Highlights from today:
(click here for pictures)
What a day it has been! The kids woke up and were ready to go to Disney. Campbell had her bath this morning and wore a cute pink footsie outfit with hearts to celebrate Valentine’s Day. They were thrilled to open up new movies from Mom and Dad to watch in the car-Lilo and Stitch. We started our vacation early with stopping to pick up breakfast at two different places-Sonic breakfast burritos for Dad and cinni minis for Anderson from Burger King. Anderson thought we were leaving immediately for Disney after that and was a little disappointed about having to go to church twice but was happy to see the two Ms. Shirleys when he arrived.
Mom and Dad were in Campbell’s class after the service and they kept us on our toes. Campbell, the best one in there, did sleep almost the entire time. Dad thought that was bad news for tonight though. We headed home for lunch and a short nap. Reagan had made everyone Valentine’s hearts at Grannymom’s house and had been waiting for days to pass them out. She had one for everyone and was very pleased with herself.
Everyone put on their church clothes and we drove to church while talking about how important it was to stand by Mom and be quiet. The kids ran of some extra energy while waiting for the Parent Commitment Service to start. We had a practice walk through and Graham spotted Grannymom and Grandpa immediately. Campbell put on her new polka dot dress and sweater and was the cutest one there and the youngest one too. As we walked in during the service, Graham saw Pops and said “Pop.” Reagan was so proud of herself and her sister walking across the stage. Anderson who had been having a little bit of his Dad’s travel stomach told Dad that he needed to potty while we were in front of the church. We sent him off to Pops who took care of that (and if you have seen a previous post, I guess that Pops might have just gotten poo poo on him).
As we walked out of big church, Campbell was handed to Nonna for one last bottle before the road. And the rest of the gang headed to change into our pajamas. As we walked to the car, Anderson noticed something in the car and said “who’s that in our car?” He spotted a giant Mickey and Minnie Mouse dolls along with a Lightening McQueen car and a Daisy Duck waiting in everyone’s car seats. Reagan squealed with delight that this was going to be some trip.
A 7:16 we left the church and Tara began a detailed itinerary of the events of the evening:
7:16 pm-leaving church
7:40 pm- started Lilo and Stitch-scary. Graham fusses
7:50 pm- cookies and a nap for Graham and Campbell
9:00 pm-Shelley said it was snowing hard in MS, started checking weather
9:12 pm-potty break and supper in West Memphis at McDonalds. wet roads. frigid. Seat warmer on. Reagan and Anderson had nuggets, Graham ate Tara’s hamburger
9:30 pm-back on road, Reagan says that wasn’t so long her bottom wasn’t sore
10:05 pm-gas stop, Reagan says she wishes she had a thing that would help us get there faster. Campbell moves for the first time.
10:08 pm-back on road
10:09 pm-gas cap open. pull over
10:10 pm-back on road
10:23 pm-light snow. Graham sleeping
10:30 pm-snow starting to cover roads. Nervous driver and co pilot eat bag of cookies
10:35 pm-snow heavy. Reagan and Anderson given neck rest pillows
10:50 pm-more snow, roads wet-maybe. Texting Hawkins. See salt trucks
11:00 pm-Hawkins says rain in New Albany. There but only heavy snow
11:05 pm-Anderson yells “Moose” Mom panics-moose on tv not on road
11:10 pm-Rob requesting neck pillow-denied
11:25 pm-Tupelo. Snow not on ground. Kids watching Disney tape for 2+ hours. Campbell moved again
11:30 pm-Nonna calls, she is going to bed. No idea it is snowing like crazy on us. Campbell moves again. Pause movie so the kids can rest. Graham fusses. Anderson gets a second wind but can’t find his teddy bear
11:45 pm-Rob and Tara drink their second coke. Rain now. “Where does Mickey sit?” Mom feels like Gumby crawling around all over the van
Midnight-Do we continue on or stop at planned hotel in Jasper, AL? Snow tonight + Jasper below freezing all day tomorrow. Campbell stirs. Graham wants shoes on and Mom to rub leg; Reagan & Anderson out
12:20 am – Campbell took bottle; all sleeping; heading to Montgomery after deciding to skip hotel in Jasper – going Southern route because of possible snow advisory in Atlanta
12;40 am – Pass thru Jasper; still raining
1:15 am – Birmingham; 375 miles
1:30 am – Decide to figure out when Easter is? March 4. Rehashing evening – Anderson travel stomach, Cambell cute dress; Reagan proud she also wore a polka dot dress and was able to walk on stage; Anderson: “Where’s the stage?” Reagan: “Where we eat.” Mom says different stage.
1:45 a.m. –Mickey Mouse rice krispy treat for Mom & Dad
2:11 a.m. – Gas stop; brrrr! Potty stop for Mom &Dad
2:15 a.m. – Back in car. Shivering!!!>!> Can’t write
2:20 a.m.- Looking up next big city but look up Tallassee, Alabama instead of Tallahassee, FL – finally figure it out
2:50 a.m. – Nap for mom; now driving through some neighborhood in Montgomery for some reason; big houses; sometimes we question the GPS
3:00 a.m. – Graham diaper change; everyone stirs; Graham more milk; see Mickey and wants shoes on
3:15 a.m. – 500 miles; Graham still up after diaper change; Campbell stirs; we see sign for Daylight Donuts with sign advertising “World’s Best Hamburger”
3:30 a.m. – Gum for Dad; has choice between Wintermint and Mint Mojito; chooses Wintermint since it’s late at night; Mom has bought 126 pieces of gum for the trip (and Dad is only one who chews gum)
4:00 a.m. – Campbell bottle; adjust Anderson’s head as he sleeps; Mom did some cleaning; heavier rain; stop lights and more traffic
4:16 a.m. – Wipers off; first time since West Memphis; nevermind – back on;
4:17 a.m. – Off now; roads dry
4;22 a.m. – Looking for music to listen to; Mom had no idea they would get to listen to music instead of movies; Graham wants Mom to rub his foot; will stick it out to her
4:55 a.m. – Thinking that parents back home are rpobably getting up now; we’ve driven 600 miles
6:00 a.m. – Passing thru Tallahassee with 676 miles behind us; daylight; kids still out
6:15 a.m. – 700 miles; Mom naps, Graham waking for milk but can’t keep eyes open; Anderson awake and talking softly
6:25 a.m. – Reagan: “When are we getting to Disney World?” Anderson: “It was dark and now it is light.” Graham: “Mickey!”
6:45 a.m. – Milk all around; Sunny out! Anderson says, “No singing” Graham says, “Stinky, baby, poo poo”
7:16 a.m. – 2 gas stations, 1 McDonald’s, 1 diaper change pull over
7:40 a.m. – Can’t find a McDonald’s with a player area; Mom & Dad’s blatters full – must stop soon
7:43 a.m. – Found a McD’s with play area!!! Potty, diapers, Campbell laying on bench; updating blogs while Reagan and Anderson play
10:00 a.m. – Still at McDonald’s – figure we are about 2 hours from Orlando; can’t check in until afternoon so decide to stay here as long as kids cooperative and run off some energy; Mom & Dad pretty tired but running on adrenaline. No agenda today when we get into Orlando so we’ll rest, rest!
