Then .... the dreaded drive home ...
We planned to leave the beach in time to be home for dinner. We, ahem, got a late start after we finally cleaned the condo and packed the car.
Yes, the kids all went to the bathroom before we left the condo. Then, before we could get into the car, Bennett decides he needs to poop. Fifteen minutes later, a happier and chatty Bennett decides he is done and we go back to the car.
The rush hour traffic is quickly slowing us down, but at the wrong end of the trip.
A quick stop for gas. Keep in mind before reading further that the kids have not had anything to drink for a while now.
1 hour later, April decides she needs to pee. We pull over to the side of the road for a quick pit stop.
2 hours later, April announces she needs to pee again, NOW. We have delayed dinner long enough for the kids and stop at the first likely fast food place we can stomach. April sprints for the bathroom with Lisa in pursuit. Daddy makes the bad decision to attempt feeding the kids food in the car (not the usual non messy prescreened snacks normally allowed). We later determine that Carter took one bite of each chicken nugget and french fry before sticking them behind his car seat and clamoring for more. April and Bennett did a much better job of putting all of their food into their mouths.
We finally hit our metro area and are on the home stretch. We start to relax. Too soon! April announces she needs to poop, NOW. After managing to sit longer then Bennett's extended stay in the potty, she finally emerges from the Chik-Fil-A bathroom with mommy. As they walk by the order counter, April proudly states to mommy in her usual inside voice (i.e. VERY LOUD) "Mommy, we are not eating dinner here, we already ate at Wendy's!".
Carter falls asleep in the car less then 10 miles from home, but wakes up when we arrive, and then manages to stay awake despite our best efforts for 2 hours after we do get home. April and Bennett attempted to follow his lead in the car, but were read the riot act about how they would WALK from the car to their bedrooms and were NOT going to be carried to their rooms if they fell asleep now.
Ahh, home sweet home.
Travelling with three kids! You are so brave. Looks like it was worth it, though that perspective may come to you later when you have healed up from the pain of the trip home. YY and I recently survived a 6 hour trip each way to the grandparents and back. We managed it without quite so much drama, thank goodness! xoxoxoxo to everyone!!
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