Lesson #4 ~ Family is Forever

“And they’re off,” as our friend Laura said.  Our trip began yesterday...a day earlier than expected.  Not for any specific reason, except that we wanted to ensure we’d have time to say Merry Christmas to Travis’ grandmothers.  So yesterday we drove to the south side of Kansas City and parked ourselves at Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Charlie Dunlop’s place.  They were kind enough to let us “plug in.”  How handy to bring all of our own food, beds, heat, and more...and get to visit with two of our favorite family members along the way. ;-)

As we prepared to leave, things didn’t start very smoothly.  Both Travis and I were asking each other to help with our To Do’s so we could get on the road, but we each had many of our own To Do’s to accomplish as well.  We got huffy with each other.  Finally we were all in the Flyer, ready to leave for 6 weeks.  I asked Travis to lay the ground rules of the Nautica Flyer.  We talked about the rules of sitting, eating, noise levels and bathroom use.  Then, thankfully, Travis prayed for safe travels (as so many of our family and friends are doing - thank you!), he prayed for restored patience (much needed), for love amongst ourselves and everyone we visit, and for God’s direction.  I let out a deep sigh and we all gave a huge, “AAAAAMEN!” 

This is the first time we all are in the rig together.  So far either the kids were not along or I was in the van driving behind so we could have a travel vehicle during the days.  What an experience!  First the kids wanted to rest and read books...so we all went to the back room where there is a queen size bed, and we laid on the bed as I read books to the kids.  Then someone had to go to the bathroom.  We didn’t have to stop!  They could just go in the bathroom on board.  Then someone was hungry.  No problem!  We have a pantry, shelves, and a refrigerator full of food!  I’ll make you a snack!  Then someone else had to go to the bathroom.  So glad we didn’t have to stop again.  We played games, listened to Christmas music, and fully enjoyed the seven and a half hour drive to the Dunlop’s.  There was even a fight or two along the way...so we put someone at the table and someone on the couch - completely separated.  They couldn’t even pretend to touch each other! 

We got to Des Moines and I said, “This is the way to travel!”  Seriously!  If you have a willing driver (thank you, Travis!) and can afford the gas, it’s the way to go!

This morning we woke up and did our morning routine.  We got to visit with Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Charlie a little more, then we went into Osawatomie to visit Grandma Wilson at Vintage Park assisted living.  She was in the lobby with 10 of her senior friends finishing an exercise class they all did sitting in chairs.  (Sign me up for senior living!  Seriously!)  The kids found Grandma and went right over to shower her with hugs.  I was so glad that God’s love was shining through them.  I remember when I was 8...90-year-old people made me nervous.  And a room full of them caused me to pin myself to my mom’s side and shyly say hello to whoever was there.  And I would have been the one whispering to my mom the entire time we were there, “when are we going to leave?”  Today, from my children I saw manners, smiles, hugs, and conversation - all without me encouraging it at all.  And today, from the residents at Vintage Park I saw smiles, hugs, and my children being showered with presents and treats from people we had never even met.  Feeling the love!

We spent just a half our with Grandma Wilson so we could also visit with Grandma Boots in Ottawa.  It’s always fun for everyone to have the opportunity to converse with Grandma Boots.  The woman - in her upper 80’s - is as sharp as a tack!  Nothing gets by her.  And boy, the history stories she can tell!  Taite, Calla, Travis, and myself are always asking her to share something about her past with us.  We call them history stories, but they could have happened as recently as two years ago. ;-)  During our short visit today we learned about the ice box Grandma used in her house.  Last time we were enthralled for about an hour hearing all about the arrowheads she has collected from her farmland.  When it was time to leave my kids let out a big, “Awwwww!”  (They would have stayed all day!)

Priceless.

I asked Lincoln and Parker what their favorite parts were about our trip yesterday or this morning.  I thought for sure they’d say it was driving in the RV.  The concensus among everyone was visiting Charlie, Carolyn, Grandma Wilson, and Grandma Boots.  What a blessing to have such amazing family all over to visit, learn from, and share hugs.

We are about to arrive in Grove, Oklahoma, where we will spend the rest of the week with Travis’ parents - Jim and Linda - and his brother, Derick, and brother’s wife, Michelle.  We are all looking forward to it!  Until next time...‘Bye y’all!  (Practicing my Oklahomish.)