This little blog has been quiet – and for good reason. We took the Shoe and headed east to surprise Lowell’s folks for their 60th birthdays this year!
It was an exciting trip that was jam-packed with fun activities almost every minute. Since it was a rather long trip with so much packed into it, I am going to make this a series of posts (mostly pictures) because it might crash your computer to load all the trip pictures at once!
I can’t promise how quickly I’ll get these posts cranked out since I came home and found the weeds in my garden had not taken a vacation like I had. I don’t like writing posts so quickly since I usually type the first thing that comes into my brain. So if they sound a little corny, consider yourself fortunate that you don’t have to live with it every day like Lowell does!!
We haven’t even left yet . . . now what did we forget?
This is me.
This is me stressed out.
This is me cranky and ordering kids around like little minions.
This is not a pretty me.
Packed up and ready to move out! Finally.
These few next pictures were taken along Highway 200 in Northwestern Montana. One of the most scenic, beautiful routes to take!
Quote From the Road:
While the kiddos were passing the trash bag, Daddy said: “Do not put your brothers and sister in there! It is NOT easier to have another one than it is to finish raising you!”
Mr. Fat Squishy having a really bad hairday.
This route of nearly 2,000 miles usually takes us around 32-36 driving hours. This does not include one night motel stay. For this trip, we left Thursday evening and drove all through that night.
*cough* Let me be honest. Lowell drove through the night. I tried to snooze and keep all the six kiddos happy and not stepping on their brother who was sleeping on the floor.
Towards morning, I usually can relieve Lowell for an hour. Oh alright! So maybe it was only 45 minutes. Must you be so picky . . . Night driving and I get along like peanut butter and apple cider vinegar.
This little prayer chapel was at a rest stop somewhere in South Dakota. It was beginning to feel humid here and I knew it was only going to get worse the longer we headed east.
Derek and his little look-alike. Lowell says the genes have come full-circle.
One smiling face! Smiling faces are much better than grouchy ones when you must look at them in such close range for 32 hours.
He looks ornery, doesn’t he?
(Guess who he got to tease all the way to Indiana and back again?)
Iowa!
Isn’t it pretty? Especially with my window up and air conditioner running!
I like this picture.
These windmills are so huge and you don’t realize it until you are close to them.
Ok, that’s it for on the way there. You will have to wait for the next post to see how we surprised Lowell’s folks!
You don’t want to miss it . . . (psst, it includes a camouflage limousine). We named him Lizard.
Somebody shush me before I give it away!
Off to my weeds,
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Berneice Hostetler says
I had heard that you all were going to try and surprise them. Sounds like it was a success! Can’t wait to hear the rest of the story – the weeds will thank you for writing it first! 🙂 Btw, the close-up pic of Lowell looks like his uncle Ronnie!
Eddrell N Nancy Lee says
I’ll comment on Lowell’s picture too 🙂 Ornery? Nothing’s changed, huh? 🙂 I enjoyed your post and look forward to the ones to come.
Living In The Shoe says
Berneice, I like the way you think. 😉 My garden might not though! Eddrell N Nancy Lee, it’s true that time doesn’t change some things!
Sandra Miller says
Interesting!
Sarah Byler says
Welcome Home, It’s been busy here, lots of people camping , but also have had visitors.
Living In The Shoe says
It’s good to be home, Sarah!
Shannon says
All the flying weekend trips we take to IN, I always thank God it’s only 5-6 hours because till we get their I am usually pulling my grey hair out! You go on 36 hour trip! 🙂
Living in the Shoe says
That’s why we only do it once a year! This last time we had gone only 6 months before and that is too much driving in too short a span. Now we plan to stay home for a while. 🙂
Dena says
Wow!! This brings back ‘fresh’ memories…cept my batch was the next stage older!! (n thankfully we didn’t do any ‘all-nighters’!!) 🙂 Someone in your crew must be a ‘very’ good luggage stuffer!! On a lighter note…thanks again for taking 2 of my ‘brood’ to the airport…would have loved to visit with you more ‘in person’!!
Living in the Shoe says
You’re very welcome! After I got to the airport, I remember thinking I needed to somehow let Dena know how sweet and respectful her children were. 🙂 We had some interesting conversation all the way there!
Also, I must have not shown it in the pics, but we had a luggage carrier on top!! We are not in the stage where the luggage keeps getting smaller . . .