Let me tell you about... a fun memory!

Last time I was on here, I told you about our trip. Well, actually I didn't tell you about the trip. I told you about getting ready for the trip. I thought I'd let you know that the rest of the trip was great. Friends and family are always wonderful to see. On our way down to Spring, Texas we stopped at the now famous (at least to us) Buccee's. I do believe Halton created the best coffee concoction I've ever had while we were there. Since we liked Buccee's so much on the way to Spring, we had to stop there on the way back. It's funny how exciting a restroom stop can be when it becomes a tradition. After we climbed over the extra suitcases, Christmas presents and Halton's guitar to get back into the van, we began the rest of our trip home. After we were all settled in, we had fun with something that has kind of become a new tradition, so....Let me tell you about... a fun memory. A few trips ago, I surprised the kids on a long, late night trip home from Christmas in Amarillo with glow sticks that I had picked up at the dollar store. At the time, we had just gotten the CD of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (who are amazing I might add).  We had a lot of fun using the glow sticks to "dance" to the beat of the music we were listening to. It was such a cool experience that I hope to make it a "new" tradition. It has created some very special memories for me. (I'm really big into making memories.)  This year we picked a lot of different music to "dance" to. I'm going to try to put a video of it on here. I hope when you see it, you'll have a little bit of fun along with us.

Let me tell you about... Pecoraro road trips

Our family just got back late last night from our Thanksgiving trip to Spring, Texas. I know a lot of people travel more than we do with their families and I'm sure everyone has little quirks that make their trips interesting, but I'd like to take you on an adventure with our family. It's not that I think anyone would actually ever want to come along or that you have ever sat around wondering what it is like, but still...Let me tell you about...Pecoraro road trips. The first part of the adventure begins before day 1. Before we ever set foot in the van, we have to pack. Before we are able to pack, we have to wash clothes. Before we are able to wash clothes, we need to remove all of the dirty clothes from the middle of the floors of our rooms. (I say, "We," because I am the queen of the pile of laundry on the floor of my room.) And so what usually begins with, "It's a short trip, so it shouldn't be too hard to get ready for it" becomes "Here's another load of laundry to fold and I am not going to wash another thing... Oh, you forgot to wash your favorite jeans? Well, put them in and we'll try to get them done." Ten loads later, we finally get the suitcases out. Do we pack together in several big suitcases or do we each take our own small one? We look at the pros and cons of each and decide to each take our own, except for Destiny. She shares with me. We finally start packing. We can't decide what the weather will actually be like, so we pack for hot and cold weather. Now, after our suitcases are packed with double the amount of clothes that we need, we must all pack another bag for our carry-on stuff (you know, everything that didn't fit in the suitcase because we opted for the small ones). Next, it all has to go in the van. In comes Hunter to save the day. He starts packing the van. Everyone brings out their bags and then comes the important stuff...eight pillows (so we are all comfortable in the car), eight or more blankets (so the car can be freezing to keep the driver awake and comfortable) a biblical amount of stuffed animals (two of every kind, so they won't be lonely, of course),  And then, 3 huge box fans (because my husband taught our whole family to sleep with fans blaring in their ears all night). Several bags of junk food snacks (so we don't spend too much money at Buccee's) and then, finally, the eight of us (it used to be 9, but Emily got married).   We are now finally all in the van...What's that? You forgot to go to the bathroom? Stop the van. Give them the keys to the house. You need to go, too? Oh, my, we will have to finish the trip in a later post. I'm exhausted!