One of the obvious downsides of being a military family is the time spent away from your spouse. Luckily, we have not had to endure many extensive absences so far. However, Mike is now in a part of his training that will require him to be away for a few weeks. He'll be going out West to learn how to drop bombs. (Never imagined I'd say that.)Without Mike here, this place just isn't home, so Abby Kate, Junah and I will be heading to Kentucky to stay with my family while he's gone.
It'd be nice to just hop on a plane and fly home, but the extra baggage and extra carry-ons (AK, Junah, diaper bag, purse, stroller) ... uh, impossible. So we will stuff the Escalade to the brim and cruise up I-65. For anyone that's not had the pleasure of driving 7+ hours in a car with a toddler, here's how I anticipate it going...
Minutes 1-10
AK: sweet baby coos, pointing out the window and naming things seen. Laughter.
Junah: quivering and whining. Wide, scared eyes. (Thinks he's headed to the groomer.)
Me: content
Minutes 10 - 30
AK: naming things, except louder and repeatedly. "house, hooooouse, HOOOOOOOOUSE, DOOOOOG! [screech, laugh, squeal] Eeeeeba deeba? OOOOOOOH!
Junah: looking for water and food
Me: laughing at Abby Kate, trying to feed Junah
Minutes 30 - 60
AK: WHINE, WHINE, WHINE!
Junah: snoring
Me: agitated, inserting earplugs
Hours 2 - 4
AK: sleeping (hopefully)
Junah: snoring
Me: bliss!
Hours 4 - 4.5 (stop for gas)
AK: happy!
Junah: quivering, scared, senseless barking
Me: stressed. Quickly trying to pump gas, change AK, hold her while I go (tough), buy water, find a patch of grass for Junah, make AK's milk, feed her lunch. Get back on the road!
Hours 4.5 - 8
AK: a mix of talking, crying, laughing and silence.
Junah: snoring
Me: starving, tired, contemplating burning every last nursery rhyme CD there ever was.
Yep, can't wait. :)
I'm kidding, of course. Not about the the descriptions, they're honest. But I don't mind the drive. I'm dreading us not seeing Mike for so long, but I'm looking forward to spending time with my family and friends. They make Mike's absence SO much easier to bear! Hope to see a lot of you while I'm home. Please call me if you want to get together!
6 comments:
good luck! our car trip to ky was not so smooth with the little ones...hope yours is better! i am sure it will be! be careful and soak up being home, it's always so nice to be there!
I can totally relate to the wanting to be home part! :) I'm enjoying my last 5 days in KY right now, then will leave late next Monday night. I hope that you guys have a safe trip home with limited crying and barking. How long is Mike going to be out west?
We are going to miss you and Abby Kate so much while you are gone but we are so excited for you to spend tons of time with family. Have fun, drive safe and can't wait to see you when you get back.
It will all be worth it when you get home and get to hang out with ME! Ha Ha. Get ready for those gym classes, dinner or lunches and catching up! Maybe we can throw a little shopping in there too. :)
Lyndsay
Have fun and be careful. Your predictions for the car ride sound right on!!! haha. You will have so much fun in KY.
Praying for you!
Casey & AK,
Have a safe trip to KY. We can't wait to see you all! Mike have a safe trip out West! See you all soon!
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