Last week, we packed up our truck, loaded the kids and headed for Texas. Our drive took us through the length of Illinois, across Missouri, down into Oklahoma and then into Texas. With the exception of the Ozark Mountains that drive is all flat terrain and there isn't much to see unless you count Missouri's miles of churches, firework stores and porn shops. Wait, that's not entirely true, we might have passed a billboard for the world's largest rocking chair.
That thousand mile drive was made possible by one iPad, two movie players and the shear will to survive.
Like it or not, driving is the most affordable way to transport a family of five. Before Heidi and Whitney were born we used to fly everywhere. Then the other two came along and we multiplied airfare times five and then we decided that we REALLY LIKE DRIVING!
This is a "working vacation" (details to come) with lots of Oma and Opa time for the kids. So far, the weather has been unbelievably gorgeous and we've tried spending as much time outdoors as possible. The things Texans take for granted, in January, such as sipping a cup of coffee while sitting on the patio, a walk through the park or getting into your car without having to kick five pounds of slush off the bottom of your boots...well, Texas, let me tell you: you need to start yourself a gratitude journal!
Isn't this disgraceful? Who wears their undies inside out, when they decorate for the holidays? Probably not fancy people.
Christmas afternoon, we drove down to Illinois to spend the evening with my stepfather-in-law's family. Here's Heidi getting herself all psyched-up for the soiree while we were getting ready in the hotel.
