Road Trip Adventure, chapter 1

It all started pretty good.





Okay, the day before the trip was actually quite horrible. I was so ill I couldn't get out of bed, and Norrie tested positive for strep. We all ended up on antibiotics since we would be traveling and wanted to eliminate any chance of needing to make unexpected stops for sore throats/throat cultures/getting additional prescriptions.





Tim and I were up very late packing Friday night since I didn't get anything done during the day as planned. But Day One of trip started okay. We got on the road about 5am, the kids slept for several hours, nice sunny day, good road conditions...


It was somewhere in Nebraska that afternoon the trouble started. First it was sluggish starting. Then not starting (after a fuel fill-up). By the time we reached our first night's destination (a hotel in Brush, CO), we knew we needed a new starter.

The next morning we slept in, instead of getting that 4am start as planned. Tim did a little internet searching, we discussed our options, and decided to attempt getting to Denver. There we could find a hotel with a pool, order the parts we needed, and hopefully be back on the road within a few days. Unfortunately that Monday was a holiday, so it would take an additional day for shipping.

In the meantime...




Denver Museum of Nature & Science
http://www.dmns.org/

Playing at a McDonald's playland (the kids have been to a playland before - once or twice. But in general we avoid them...making it all the more exciting to these guys)

And of course - SWIMMING!

The next day,Tuesday, we drove up to Fort Collins (rental car). I had googled for ideas of what to do in the Denver area and discovered a place called Cool Beans Playhouse & Cafe.

Kids = play

Mom and Dad = coffee

How could we go wrong?

http://www.coolbeansplayhouse.com/about.html

Next stop, since we were out and about, Golden Co. Two words - Train Museum.

Conrad was thrilled.

http://coloradorailroadmuseum.org/visitor-information/

The kids got a couple tattoos to put on when we returned to the hotel.

Just like at home!














And not Wednesday, but finally Thursday we received our guaranteed next day delivery package (that was mailed Tuesday morning). We were packed up, showered, laundry done, ready to hit the road just as soon as Tim popped this little part in. We thought....

$7

Non-vacation insert...

In the last week I've discovered two joys that only cost $7 each. The first is this little monkey I found on clearance at Target. I was shopping with the kids and saw this on an end cap. What a fun and unexpected gift for Tim...That night when I got home after work, I placed it on the passenger seat of his truck, so he would have a little companion on his way into work. It was a bigger hit than I expected, he was still talking about it three days later and side bonus, when the kids hear the music they start grooving. So CUTE!

Sunday afternoon, prime napping time (1-3pm) I took the kiddos to a drumline competition in Rochester. I was a little hesitant about taking them for several reasons. Naptime, being outnumbered (2 to 1) in unfamiliar environment, not knowing how either child may react to the loud music, and what if they were some of the only young children there?? And one started crying or misbehaving?? Would I be THAT mom that ruined an experience for everyone else? I was very close to changing my mind....but I'm so glad I didn't.

The event was phenomenal! Both kids were great (and they weren't the only youngins there - several other families with young children attended), Norrie thoroughly enjoyed the first two groups before zonking out until intermission. Yes, completely out. Despite one group of 29 percussionists pounding and clanging...and to think she used to be my baby that NEVER slept!

Conrad enjoyed it so much, he's asked to be in a drumline. YES! That's my boy ;-)