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soLs: being home



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I'm sitting in my parents' living room.  Feet up.  And exhausted.  But I'm happy about being here.

My parents "retired" over twelve years ago.  Up and left.  Leaving behind my brother and I in Illinois. (Okay, not really that dramatic.  There was quite a bit of planning involved in the process.)

They now live 570 miles away.  About 9 hours.  A long, long way to Arkansas.

After having my girls two years ago, my mom and dad have made numerous trips north to visit.  So, a couple months ago, my mom hesitantly inquired about the possibility of bringing the girls down for a visit this summer.

I thought it was a great idea -- until I thought about the drive! There was no way my hubby was going to be able to take time off.  So, how could I possibly manage driving that far with two little ones?  Well, it worked out that my mom was able to come up to my house and then drive back down with me to help take care of the girls during the long car ride.  Thank you Mom! And Dad for letting her come up again!

I wasn't sure what to expect traveling with two two-year-olds.  But we did it!  They were such troopers!  Our trip took us about eleven hours with the additional stops, leg stretches, diaper changes, and longer lunch.  It was filled with naming everything they saw, asking "What's that?" if they didn't know, songs to sing, cartoons to watch, staring out the window, quiet times, some screaming when baby dolls or snack cups dropped, and a (short) peaceful nap.

A long ride, but worth every bit of exhaustion because . . .

I'm 'home.' Home with my mom and dad and girls.  Home is where the heart is.  Home is family.

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Comments

  1. JudyJune 19, 2012 at 1:05 PM

    Yes, it was a long, exhaustive drive, but the girls were so good. And, Dad & I are so glad to have you and the girls here for a visit (next time Daddy will hopefully be able to come, too). Hopefully, you'll be able to relax and enjoy being pampered. Love ya, M

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  2. DanaJune 19, 2012 at 2:13 PM

    Sounds like a trip well worth it. Enjoy your time with family!

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  3. elsieJune 19, 2012 at 2:33 PM

    Traveling with little ones is a challenge. I always had a bag of surprises for my son because our trip to the grandparents took 3 days. He did a lot of sleeping, but then he was rested and ready to party when we stopped at the motel. Enjoy your time with family!

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  4. TammyJune 19, 2012 at 2:49 PM

    You are amazing, and you are right home is where the heart...and family is. And hey you're close to my neck of the woods sure you don't want to travel another 4 (or so) hours and visit Oklahoma??
    Enjoy your family!
    Tammy

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  5. Amanda VillagómezJune 19, 2012 at 3:35 PM

    I smiled when I read your first lines because right now I am sitting in my parents' living room (but on the couch with my feet down). Luckily my drive to get here is only 2 hours instead of 9. I am so glad that it worked out for your mom to ride with you and it sounds like it was a great experience for the girls (although I could picture that it would have been draining and a relief to arrive).

    I hope that your ride home goes smoothly, and enjoy the time in between!

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  6. JenniferJune 19, 2012 at 6:04 PM

    Well said Michelle! Home is family. I enjoyed reading your blog today. Glad you girls made it down safe and sound. Enjoy yourself! I can't wait to read the next post. Give M & P kisses for me.

    Love, Jen

    P.S. Hopefully I will find my blogging inspiration soon :)

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  7. Linda BJune 19, 2012 at 6:32 PM

    Nice to hear that you are settled after the long drive. I'm about to undertake it with my daughter & her two (3 & 11 months), from Colorado to mid-Missouri. We've made the trip many times, but not with the two young ones, so your post made me happier for sure. I hope you have a wonderful visit with your family, Michelle.

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  8. JenniferMJune 19, 2012 at 6:51 PM

    WOW, I can't imagine eleven hours in the car with 2-year-olds! (I can barely stand eleven hours in the car, period!) Home is a wonderful feeling... soak it up!

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  9. Christy Rush-LevineJune 19, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    That had to have been a well-planned for car ride to have gone so smoothly. Of course, it always helps to have your mom around for support!

    I think there is going to be a lot of opportunity for feet up during this trip with grandparents to pay attention to your girls! Enjoy every gorgeous (and well-deserved) moment of it!

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  10. Amy RuddJune 20, 2012 at 4:06 AM

    Michelle,
    How wonderful that you did it! I am sure your parents are thrilled that you are able to be there with your girls! It's awesome that your mom came with you! Glad the girls did ok! I think you are very brave to take the girls on an adventure of a lengthy car ride...the reward is worth the effort right?

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  11. Betsy HubbardJune 20, 2012 at 12:54 PM

    Aah, this sounds delightful. There is nothing better than relaxing in the comforts of home and family. So glad that all worked out for you.

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  12. ChrisJune 21, 2012 at 10:32 AM

    Congrats! You did it! :) So glad you're relaxing and the trip was a success. L drove to Nana and Papa's last night (both ways) - such a different kind of stress! :)

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  13. CathyJune 24, 2012 at 8:08 AM

    You made it! How wonderful your mom was able to come up to drive with you. It won't be long until those trips get easier.

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