We're off, Day 1
Today's plan was to leave around 9 so we could make St. Louis to see the arch in the early afternoon and then get to the campground with plenty of time to pan for gold, ride on hay, and swim before bedtime. In reality, we left nearly on time, ran in to too much traffic and then managed to follow bad directions to the campground. We eventually made it, but sad to say we waved at the arch as we drove by, we didn't strike it rich and we reprised our arch waving for the hayriders whiles we ate a late dinner.
What was learned today?
1. Camping with kids is harder than I thought.
2. I managed to not stay cool the entire day. I guess there is always tomorrow.
3. Kids (at least at this age) will always love you, even if you get angry, and especially even after you throw one (Ben) too far in the pool that they get water up their nose.
4. God kept us safe, even though we had our little struggles, and in the end I'm writing a blog while Kristi reads a book and I do believe the kids are quiet (cue the uproar!). Looking up and seeing the few stars that poke through the break in the trees, I'd say life is good.
Extra things we learned:
1. Our kids love to sing even though their talent is up for debate:
2. Kayleigh likes hanging on things and I like to prove I can still do it:
3. We like to take lots of pictures
4. See you tomorrow from Tulsa!
That blue dot is us in a traffic jam.
Tree hugger....er, climber
Relief at the playground after a few hours in the car.
Snuggles before bed time
Our campsite by a cemetary... spooookkky
We made it, and they had fresh (frozen then thawed) cookies!
Family Vacation
Tomorrow is the first day of our nearly two week family vacation. As you can imagine we are sitting peacefully at home having already packed our belongings... ha right. Actually I'd say so far things are going quite well. I worked on making a detailed list of where we are going, what we are doing, what we are eating, and Kristi took care of the rest. I'm quite thankful I didn't have to pack for the kids and I'll be they'll be thankful too when they have clothing that coordinates.
I hope to share posts and reflections along the way, but for tonight I feel the need to say thanks. It turns out preparing and planning for a family vacation is probably as hard as going on the vacation. At least so far it seems that way. We couldn't be as ready as we are with out the generosity of both sides of the family letting us borrow vehicles, campers, equipment, and for taking the kids for a few days so we could have a nice anniversary dinner and then pack up without our little ones running around. Without getting too mushy, or accused of brown nosing, it is nice to have gainful employment which will help pay for the gas and campsites, as well as the time off from our jobs (Right everyone??) to enjoy time away with the family. Truth be told I think are both a little anxious to walk away from work for two weeks. Any takers on who caves to the pressures of "checking-in" first? I'd also like to thank my Grandparents for throwing their kids in the back of their station wagon and taking them on camping trips across the United States. As I was bragging about how well I planned, my dad shared a story of my Grandpa stopping for ice cream with the family because according to his camping plans they hadn't spent the days allocation of money and thus they needed ice cream. I haven't planned that well.
So in short thanks to all those who have helped make this trip a reality. We're off to bed and then St. Louis.
