Sunday, October 26, 2008

Never Riding in a Car With Kids Again

We just got back from a great weekend in St. George. Room and board provided by the hospitable Q and T family. Sadly, I forgot my camera and didn't want to wait for T to send me pix so you'll have to trust me that Mitch consumed 5 s'mores in one sitting and that Q and Hub went water skiing behind the jet skis at the lovely Sand Hollow Reservoir. It was a nice, relaxing time once we got there.

But the moral of the story is I cannot go on another long car ride with my kids until they are old enough to be doing the driving. I risked my life about 487 times unbuckling my seatbelt to help find a blankie, book, water bottle, etc. Then there were the several tantrums in the car because I had not packed adequate snacks (meaning 'I am starving but not starving enough to actually eat an apple') and let's not talk about the urgent need to use the potty ten minutes after leaving the last potty break stop. Did I also mention the part where Noelle threw up and Ike had to plug his nose the rest of the trip home?

We do have a portable DVD player and I brought some books on tape. That helped with the older kids but did nothing for Noelle but give her something to compete with noise-wise. Hub had the excuse of driving to keep him busy and I was tempted to trade spots with him. But I was still hoping that somewhere along the line everybody would fall asleep and give me peace to read or take a nap myself. Didn't happen.

So congrats to all of you family vacationers out there who drive with the kiddies for more than 4 hours on a frequent basis. I applaud you and invite you to visit us next time you're in town because we won't be leaving the house again for several years.

8 comments:

The Allreds said...

oh...it couldn't have been THAT bad! usually the DVD is a saving grace, sorry it wasn't for you! maybe you'll have to borrow some movies next time. I'm trying to get you to give it another shot : ) is it working??

hOLLIANN said...

So heading back down with us to San Diego next month is out of the question? Not flying this time!

stephanie said...

I can't say that I blame you. there have been many times when just coming home from BYU dance that I swear I am never getting in the car with my kids again. I hope the rest of the time was fun!!!

TisforTonya said...

alright, I'll send pictures soon I swear!!! (I brought the camera in from the car today - it's a step in the right direction at least!)

Sorry I was too busy herding the kids down at the water to give you a formal farewell... just know that in my heart I was being grateful for the visit and hoping that you had enough fun to offset the long drive :)

cold cocoa said...

I'm glad someone agrees with me! All we want to do as Moms is sit in the passenger seat with a mag and some treats and a drink...but the demands are endless of the crew in the back.
Is Noelle sick or just carsick?

Denise H. said...

You Poor thing! LOL

I think my sister has learned the trip with her 3 kiddos. They leave for road trips in the middle of the night so that her kids sleep almost the entire time.

LC said...

We're a lot closer but no cool rec. gear, sorry.

My mom used to make us activity packs---a ziplock filled with notebook, pen, car games, stickers, treats, etc.....
Try again!

DKAZ said...

Shoulda taken some cheetos...