Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Road Trip 09

A few months back I got this crazy idea in my head that we should  drive to Calgary for Stampede. One of my best friends moved up there over a year ago and I figured why not? I got on Google Maps and started planning out my route. One thing was certain, we couldn't go home the same way we came. That would be nonsense! And since I was already driving that far north I definitely had to make it to my Aunt Dianne's annual 4th of July hot dog and wiffle ball golf tournament in Washington. Hours later I had created my masterpiece. A 24 day tour of the west. I was going to do things I had wanted to do for years. I was going to drive through the Canadian Rockies and see Banff. I was going to finally get to Yellowstone. And I was going to do it with my two  year old toddlers! Insane? Maybe. Insanely fun? Definitely.

And now as months turn into weeks and weeks will quickly turn into days before our big trip begins, I have become a planning machine. Finalizing hotel stays (cuz sorry, I am not car camping for 3 weeks with these children. We can try that in a couple years) and working on our itinerary. This is not how I used to travel before kids. I was more the find a destination and figure it out when we get there type. All it took was one night sleeping in a hotel parking lot in Crescent City with my infants to realize flying by the seat of my pants is not as fun with little ones.

I will be kidding myself if I expect everything to go according to plan. Actually, I hope it doesn't. Usually the unexpected is what ends up being the most fun. I will try to update as much as I can while on the road and throw in some pictures and video (I got an incredible deal on a flip video camera!). So wish us luck and pray I don't forget to pack something crucial, like the camera!

13 comments:

BenLand said...

good luck on your trip.....can't wait to see your pictures!!!

safe travels :)

Unknown said...

I'm so excited we get to see you!! :) If there's anything I can do before you get here, let me know...

Terri said...

Can't wait until you hit the wide open roads. So excited for updates and pictures.

Mashel said...

ooh, ooh, when are you going to be in Washington? We so need to get together! Will you have time? Let me know. Email me... I hope so!

Helene said...

You are a much braver woman than I, that's for sure!! Can't wait to see pictures...I have a feeling you're all gonna have so much fun!

familyadventureguidebooks said...

What an adventure. Is your hubby coming along? Hopefully it will be all that you dream it would be. I would love to be riding along in your suitcase :).

Carolina said...

You crazy lady! Good luck on your voyage, can't wait to read your updates.

Linda said...

Oh, that sounds like so much fun! I wish we could get that much time to travel as a family. Maybe someday . . . keep us posted as to how the trip goes!

Amy @ The Q Family said...

Sounds like it's gonna a fun trip. Can't wait to read more on your blog.

I also give you 'One Lovely Blog Award'.

http://www.theqfamilyadventures.com/2009/06/in-which-im-honored/

Thanks for the inspiration for family to travel and get out more!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

What a cute blog header....love the design.

I enjoyed reading your blog this afternoon...Had some time to do some blog hopping...

always enjoy finding new blogs!
Hope you will visit me. This month I am posting on our Disney trip.

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

What a cute blog header....love the design.

I enjoyed reading your blog this afternoon...Had some time to do some blog hopping...

always enjoy finding new blogs!
Hope you will visit me. This month I am posting on our Disney trip.

debi9kids said...

I can not wait until you are on the road. I am sure it's going to be FANTASTIC!

Where did you get the deal on the Flip??? I am dying to get one!

Alisha said...

I'm so excited for you and your updates! I am a Canadian and have never seen the rockies! Have fun!