We survived our move from Florida and arrived in Texas just in time for Christmas. The trip was about as exciting as it could be. If you have ever spent much time on the Southern Gulf Coast, you are well aware of the complete lack of geographical interest. There are occasional rolling hills, but for the majority of the 18 hour drive, it is relatively flat. Luckily the boredom outside the minivan was countered by the excitement inside the minivan.
Yes friends, family, and fans, the excitement was at times, just too much to bear. In anticipation of this long ride and from long gained personal experience traveling across Nevada with my family without air conditioning, I thought I had prepared well for this experience. I was wrong.
The new minivan that I bought for work a while ago has everything. Seat warmers (just silly in Florida), build in DVD player, wireless headphones for the DVD player, multiple thermostats so that everybody can be as cool or warm as desired, cup holders everywhere, and plenty of room for four people to be comfortable. We had snacks, food for meals, and drinks to keep us going for three days just in case our two day trip was extended. The Pioneers would have been so jealous! But the smaller members of the family did not appreciate how far long distance travel has advanced in the past 175 years. These small children not only expected everything that was offered to them, they expected even more and expressed the displeasure of not receiving what they wanted with fervor.
About four hours into the drive, Cavell was done. He decided that until he was released from his car seat, he was going to scream. He did not just scream or cry for a while and then stop. He just screamed. When he couldn't scream anymore, he would take a short breath and resume the screaming. This would continue for hours. I thought for sure he would have to stop or hurt himself or break something. But he persevered and was able to reach his goal.
After 18 hours of screaming and listening to the audio for the movie Cars, we were very excited to arrive at our little two room cottage in Gruene, Tx. I understand a little better what the pioneers felt when they arrived in Salt Lake valley or any other destination. Travel weary people are just happy to stop moving. We all knew that we still had unload a moving truck, set up a home, and put together a new life in a new area of the country. As much work as that will be, we were just happy to get out of the van.
1 comment:
What, you're living in Texas now, Stacy?!! I'm in Houston! We should meet up sometime...where exactly are you living...in Gruene? I looked it up and it looks like it is just above San Antonio. Did you know that Kim (formerly Flanders) is moving to San Antonio this summer? We need to have a little BYU roomie reunion! Anyway, I should be writing this to you in an email instead of on your blog...but keep in touch, and good luck settling in. Get ready for some intense heat just around the corner!!
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