Traveling together, Carrie and I have put a lot of miles on the punks over the years; we've had some great road trips, and wonderful memories. This time, it was an especially exciting trip, because daddy was riding shotgun instead of gramma, and they were headed for Utah for a Wright Reunion - over the 4th of July. Yep, a really fun time!
I had to at least document the departure. Here's the empty 'Burb, ready to load. Five punks, two parents, road food, entertainment, pillows...0h yeah, and clothes.
Carrie has travel gear down to an art. The punks all have matching orange back packs (you should have seen us lined up in the airport security one trip), holding a minimal amount of clothing and other necessities pertinant to each kid.
There are always new sandals, some new toys and books...
and plenty of road food. Here is the first day's worth, in indivual snack sacks for everyone along with refills. A cooler also travels along, which is helpful for lunch and breakfast menus.
Carrie could have been a five-star general, she is an outstanding organizer, list-maker, and director-of-action. "Take the food box out now..."I had to ask, if that was a bottle of Tylenol by her list. I figured her brain was on overdrive by this time. It actually was Tylenol - for punks. Somehow that didn't seem right...
The list is almost done. Lee's finishing off the dish washing. Chef J is jiggling and talking and singing non-stop. He's anxious to hit the pavement. Mostly because that means he gets to play with those new Legos!
The soft car-top carrier has been wondering if it was ever going to be used again. "Hey, I'm still needed! Thank you, thank you, that shelf in the garage was getting way dusty! Stuff me, stuff me, I'm here for ya!"
The list is almost done. Lee's finishing off the dish washing. Chef J is jiggling and talking and singing non-stop. He's anxious to hit the pavement. Mostly because that means he gets to play with those new Legos!
The soft car-top carrier has been wondering if it was ever going to be used again. "Hey, I'm still needed! Thank you, thank you, that shelf in the garage was getting way dusty! Stuff me, stuff me, I'm here for ya!"Happy, on the other hand is NOT thrilled. Dogs can make you feel like a heel for leaving them. He is wondering if he might fit in that carrier...
All in. Note the skate board, Lee's birthday gift from a buddy. 
"Crimenently, they can fit in a lousy SKATEBOARD, but they don't have room for ME. Of COURSE not, I'm only man's best friend, not a lousy SKATEBOARD, that can break bones..."
Yes, Collin, the food is in there...
She can still climb on the roof! Five punks haven't slowed her down yet!
The final zip. That soft carrier is a dandy invention, it is easy to handle and strap on top. And it holds a LOT. Stuff that leaves more room inside. Like for passengers.
Collin and Lee get the blankets and pillows arranged. It's beginning to look packed. Only a few more minutes to lift-off, now.
Each of the punks have a critter. A beany-baby animal. All different. To fit different personalities. Some of those critters have traveled to the east coast, and the west coast, and survived to tell the story. This particular animal has already traveled from Tennessee, which is where Collin got it for Lee when he and Than helped neighbor Jolene with showing her sheep at the National show last year. "Chewy", as this little goat is known by, is about to experience her first road trip west of the Mississippi. You never know where they will ride, usually on a shoulder, or a hat, or a pocket. They go everywhere with the punks.
A rule: you have to have on the right clothes for the occasion. "YOU! You go in and change. No dirty shirts, or holey pants, are getting in this car!"
All in. Note the skate board, Lee's birthday gift from a buddy. 
"Crimenently, they can fit in a lousy SKATEBOARD, but they don't have room for ME. Of COURSE not, I'm only man's best friend, not a lousy SKATEBOARD, that can break bones..."
Yes, Collin, the food is in there...
She can still climb on the roof! Five punks haven't slowed her down yet!
The final zip. That soft carrier is a dandy invention, it is easy to handle and strap on top. And it holds a LOT. Stuff that leaves more room inside. Like for passengers.
Collin and Lee get the blankets and pillows arranged. It's beginning to look packed. Only a few more minutes to lift-off, now.
Each of the punks have a critter. A beany-baby animal. All different. To fit different personalities. Some of those critters have traveled to the east coast, and the west coast, and survived to tell the story. This particular animal has already traveled from Tennessee, which is where Collin got it for Lee when he and Than helped neighbor Jolene with showing her sheep at the National show last year. "Chewy", as this little goat is known by, is about to experience her first road trip west of the Mississippi. You never know where they will ride, usually on a shoulder, or a hat, or a pocket. They go everywhere with the punks.
A rule: you have to have on the right clothes for the occasion. "YOU! You go in and change. No dirty shirts, or holey pants, are getting in this car!" "Hey, I have my best collar on...does that count?"
"Everybody load up!" As soon as the seat belts were buckled, out came the new stuff...the wheels hadn't even turned yet, but they were already on the road as far as they were concerned!
Seven backpacks: check. Seven pillows: check. Five entertainment bags: check. Five punks: check. Snack bags: checks. Every list made the past two weeks: check.
Two parents: MIA...
"Well, we can't leave with out a DRIVOH..."
Oblivious to missing parent/driver....
Brent just found his goody bag!
Now that's one happy woman...she managed to create packing lists, animal care lists, label everything in the barns that wasn't moving, train a farm-sitter, nurse everyone through five days of an unknown bug during the week of packing and last minute snafus, and got out the driveway 90 minutes ahead of schedule.
Without the gramma.
I know just how you feel, Happy.
"Everybody load up!" As soon as the seat belts were buckled, out came the new stuff...the wheels hadn't even turned yet, but they were already on the road as far as they were concerned!
Seven backpacks: check. Seven pillows: check. Five entertainment bags: check. Five punks: check. Snack bags: checks. Every list made the past two weeks: check.Two parents: MIA...
"Well, we can't leave with out a DRIVOH..."
Oblivious to missing parent/driver....
Brent just found his goody bag!
Now that's one happy woman...she managed to create packing lists, animal care lists, label everything in the barns that wasn't moving, train a farm-sitter, nurse everyone through five days of an unknown bug during the week of packing and last minute snafus, and got out the driveway 90 minutes ahead of schedule.
Without the gramma.
I know just how you feel, Happy. I'm sorry Nikki, even though you would have fit just fine, the weather was going to be too hot for little old ladies.
At least that was the excuse they gave ME...
At least that was the excuse they gave ME... 
1 comment:
Wow, time to yourself??? Not bad once in a while! Take advantage while you can....enjoy and let me know how you are doing.
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