Road Trip Update Number 2: Days, 13- 20

 

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Greetings from the road, where we’ve been very busy. Can I just say, we live in the most amazing country on Earth? I hope I live long enough to see it all. As I think about all that we’ve done, and try to summarize it, I have to take a moment to express gratitude for the blessings that have enabled me to take these journeys. I’m grateful for my husband who indulges me, friends who’ve helped in my planning, friends who’ve put us up in our travels, and by letting me stay with them, and my kids for being my traveling companions. It’s probably hardest on them, but I hope they understand the benefits.

What an adventure we’re having. It hasn’t been perfect by any means, but the good by far outweighs the bad.

In my last update I mentioned how happy and impressed I was with the children’s behavior. They’d been extraordinarily well behaved. We’re more than halfway through the trip and the streak is over. Being on the road for so long can and does get to each of us in different ways. The beginning of the trip was stacked with short drives, longer stays, and familiar faces, all of which fostered pleasant conditions for the kids. After we left Michigan, our distances increased and we were limited to one or two rooms. We got on each other’s nerves more easily, and boredom was always a possibility. For me, the rewards of seeing and exploring new places are enough, but that’s not necessarily the case for the children.

I confess I’m also disappointed by how the children have often been underwhelmed by some of what we’ve seen. I’m afraid that perhaps they’ve been overexposed. They’ve seen so many places that it takes something extraordinary to “wow” them. I’ve also been disappointed by their lack of gratitude for where we stay and what we eat. I don’t know how to fix this.

We’ve had some mishaps. This is the first road trip where I’ve had to use my first aid kit – and not just once. Barrett has been out of sorts, and I’m wondering if the high altitudes are affecting him – they certainly have me. There’s been incessant discussion about farting that I can’t handle for much longer – not to mention the actual act of farting and the associated unpleasantness. I never realized how gassy my children are. Camden’s foot odor is out of control. Barrett has developed an irritating habit of beating his chest like Tarzan, along with the howl. Hunter’s moodiness has been a buzzkill for everyone at one point or another. Audrey alternates between utterly charming (mostly with strangers and restaurant personnel), to shrill and petulant – mostly directed at Hunter or me. And I’ve been less energetic than in years past and that really messes with my head. Fortunately, Cammy’s jocularity has kept us all laughing.

There have been some fun developments. Barrett’s been singing quite a bit – and it’s delightful. He has a variety of tunes, from Willie Nelson to some Jewish wedding song, which he picked up I don’t know where. He also seem to enjoy hiking. I’ve discovered that Audrey likes to sing in the shower. I love that. She sounds so happy. She’s also become very knowledgeable about “professional” wrestling, in an attempt to connect with Hunter. Of course she denies that’s the reason, but I know it is. Camden is the king of one liners and is reveling in the attention he receives. He’s gaining confidence. He’s no longer a shy little man. Hunter is growing up. He’s insulted by children’s menus and curious to try new foods. He wants more responsibility, and likes to go off on his own. And I’m trying to learn to let go.

Rich joined us for Father’s Day and his birthday, and the respite he provided me was invaluable. I also appreciate the solidarity!

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After we left Michigan, we visited Chicago and Minneapolis. The highlight of both these destinations was my opportunity to meet two blogger friends in person and talk shop. Nina and Mimi are delightful and my only regret is that I didn’t have more time with each of them. If you ask the kids, they’ll tell you that the highlight of their trip was also Minneapolis. Not Montana, Yellowstone, Jenny Lake, or Mount Rushmore, but the Mall of America. God help me.

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Rain in Chicago.

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Frank Lloyd Wright’s Chicago home.

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Aud & I toured the home and studio.

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I got to meet Mimi Sager for coffee.

After we left Minneapolis all our stops were places we’d never been. And crossing the Mississippi brought sunshine into our life – the kind that comes from the sky!

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Mall of America.

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My older three had a blast!

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My little guy still had scars from Kennywood.

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I finally got to meet Nina Badzin!

 

Fargo, ND is a cute little town. I didn’t know what I expected, but it’s a busy city with a nice mall and a huge Barnes and Noble. And we had a great dinner at the appropriately named establishment – Shotgun Sally’s.

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Next it was on to Winnipeg, Manitoba. It was a much smaller city than what I imagined as Manitoba’s capital. I wasn’t too impressed, and the only plan I did have – to tour the Manitoba Legislative Building – fell through. They were swearing in a new Lt. Governor when we were there and the capitol was closed to the public.

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On the way back to the states, we stopped at the International Peace Garden, which is very pretty. We stayed the night in Bismarck, ND and were very nearly blown away. We encountered quite the wicked storm! The next day we visited the capitol and the North Dakota Heritage Center.

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The aftermath of the storm.

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ND Heritage Center.

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The ND Captiol building in Bismarck.

Medora, ND is about an hour and a half west of Bismarck, and home to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The park encompasses some of the Badlands and the land that was once Roosevelt’s Dakota ranch. His home, the Maltese Cross Cabin, is also in the park and features some of Roosevelt’s belongings. Medora is fun – a little western honky tonk town.

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The Painted Canyon, in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

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The Maltese Cross Cabin.

We headed west to Montana, spending a day each in Billings and Bozeman. Billings was okay, but Bozeman was awesome. I could live there very easily – and comfortably. The downtown area, with its restaurants and shops, was a favorite of mine, so far.

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Father’s Day.

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Downtown Bozeman.

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Date night with the little guy (the older three HAD to watch wrestling…)

Next, we move on to Wyoming, Idaho, and South Dakota. I will catch you up on the final leg, once we get home and acclimated. I feel very out of touch this road trip. The multiple times zones, the effects of the high elevations, and many areas with no internet and cell service. With the kids commandeering any television we have, I haven’t seen much news, only some headlines on MSN and local newspapers. From what I have seen, I’m happy to be in the dark. Although yay! for the Freedom of Marriage Act. A little birdy told me it was getting combative on FB, so I’m glad I haven’t been on. I’ve somehow managed to lock myself out of Facebook, so if you’ve contacted me there, I haven’t seen it. Once I get home, I’ll figure out what to do. I don’t think I was hacked, but maybe it was lack of use/user error.

I hope your summer is going well. I miss everyone. Let me know how you’re doing, either in the comments or send me an email!

21 thoughts on “Road Trip Update Number 2: Days, 13- 20”

  1. Let me know if you see moose!
    We did a cross country trip and we did do the Mall of America, but only because our cousins live in St. Paul and Minneapolis so we went on a random weeknight and it was kinda dead.. Nice.
    Of course, Yellowstone and Grand Teton were my favorites!!

    1. I didn’t see a moose – and momma, I was looking! In fact, Rich asked me what the deal was with the moose:). And Yellowstone and Grand Tetons were definitely my favorite as well.

  2. I’m sorry things haven’t been perfect, but what trip is? As for gratitude, we are working on that with our kids. I’ve seen Frank Lloyd Wright’s house in Pennsylvania, would love to see his Chicago home. And you are killing we with Montana, my dream! Have a wonderful vacation!!

    1. I’ve seen the one in Pennsylvania, too…Falling Water. Amazing! It’s funny, there isn’t much “wow” factor in his own home, but he was paying for it himself. He built it in his early twenties, so maybe he hadn’t made a lot of none yet. And Montana is amazing. We made the kids very nervous, we liked it so much. They were very adamant that Georgia is much prettier (so not true).

  3. Oh I love this – even the part about your children’s gassiness. 🙂 but I love the photos and recap and am so proud of your warrior road mama!

    1. Thanks Allison. I’ve been back for a while – but the trip wiped me out. Kind of taking a “break.” We’re in Florida with family and I am enjoying the beach life, which has made me think of you and your new life.

  4. We are heading to Disney in a few short weeks and our fast pass bracelets actually just shipped (so I know it is getting closer). But still the kids have been out of school now for over two weeks and my little one even just being home here only wants to talk about farts, too. Seriously, I have some gassy kids, too apparently and nice to know that at the very least I am in good company with you 😉

    1. Disney – in July! Oh Momma! Brace yourself. I’m in south Florida and roasting. It is so hot. I’d forgotten how hot it gets in the summer (I lived her for 19 years). Have fun – for real.

  5. Oh Allie! I just love your honesty in sharing both the beauty of the trip and the frustrations too… it sounds like a typical road trip that me and my family would surely go down… all with the annoyances and irritations of each other!

    Despite your kids not being completely in ‘awe’ of all you are doing and seeing, they will always have these memories. One day, they will look back on these trips with such fondness and appreciation!! Hang in there mama!! Embrace all you can!!

    1. Thanks Christine! It’s kind of like childbirth. We’ve been back about a week and the bad memories are fading….

  6. Allie! I adore Bozeman (my mom lives there – did I tell you that?) and Yellowstone. You know, even though it seems like the kids are underwhelmed, when they’re our age, they’ll look back on these trips and realize that they loved them a lot. There were trips I took as a kid that I’m sure my parents felt like “why did we bother?” but now, I remember and feel so thankful for.
    Also, Audrey is SO pretty. She looks just like you! Yay to Barrett’s singing and the jokes and the stupid mall 😉
    We went to Tennessee for Tucker’s birthday and visited Dollywood. It was awesome. It was supposed to storm all day and so it was empty. So empty, that when we finished a ride, the employees asked if we’d like to go again. Tucker made us go on the Tennessee Tornado – a roller coaster that gets up to 70mph and has three upside-down loops. He loved it. Me, not so much. I still have a bruise!
    I miss you!

    1. Would you believe we’ve never been to Dollywood? And Rich’s parents live really close to there. Kennywood (Pittsburgh) was our amusement park adventure this year. Cam and Bear didn’t care for the scary stuff – but Aud and Hunter were maniacs! I didn’t know your mom lived in Bozeman. Does she love it? Are the winters brutal?

      1. You know, she loves Bozeman now but had a hard time the first few winters. It gets dark so early and the ice never melts, unlike Colorado where it can snow feet and feet and be gone in a few days.

  7. So Cammy is now quite the king of one liners? Maybe Uncle Mark is rubbing off on him…..just a little bit…..Nice pictures. Glad to see you in Florida!

    Uncle Mark

  8. SO much good stuff and I’m still so honored you made time to see me. Your kids were good sports to let us hang out. I’m so tickled that Minneapolis was a highlight for them!

  9. So happy to catch up with your adventures! I completely understand what you mean about the kids less than stellar behavior on road trips…the family drama doesn’t stop no matter where you are. But what an experience you are gifting to your kids. Safe travels home!

    1. Thanks Dana. I guess it is perhaps a bit naïve that I thought a change of scenery would reduce the family drama. And I hope you’re right the gift we’re giving them (cause they sure seem ungrateful:)).

  10. I love love love reading about all of your family’s adventures! We don’t have the summer time available for such glorious travels (I don’t have the vacation time to see so many places). So I can sort of get the experience vicariously through you. The kids did go to sleep-away camp (first-time for the younger boy!) so I feel that they are getting some positives over the summer. But our family won’t be seeing all of the sights that your family gets each summer. Sigh. Enjoy your time in Florida!! We’ll be heading there later in August. So glad to hear, BTW, that you’re back safe and (mostly) sound!

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