Road Trip!

I love my husband. Very much. But when was the last time YOU spent 8 days uninterrupted with your spouse/significant other? We went to Italy in May and while it was a wonderful trip, 5 days would've been perfect. Eight? Too much. Our trip started out like we were on our honeymoon again. By the last day, I was ready for another vacation that didn't include him. 

I guess we have forgotten our 8 days of bliss because we have now made plans for a road trip. With kids ages 2 & 4. Denver is our destination, not divorce so I am coming up with creative ways to make this trip go smoothly. Normally I would direct my Type A personality to my training, but with that put aside, I have to avert it elsewhere (I cleaned and organized our garage last week). Planning this trip is my focus. We will leave at 7 a.m., kids will eat in the car and we ONLY stop for potty breaks and activities geared at getting kids tired(which I have strategically mapped out playgrounds, waterparks and other kid friendly gigs along the route). Realistic???

My kids have been great for my Type A personality. I am a list maker. I like to check things off the list. I even add stuff I have already completed so I can check it off. My list these days is much shorter than it used to be and now if I don't get everything done, I am okay with that. I need to approach this trip in the very same way. The addition of children in my life has made me accept that I can't do much at 100% effort. There are a lot of road blocks. And even if I do get the living room immaculate, chances are my 4 year old will wipe his boogers on the wall and my dog will shed half his coat 5 minutes later. It's a losing battle. 

Back to the road trip.....low expectations are key. Maybe the kiddos will be just the distraction my husband and I need to make it through this trip. I am sure my 2 year old will need to go potty 5 minutes into the trip. I am certain McDonalds will be too convenient at some point rather than eating in the car (with healthy food I prepared at home). However, on this trip I fully expect a good mix of melt downs, laughter, tired kids, fun, my husband and I debating on having another because we are having fun, melt downs, time outs, my husband and I scheduling his vasectomy, great times with friends, watching the kids having the time of their lives and second guessing that vasectomy appointment.

I have a great plan, right? Wish us luck! And maybe next time Matt and I travel alone, we will start small. Four days. That sounds good.

Darcy

P.S. Fortunately while we are gone, I have made plans for productivity around our house. My dad is staying at our house and painting the exterior of our house! When we get home I will be able to check off our last big outdoor project of the year!  A list that will be completely checked! Maybe I need to frame that baby.....