Monday, February 23, 2015

Road Trip


I have, over the years, been called crazy for many different things that I do, one of those things is packing up the car with a child and driving 19 hours to Myrtle Beach. As you read this, Reece and I will be well into our journey, we left at 3am this morning, and plan to drive 14 hours today before we stop at a hotel for the night. The key with this road trip, and I think with any road trip, long or short, is to be prepared.

Over the last few weeks I have spent time preparing for our travel days, and our time in Myrtle Beach. Crafts, stickers, sketchbooks, audiobooks, and a new DVD (which Reece will most likely refuse to watch) have been purchased to keep a certain little person busy while I drive. I have been in the kitchen baking and cooking, both food for the drive and food to eat while we are there. I have made list upon list of things to bring with us, and slowly I have packed everything. I use one of my large baskets to pack up all of the things for Reece to do, and put it on the front passenger seat so they are easily accessible to me. And a cooler is right there too for quick snacks, and drinks. We stop regularly for bathroom breaks, and to run around for a few minutes, and then we jump back in the car and keep on driving.

I won't lie, I do hear a lot of "when will we be there" from the backseat, but honestly at some points in the trip I am asking myself the same question. We get through those moments pretty quickly with a few jokes, a game of I Spy or by me handing Reece a little surprise from my basket of goodies in the front seat.

So, just why do I do this, when we could easily hop on a place and fly. Well, it is a little cheaper to drive, it means I have my car while we are there so we can go on little adventures during our visit, and honestly, why not? Life is about adventure, trying new things, and pushing our comfort zones. During our drive Reece and I talk, we laugh, we cry (honestly I did cry when I drove through a big snowstorm two years ago), and we find out that we can get through it all, together.

Next time I pop in we will be on the beach. Let the adventure begin!
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67 comments:

  1. moongirlFebruary 23, 2015 at 6:02 AM

    Wow!!!! That’s so wonderful! Can’t wait to read all about it!

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:34 PM

      Thanks! The first leg of the journey is done, just a few more hours tomorrow and we will be on the beach.

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  2. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2015 at 7:45 AM

    Kim...have a wonderful time! I have done the 3100 mile trips, and I find them exhilarating, exhausting and exciting! Safe travels my friend :0) mari

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:35 PM

      Yes, all three of those describes our trip today. Thank you Mari, we will!

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  3. fjord girlFebruary 23, 2015 at 8:01 AM

    Oh the places you will go....
    Road trips are the best- wishing you a fun and very safe journey Kim.
    xo

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:35 PM

      Thank you my friend.

      I hope to have an email out to you, with some photos by mid week :)
      xo

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  4. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2015 at 8:26 AM

    Safe travels! Looking forward to reading about your adventures.

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  5. karenFebruary 23, 2015 at 8:50 AM

    I don't think you're crazy at all, I think it sounds fun and wonderful knowing that when you arrive you are with your mom and dad and at the beach!!!

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:37 PM

      Thanks Karen, and yes, the beach and visiting with my parents...good things await us.

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  6. JulieFebruary 23, 2015 at 9:01 AM

    See, now this is one of the amazing opportunities that comes with the flexibility of homeschooling! I can't wait for our family to get started next year!

    http://learnathomejourney.com/

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  7. AnkeFebruary 23, 2015 at 9:22 AM

    19 hours in the car is a long time in the car, but it sounds like you are well prepared. We used to do the same thing for long trips. We'd buy the girls new coloring books, crayons, a few new small toys and pack some of their favorite snacks. They would pack their own small bag with the toys they wanted to bring for the drive and then we'd surprise them here and there with the new things when boredom sat in. We've never had a DVD player in the car, but our girls did have their own cassette player (with head phones) to listen to stories on tape. Have a safe trip and enjoy the beach!

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:40 PM

      It is. We were in the car for 15 hours today, and little man was definitely done when we got to our destination, heck, so was I. But we made it.

      We don't have a DVD player in the car, per say, it is a portable one that plugs into the car. My little man has never been interested in screens, and so as I predicted, refused to watch it today. We did however listen to the entire Heidi book...all 7.5 hours. It was wonderful!

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  8. YanicFebruary 23, 2015 at 10:04 AM

    Have a wonderful trip dear Kim! PLEASE, tell the sun to shoot some raise our way! :-) And I agree with you, flying is fast, but road trips are fun. You just have to see them as part of the trip instead of the gruesome part t get to your destination. xo

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:42 PM

      We will Yanic. I will try. I just talked to my dad, and he said there is snow in the forecast in Mrytle Beach tomorrow...seems like I brought the snow with me, so hopefully I will bring the sun home :)

      Totally right. It was long today, and we hit a snowstorm, but we got through it, had fun, and are not relaxing in our hotel room. Always an adventure!

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  9. Karin-IdaFebruary 23, 2015 at 10:21 AM

    I wish you all the best for yr long, long drive! As I know how it is to drive far, with and without kids, I can easily picture you in the car and what you are experiencing!
    Have a good drive and a nice stay!

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:42 PM

      Thank you, so far so good. We put in 15 hours today, and have another 5 tomorrow, then we will be walking on the beach :)

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  10. UnknownFebruary 23, 2015 at 10:30 AM

    Have fun and safe travels. My family and I go there every year but missed the last couple of years due to our son going on big Boy Scouts trips. Enjoy your stay!! :))

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:43 PM

      Thanks Beth, we will!

      I used to go as a kid, every summer. My parents kept going even when my brother and I stopped, and now go there for most of the winter.

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  11. Tracey ~ CloverFebruary 23, 2015 at 10:55 AM

    Safe travels my dear friend and my this southern coastal air touch your soul!

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  12. Wonky PatchworkFebruary 23, 2015 at 12:24 PM

    I can understand the preference for the car, much less hassle in lots of ways, you just load up and go rather than getting to an airport, lugging bags around, check in hassle... 19 hours isn't too bad if you say it quickly! Hope you've had a smooth journey and looking forward to peeks at your beach.

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:44 PM

      Haha, if you say it quickly...yeah right. I just spit out my tea.

      I will be sure to post some beach pics this week.

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  13. This little lifeFebruary 23, 2015 at 12:51 PM

    Have a really great trip Kim! I can't wait to see pictures from the beach. xo

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  14. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2015 at 2:20 PM

    Lucky you, it's the perfect time of year for South Carolina! My family went every year but I haven't been in a few years. If you haven't visited it before, I HIGHLY recommend Huntington Beach State Park. The marsh, nature trails, and Atalaya Castle really add to the beach experience. :)

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:46 PM

      It is, this will be our third year visiting at this time, and as a kid, I went every summer.

      Yes, we love Huntington Beach State Park...so much goodness. We have been the last two years and plan to go again this year.

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  15. CocoFebruary 23, 2015 at 4:34 PM

    Oh, no! Your route isn't quite right. Slightly south of Chicago you were supposed to get on I80 and travel west until you got to Denver! ;)

    We prefer driving too, but unfortunately it's not practical for a long list of reasons at the moment. So we endure airport security and the extra cookies the flight attendant is sure will help, and hope that the kids will make it through two long (for a child) flights without getting too antsy. We have the same collection of tricks in our magic carry-ons as you do on the passenger seat. The "travel gnome" who sneaks a small treasure into the children's backpacks, is also a welcome friend. And, if it doesn't go well, well, we're never going to see those poor people in the row in front of us anyways, so we apologize for making a few hours of their lives less than pleasant and move right along.

    What a warm welcome change the South Carolina coast will be. Safe travels. xo

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:48 PM

      Ha, just say the word my friend, and Reece and I will plan another road trip :)

      I like the way you think about your flight.

      A very welcome change, and I can't wait! Thank you. xo

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  16. sustainablemumFebruary 23, 2015 at 4:52 PM

    That is a very long drive. I thought the four to five hour drives I do with my children occasionally were long! Hope you have a good journey and arrive safe and sound :)

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:49 PM

      Thanks, so far so good. Only five more hours to go and we will be there!

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  17. Place Under The PineFebruary 23, 2015 at 5:43 PM

    I love a good long car trip. I have to be honest and say they were more enjoyable before kids, but, driving feels more like an adventure than flying. You sound prepared. Happy travels.

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:50 PM

      Thanks! I have to admit I enjoy a good long car trip when I am in the passenger seat knitting, but alas on this trip I am the driver :)

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  18. alexaFebruary 23, 2015 at 8:25 PM

    Enjoy your trip! It sounds like a spectacular adventure. I can't wait to do more of that and on my own with the kids when they get a little older. (A screaming 1 year old strapped in a car seat for hours is more than I can handle...)

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:51 PM

      Thank you! Yes, I didn't start traveling with Reece like this til he was 4. I thought about it when he was 3, and changed my mind :)

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  19. LeisaFebruary 23, 2015 at 8:28 PM

    Here in Australia you would definitely not be seen as crazy. It's such a vast country that the distances between state capitals and places of interest are quite lengthy. For example, it takes us a whole day to drive from our place to Sydney, NSW (longer when we had little ones) but it was fun. The kids even thought it MORE fun leaving in the wee small hours of the morning. To be honest though, it was me who used to cry, "Are we there yet?"

    I hope you have a wonderful time in Myrtle Beach. Looking forward to seeing pictures of your adventures!

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:52 PM

      Well, that is good to know...maybe I need to move to Australia :)

      Thank you my friend, I am sure we will. And yes I will share some photos :)

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  20. Chrisy@GoodNorthCoastLifeFebruary 23, 2015 at 8:41 PM

    What a wonderful way of breaking up a snowy winter, with a road trip to the beach. There truly is something about the salt air that does wonders for the soul. Hope the trip provides everything you hope for.
    PS And as for long drives as a child, isn't that the stuff that lifelong memories are made of? I know l have many memories of road trips with my father....even when l was car sick !!

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:54 PM

      It is the perfect way to break up winter. I have to agree with you on the salt air, and my soul is in need of that kind of therapy right now.

      Yes, totally. As a child our summer vacation were in Myrtle Beach, and we always drove. Those summer vacations are some of my fondest memories, including the drive. Although the drive home always seems so much longer.

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  21. Old Gates FarmFebruary 23, 2015 at 8:59 PM

    Good for you! I think it's great for kids to learn how to travel like that. :) Although, I'm pretty bad at driving more than 8 or 9 hours in a day... :) Have a great time!

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    1. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:55 PM

      Thanks! I think it is too. We had fun today, and got through one audio book, and a whole lot of stickers :)

      We will!

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  22. Kim February 23, 2015 at 9:48 PM

    Thanks Rosemarie.

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  23. ericaFebruary 23, 2015 at 10:19 PM

    By the time you read this... you have probably reached Myrtle Beach or about to start the last part of your drive. I love road trips. but have never had to drive the whole trip by myself. Did you bring a good audio book to listen to? Your next trip will have to be westward to visit me and the island... keep safe and awake my friend xoxo

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    1. Kim February 24, 2015 at 7:04 AM

      Not yet, five more hours to go today :) We did bring audio books. Yesterday we listened to Heidi, and today we will start The Secret Garden. We also have The Frog and Toad series and Winnie the Pooh.

      Ha, yes I would like that. You could tour me around Salt Spring :)

      Thank you. xo

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  24. UnknownFebruary 23, 2015 at 11:21 PM

    I love road trips with kids! My girls are so great when we travel. They maybe 3 and 5 but they are expert travelers now. :)

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    1. Kim February 24, 2015 at 7:05 AM

      They are so much fun. Reece is the same, totally enjoys it, for the most part, and looks forward to the adventure.

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  25. AimeeFebruary 24, 2015 at 4:25 AM

    Fun! Enjoy it, what a great adventure together. Road trips are the best

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  26. UnknownFebruary 24, 2015 at 3:27 PM

    Oh what an adventure! I hope you guys are safe and already on the beach... it is snowing here! a big hug!

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    1. Kim February 25, 2015 at 3:35 PM

      It was quite the adventure, two storms to drive through. But we made it and are enjoying our time here so far. Although we have not been blessed with beach weather yet.

      Enjoy that snow!

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  27. Carie @ Space for the ButterfliesFebruary 24, 2015 at 5:27 PM

    That sounds like an amazing adventure - I'm not sure that I could actually get in my car and drive straight for 19 hours without needing to cross some sort of sea so the scale alone is mind-blowing! I hope you're having a wonderful and warm time on the beach :)

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    1. Kim February 25, 2015 at 3:36 PM

      Haha, yes, England isn't that big is it. We are having a wonderful time, but the temperatures are pretty chilly right now, hoping it warms up for the weekend.

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  28. JoséeFebruary 24, 2015 at 11:39 PM

    Happy Travels Kim! Honestly I would take a road trip over a plane ride. Yes, it is slower but you have the luxury of stopping and exploring along the way... and it is sometime those little stops that make the trip that much more special.

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    1. Kim February 25, 2015 at 3:36 PM

      Thanks Josee! I couldn't agree with you more :)

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  29. UnknownFebruary 25, 2015 at 7:17 AM

    By now you should be all settled in!! I hope you have a wonderful time. I would take a road trip over going by plane any time. We dream of some day taking a road trip cross country. My little one gets car sick though so hopefully she'll grow out of it or else that dream won't happen!!

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    1. Kim February 25, 2015 at 3:38 PM

      Yes, we are! Thank you, so far we are, and I am sure the rest of the trip will continue the same.

      I dream about that too, only the trip would be across Canada. One summer I want to take Reece west from Ontario, and then the following summer take him east. Can't wait for that!

      Fingers crossed she outgrows that, not fun at all.

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  30. Mama Gone GreenFebruary 25, 2015 at 10:09 AM

    Have so much fun! I also love taking road trips... there is just something adventurous about them, especially with young ones. I look forward to seeing your beach photos when you return!!

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    1. Kim February 25, 2015 at 3:39 PM

      We will, thanks! Yes, I kinda feel like a road trip is a little more adventurous than a plane ride, and you get the true feel of just how far you have traveled :)

      Beach photos coming tomorrow :)

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  31. ShelFebruary 25, 2015 at 5:08 PM

    Have a wonderful adventure, dear friend! I so wish that we were on the way so that you two could stop by on your way down (or back)! Can't wait to hear about your time in SC and see some pictures! I Enjoy! xo

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    1. Kim February 25, 2015 at 8:14 PM

      Thanks Shel. You know I wish that too. We will just have to plan a road trip and come and visit you :)

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  32. Luisa Holistic Massage & HealingFebruary 25, 2015 at 7:10 PM

    Oh wow!! Sounds great and exhausting at the same time but a lot worth it :)
    Have a funny and safe trip!

    Lluisa xoxo

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  33. HeatherFebruary 26, 2015 at 11:16 AM

    I have always wanted to visit there! I made it near, but never to Myrtle Beach. Enjoy the trip.

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    1. Kim February 26, 2015 at 3:38 PM

      It is a pretty good spot, a little tacky in some parts, but if you hit the nature areas, and the beach, you can't beat it. Thanks, we are!

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  34. Jen (barnraised)February 27, 2015 at 12:05 PM

    We do this too! With "weird" destinations though. We'll pick something unusual and plan a road trip around it. For example, 2 yrs ago we picked the alien festival in Roswell NM and went! We're not necessarily "into" aliens... we just look for something unique and fun that's off the beaten path. We're not a Disneyland sort of family.

    Have a wonderful time!!!

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    1. Kim February 27, 2015 at 1:02 PM

      Ha, we are not a Disneyland family either, in fact any attraction that garners too much attention is not for us...we dislike crowds.

      Thanks, we are!

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