Things I learned/observed on our LONG trip...

Well, we are recovering from a LONG, but enjoyable trip to Pennsylvania and Maryland. We spent all last Saturday in the car on the way to the Philadelphia area to spend a few days with Sam's parents and family. We then headed to northern Maryland (near our old house) to visit Dad and Grandma Esther. We were able to spend some time with them as well as catch some QUICK visits with some dear friends from that area (unfortunately, we didn't get to catch everyone...so little time!!!). Here are a few of the things I learned/observed on our journey:

1. Never allow a child to eat a fruit roll up on an empty stomach---in the car.
2. Always be sure to have a sealable plastic bag for car trips--see #1.
3. Our "Tank" can cry for several solid hours when held captive in a car seat!
4. I can read 2 Karen Kingsbury books in one day...love her!
5. Sam would rather DRIVE the whole 12 hour trip than have to entertain the cranky kids.
6. A mother will do all kinds of crazy things while trapped in a car to entertain previously mentioned kids.
7. My mother in law makes the best chocolate icing...hmmm!
8. Sam's 90+ grandmother folds laundry better than anyone I've ever seen...amazing...not a wrinkle in anything...and it actually looks pretty!
9. "Little Man" would love to be the proud owner of a Blue Tongued Skink (I think that's how you spell it) just like his Mom-Mom.
10. A cage of 3 guinea pigs can keep "Tank" entertained.
11. There is something truly amazing watching your children interact with their grandparents.
12. Our "Little Man" can be so sensitive to the needs of others; it was so neat to see him converse with Great Mammy.
13. One of Little Man's favorite phrases now is "Ooootayyyy, guys!", and he can be convinced to greet Grandma Esther with a "Heyyyy, Bayyybyyyy!" Hilarious!!!
14. Tank likes to "talk" to Bob the Builder while the movie plays in the car.
15. Our girlie can occupy herself for hours with paper, calculator, and miscellaneous other office supplies.
16. Driving through the night to get home sounds like a really great idea until you're about 9 hours into it (at 3 am!!!), and you're about to go crazy!
17. A CD of Papa singing can calm Tank after he's been crying for 2 hours straight---amazing...truly amazing!!!
18. I love my husband! Yeah, funny to throw that in there...but I do. He's a pretty good guy.
19. I will never be able to go "home" again...a startling reality that change although GOOD can be difficult.
20. I am thankful and blessed for our own little family and the extended family that loves and supports us!

I, of course, could go on and on, but I hate to bore you! We really did have a good time. Like I mentioned CHANGE was obvious in this trip. Some of that change is so wonderful to see...I'm amazed by God's goodness and provision...other parts of that change continue to be difficult. It was nice to spend some time not just with those we visited but with our own little family unit. Little Man is talking so much now; it is amazing! He tells these elaborate stories, and he is convinced that there are "Mwonstersss" everywhere. Our Girlie continues to amaze me as she learns and grows. She really is growing up too fast. Tank, well, his smiles and giggles can light up any room (in my humble opinion). His will is becoming evident as he becomes more and more independent; it is always so interesting to watch their little personalities develop. It is always fun to go back to Sam's "stomping grounds" and hear him reminisce. He has a great memory, and he loves to tell stories.

All in all... this trip was a blessing. Oh, but it is sooo good to be home; I LOVE our home...oh, and my OWN bed! :)

Until next time...