ROAD TRIP!

It all began when I mentioned to Michael's parents that I wished we would be able to travel to NY this summer. This was months ago when we determined that Mike would not be able to get the time off, and I was most certainly NOT entertaining the idea of a 16 hour car ride alone with the kids. It really was not a big surprise when Mom and Dad decided they needed to take a trip to NY and invited the three of us to venture with them. That's just them...giving, thoughtful and always willing to sacrifice for someone else to benefit.

We departed the beach bright and early on July 21. I really thought I would have nightmare-ish stories to share of the car ride including screaming children, fighting children, possibly puking children and most certainly over-stressed Mama. My kids amazed me! VERY little complaining, no sickness and minor sibling squabbles. After 10 hours on the road, we stopped for the night. I was nervous to put Nate in the big bed without guardrails, so we moved the mattress to the floor. Paige insisted on sharing his bed. Again, here is where I totally assumed I would be sharing about hours of no sleep, more fighting and an even more stressed Mamma...they surprised me again! After about 13 minutes in bed, this was the scene...
I was amazed! I had to wake them up the next morning to get back on the road. They loved breakfast...individual boxes of cereal, cups of milk and a movie of their choice.
I have NO IDEA how parents survived road trips before portable DVD's. That, mixed with lots of snacks and occasional stops made for an easy ride! Another 6 hours in the van on day 2 and we were in Rochester! We spent our 10 days there between my parents' house and my sister's. It was wonderful to be reunited with my family. The cousins picked up where they left off...

dancing to rock music...swimming in the kiddie pool (despite the less than ideal weather and appropriate attire for all)...
digging in the dirt hole (TAKE NOTE OF THE TIERA'S AND FAIRY WINGS...CLASSIC!)...
enjoying a last-minute campfire, complete with SMORES...

By far, one of the highlights for me...WEGMANS!!! My sister lives within walking distance and I found myself looking for, even creating reasons I needed to take a quick trip for something. No grocery store can compare and I could just walk the aisles! The kids enjoyed having a bulk section...no grocery stores have that here.

I'll tell you the phrase that was on the ""Top 5 Said" list while we were there..."No, the girls are not twins. One is 5 and one is 31/2." With Paige and Meghan being on opposite ends of the spectrum for size/age comparison, we got the twin question A LOT!!! What do you think?
We were able to be there for two special graduation parties for my "little" 2nd cousins, Kaitlin and Nicole. I've watched them both grow since birth, babysat them as kids, worked with them in youth group and Sunday School at church during High School and now they are headed to college! I was so glad to be able to be there to celebrate with them! They, along with their siblings, Jenna, Casey and Andrew were determined to plan a special day for the littlest cousins. They asked to take them to the zoo so my sister and I could have some time alone. If that isn't sweet enough, Katie and Jenna made matching t-shirts for the entire crew.

Nate thought he was too cool for the shirt...Stinker! Paige, on the other hand, will barely take it off long enough for me to wash the stink off. The four little cousins had the time of their lives! I still hear a new story every day about an animal they saw or something they loved! These 5 teenagers are amazing people and so very special to us! I love that they wanted to make these memories with my kids!

We were able to cram in many visits with special friends and family and lots of cousin time. By the end of the week, we were all totally exhausted and ready to head home. You may be wondering if this is the part of the story where drama, sickness or yelling enter, but the ride south was just as uneventful as the ride north. I came home with a full heart, a deep pride for my kids and their ability to be flexible and roll with the punches and a new level of love for this new place we call home. More pictures may follow as I gather them from other family members.