First, after saying goodbye to Saundra and family, we drove to Gettysburg, stopped by the visitors center for a map and a few pictures. Boo loved the statue of Abraham Lincoln, because he had a book.
Then we went and ate lunch at a mediocre-but-I-liked-the-name-so-I-stopped place called Pickett's Buffet. After refueling, we drove around a bit to see some sites, but ultimately I decided that wearing out and entertaining Boo, who has been SO good, was more important. I found a little hands on children's museum in downtown Gettysburg, where we spent about 90 minutes playing and doing art until it was time to get on the road. Cute place.
As we set out, I began to see big cheesy signs for Mr. Ed's Elephant Museum and candy shop. Free admission and candy? Sold. I'm also a sucker for tourist traps. If there is a sign for "World's Biggest ____" I'm the person who wants to stop. This was right up my alley.
And it was cute. Large gardens filled with fountains and elephant statues let us stretch and walk around and enjoy the nice weather (there was a storm coming so it was cool and smelled like rain). Plus, old-school candy. I picked up some jelly beans and sour candy sticks and we were on our way.
By this point, we had nearly five hours to go and my head was pounding. Fortunately, Boo decided to take a nice three-hour nap and I could drive in silence and enjoy the pretty Pennsylvania mountains.
Once she woke up, we rocked out to some BeeGees and other classic artists, with Boo declaring that Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train" was her favorite song. Okay then.
We arrived at home a little after 9pm. I was so proud of how well Boo handled so much driving and walking. But, looking back, a few things I will do in the future to make road trips easier:
1. Bring individual snack packets of stuff. I had picked up a bag of clementines, which proved very handy, but road trips call for crackers and the like as well.
2. Get some kind of back seat organizer. Having to keep handing back a water bottle every five seconds (because Gawdforbid Boo would hold onto it between sips) wasn't super safe or fun. Speaking of water bottles...
3. I had accidentally packed Boo's Camelbak water bottle with the kitchen, so I was using my own huge Aquafina bottle to keep her hydrated. It was too big and heavy, and she wasn't dexterous enough to always get the lid off. Won't make that mistake again.
4. More toys or coloring. I was woefully underprepared in this department. I had brought an iPad, but I don't like using it a lot, plus Boo said her belly hurt so I didn't want to risk carsickness. She watched one episode of Doc McStuffins and that was it for the trip. So next time, prepare entertainment better. We had nice conversations, but I think it would have been better for her if I had more toys. I ended up buying her a Civil War rag doll that she named Grapes (purple dress), which she enjoyed the whole way home.
5. I'm still undecided, but I had purchased a portable toilet long ago, which I think would have been handy for the need to go potty every 45 minutes or so. But there were plenty of rest stops, and stopping on the side of the freeway isn't so appealing. I think I'll stick to rest
stops, but there was one emergency stop at a Port-a-Potty that practically gave me nightmares. Let's just say I had to dangle Boo over the opening while trying not to gag. For those situations, having a portable toilet will prove the better choice.
Next week should be exploring Chicago while John has training (but it could also be in a really boring area of Ohio, so TBD), and we leave a week from tomorrow! Taking this mini-vacation with Boo and seeing how well she did has made it all the more exciting.
When i was young, my family would travel to canada every summer by car. 24 hours of driving with 4 kids. Yikes. My mom would prepare by recording herself reading our favorite books. She even noted when to turn the page. We would spend hours "reading" on our own, using the book to follow the tape. I also credit this as how i somehow managed to teach myself to read at a ridiculously young age. Anyway, i love this blog!
ReplyDeleteWhen i was young, my family would travel to canada every summer by car. 24 hours of driving with 4 kids. Yikes. My mom would prepare by recording herself reading our favorite books. She even noted when to turn the page. We would spend hours "reading" on our own, using the book to follow the tape. I also credit this as how i somehow managed to teach myself to read at a ridiculously young age. Anyway, i love this blog!
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