On the Open Road

We're happy to report that we survived our recent 3,100 mile car trip out to Madison, Wisconsin where Allen had a conference and we visited my sister, Julie and her family.  We were amazed at how well the kids did in the car.  Grandma Buskirk and I both bought a bunch of fun new activities and movies and for the most part everybody was entertained sufficiently.  Allen ended up doing ALL of the driving -- I can't decide if he thinks I'm a bad driver or if he'd just rather drive than have to mediate and pass out snacks and activities and turn on music and movies at appropriate intervals.



There were, of course, a couple of moments . . .  (doesn't she just look miserable?  When she's really mad she pulls out her ponytail and throws her pacifier to show her distress)



Or if she's bored she pulls off her shoes and socks and tries sucking on her toes.  gross.



The big girls took turns sitting in the front by Leah.  I've gotta say, Kate was the best at chasing down the thrown pacifiers and Ella takes the prize for making her giggle the most.





She did enjoy playing on her little laptop and was very enthusiastic when we had music she liked on -- just singing along and dancing away in her little carseat.  She's got some serious moves.



We took the northerly route so we could go to Mount Rushmore on the way -- I mean how often is South Dakota on your way to anywhere.  I think the kids liked it.  We took a little hike around under the Presidents and they were definitely happy to be moving around and not confined in buckles.



We've decided that we have pretty great kids and are glad we had some time together as a family.  But I think we'll take a little while off before going on a long car ride again =)