dual-screen dvd player and they were road ready.  I also had the handy-dandy treasure box ready.  The earned ever treat.

Despite great behavior – we were all ready to be at the hotel.  Here are a few pics of Babe and Bo playing horse :)  We have the final 4 hours to get to Rosemary.  Can’t wait!

Let the packing begin

That’s right – one more day until vacation.

 

Which means the kids wore their jammies until noon while I cooked and packed.  I’m a McCain – we cook for vacation.  Honey bun cake, chocolate – peanut butter rice krispies and lots of other yummy, bad for you treats.  The kids loved it.  They basically ate junk for lunch!

You won’t see the zero count down for tomorrow because as soon as the kids scarf down breakfast – we are hitting the road.  If there is “down” time – I’ll try to post from the road.  But, if not – prepare yourself.  I feel snap happy – so there will be a gazillion pics!

And it started so well…

This morning started off like any normal day.  Me dressed, kids breakfast, rip the count down calendar and off to school.  Well, there was the bit where I had to “clean up” Conlee before drop off.  That’s right the snotty nose is STILL here.  So much so that Bo and I talked about needing to get her into the doc before leaving on vacation.  But, note that wasn’t before going to school – that was before leaving on Saturday.  Today was a BIG day for me at work.  A few key meetings and a gazillion loose ends to wrap up before being off next week.

 

But, Conlee had other plans.  At 9:30 I got the call to come and get her.  Green snot and gunky eyes get you tossed every time.  I got an appointment at 2:30 and was able to squeeze in a full morning in the office.

As Con and I waited in the waiting area – it dawned on me that they would weigh her.  Oh no – panic.  What if she isn’t anywhere near 20 pounds.  Will I have to turn her back around?????

Crisis averted – she literally weighed 20 pounds, not an ounce more, not an ounce less.  Good news is her ears and chest are clear.  But, he did give us an antibiotic since we are headed out of town!  Funny how kids can “change” your plans even when they don’t intend to.  Still glad we got her looked at BEFORE the 14 hour drive!

Treasure Chest

I’ve learned a long time ago that in order to travel well with kids – you MUST bring bribes!  Today, we made a “treasure chest” to hold all of the surprises that I got to occupy 2 kids on a 14 hour trip!

The marker first.

 

Crawford had me draw a lock and a Captain Hook “hook”!

Next, puffy letters.  This really was a good learning time.  Crawford helped me find all of the letters to spell out our message.  Conlee liked finding the “O’s”  she’s yell “circle!!!”

Finally, stickers.  Well, a few ended up on Con :)

Fingers crossed that there’s enough “goody” in here to keep the crew happy and content!

Beach Photo Shoot

A few years ago I paid a professional to take our pics on the beach – but no more – Babe is our photographer!  Here are a “few” of the pics we took on the beach to commemorate our 2010 trip.

LOVE this one!

    

Sand angels.

              

When we were all done – we headed to the secret fountains to let the kids play a bit.  These are some of my favorite pictures.   The one of them holding hands below is an all-time fav!