For the next week, I'll be journaling about a unique trip that I have the privilege to take with my husband, his parents, and two of our daughters. It's unique in that we have three generations traveling together, seeing sites that none of us have ever seen, and working with one end of the generational spectrum and the other.
For instance, we arrived in Des Moines, Iowa, yesterday afternoon by airplane. We had rented as large a SUV that Hertz had there in Des Moines. Still for six people and all the luggage plus a small canvas car top carrier, we still were packed in pretty tight. We decided that we would need a trailer to pull behind the Expedition in order to free up the "living" space inside the vehicle.
So we decided to drive from Des Moines to Omaha, just to get a few miles behind us. Pop (Jeff's father) thought we should try to eat at a Omaha steakhouse, but as I used the GPS navigational tool on my phone (what WILL they think of next?), it was discovered that all of the restaurants I was able to get up with would be closing around 9:00 p.m. We would be at least that time arriving in the suburbs of Omaha......which is what happened.
However, providentially we ended up stopping at a Cracker Barrel at Exit 3 in Council Bluffs (a city of its own right beside Omaha -- even though those of us who do not know better would call it a suburb of Omaha) Wouldn't you know? There was a 24-hour Walmart at the exit, and yes, even a U-haul store across the street! So, we settled in at a Fairfield right beside the Cracker Barrel and all "died" for the night. It had been a long first traveling day.
At 7:00 a.m. this morning my husband came into the room, bright-eyed and bushy-tail, so-to-speak, with coffee and a promise that we would be leaving as soon as he returned with our little trailer from the U-haul. So, now comes the delicate dance of the generations. My father-in-law, I'm certain, has been up for at least a couple of hours now. On the other hand, my two daughters (age 19 and 16) were still snug in their beds at 7:30. This is where my husband and I have to bridge the gap between the two extreme generations. It should be an interesting ride.
Our girls think it's really great that they can travel with their grandparents, but I don't think the significance of this trip will really hit them until a few years down the road. It's good stuff. We are excited for the day.
The night before we left, I stayed up until 3:30 a.m. finding interesting tidbits about states and little towns along our way. I have folders full of stuff -- just in case. I believe that Mount Rushmore is on the agenda today, but that could change. It's the time-honored privilege of the older generation that the plans can change at any moment.
So we're ready for anything!
Well, girls are finally up and looking somewhat awake. One's in the shower and one's fixing her hair. My husband has yet to return, but when he does, he'll be relieved to know that we're ready and excited for the day!
Stay tuned.....
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