Thursday, December 22, 2005

Over the river and through the desert, to Grandmother's house we go

We arrived yesterday in El Paso relatively intact. Here are some trip highlights:

Loaded up the kids at 5:30 am. Both of them were so PUMPED by the prospect of going to El Paso, neither of them even pretended to stay sleepy. Then commenced the frantic search by the parental units for the CHEWABLE DRAMAMINE. Bev and Anthony had gone to 4 stores on Monday night to find these pricey pills which would prevent us from having to do the roadside cleanup. We both remember them being on the countertop. After 30 minutes of looking, we decided the Grinch must've stolen them. No pharmacies were open at 6 am, so we stopped at a 24 hour grocery store, but they only had the swallowable kind. I took a taste - bitter! Fortunately, I convinced the kids to eat them in a little piece of banana. Anna wailed that it tasted bad, and Colin made an awful face when he swallowed, but hey! Mission accomplished.

Most of the morning we drove in a white fog. I had been looking forward to the sunrise, but it just got brighter and hazier. We stopped in Sonora for breakfast at Sonic (Anthony likes their breakfast burritos); Anna got and devoured a Jr. Hamburger. We stopped in Ft. Stockton for gas, and it was time for more Dramamine. I knew the banana wouldn't work again, so I bought the kids an ice cream sandwich. Anna was too savvy and wouldn't let me slip the pill in her ice cream, but I snuck it by Colin and he was the one who really needed it.

The kids watched Totoro, Nemo, Ice Age, and Mary Poppins. We didn't even have to stop for the last 3 1/2 hours, and we were there. No accidents, but no poop either with all the inactivity! Since she visited by herself last spring, Anna "showed" me where everything in my parents house is, like the bathroom. Colin picked up and shook several breakable items but everything survived.

Today, Anthony and I ditched the kids as soon as my sister Emily came into town. Not really, but it kinda felt that way. We headed north to Ruidoso for a night away alone. We're staying at a great resort. Our room is nice, and when we got here we felt like some physical activity -- we went for a jog around the lake at sunset. Then we relaxed in the hot tub and had dinner. We'll head back tomorrow after a hike. So far, its a great holiday season.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad you arrived intact! Have a great time, love to everyone!!!!

Anonymous said...

We are sooooo happy they have all arrived. Grandad and I are loving it! I now have a new name by Colin "NINA" - so cute. Emily brought the kids to my work yesterday after their Mommy & Daddy left for the mountains. Everyone here was amazed at their blonde, curly hair! And they were so polite. Anna said hi to everyone and Colin would just walk over to people and lean on them for a Colin-type hug! Merry Christmas to everyone!! I am having a very Merry One - I am so blessed!!! Love, Nana

Emily said...

It kinda felt like that to me too...like you abandoned me with the kids! Just wish I had more energy. Still recovering from a cold. But I am getting lots of giggles and hugs!

Jessica said...

What a fun car trip...eh. I hate long rides in the car. I'm glad you arrived safely. Everything at your house is going well, and the chickens gave us some great eggs for our breakfast on Christmas morning! Thanks!!! Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Wanted to take a minute to wish you a Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays. I've really enjoyed reading your blog this year, with all the gross photos of pets and gross stories about kids ;-) Seriously, I haven't yet recovered from the portapotty incident tale...

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you guys arrived safely! Have a good little vacation!

I can't IMAGINE were the Dramimine(sp?) ended up? I DISTINCTLY remember Anthony holding it up and showing Anna the "vitamins for the car" (you know, getting her used to the idea)...then setting the package back down on the countertop....=) Musta just run off!

I can just see Anna and Colin spreading Christmas cheer to everyone at your work,Nana! AND, isn't it funny the names Colin comes up with...? Like "Betterie" for me and "Nina" for you! He's such a cutie!

Emily, isn't having the kids around a little like "therapy"? They do drain your energy - BUT the little sentences they come up with and all the hugs and giggles TOTALLY makes up for all the energy it takes! =)

Well, I hope you guys have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! I can't wait to see pics of Christmas morning in El Paso!

Love-Bevie-

Unknown said...

Glad you are all having fun. The caroling call we got tonight really made our Christmas Eve. The kids had fun singing their songs back atcha, too. It made me miss you all soooooooooooooooooo much to hear all your voices and laughter on the other end of the line. Sniff. Sniff.

I am so jealous of your resort getaway, too. Sounds nice!

Unknown said...

Okay, if I have clicked once I have clicked 50 times -- but then, you probably already knew that. I'm just dying to hear about your Christmas Day and your return trip. I guess yesterday was spent in the car. You must be wiped out. Waiting...

Anonymous said...

I'm as bad as Steph, I've been clicking and waiting too ....