The 2nd leg of the trip was more harrowing than the first, but we made it safely last night. Besides the usual snacks and movies for the boys, here are a few things that helped make the trip a little easier...
- Planning ahead - I mapped out stops (preferably at familiar locations), breaking the trip up over 2 days, and tried to make it more of an adventure than a roadtrip.
- Entertainment for me - I downloaded a new audiobook (6 hours of The Other Bolyn Girl) that I could listen to while the kids napped or watched videos.
- Playing it safe - I never drag my kids into rest areas or sketchy fast-food joints. Instead I pack coolers for food and have a potty in the back for the kids.
- Keep a sense of humor - Kids can only take so much of the car, adventure and all. Yesterday, Dylan melted down and yelled at Wyatt for over an hour while he was trying to sleep. My nerves were almost shot, but I just sang a few songs to drown him out for Wyatt's sake.
That's just a few of my own secrets... feel free to share what's worked for you. Happy trails.=)
Ainsley, you are one brave mother. Wesley and Dylan are about the same age and I would NEVER attempt a 10 hour car trip with my husband, much less by myself. WOW. You get on with your bad self.
Posted by: Caroline | July 10, 2008 at 05:47 PM
You are so brave! The pictures are great! I can see that the planning really worked. Good for you.
Posted by: K | July 10, 2008 at 06:42 PM
Congratulations!!! I have to say that you are amazing! The boys sound like they did great and your road trip plans seem to have worked. I’m taking notes ;)
I didn’t even think about you driving in our NC storm…I was fixing dinner while the kids watched the rain :) Bless your heart; that was a torrential downpour! It seems that all us North Carolinians either drive faster in the rain or wicked slow. Not many of us natives know how to drive in “weather.” ;)
I’m sure ya’ll are having fun at the Beach! Love the pictures!
Posted by: Anna | July 10, 2008 at 08:15 PM
We just got finished with a 2-hour, turned 3-hour car trip from Richmond to Reston and it was hard alone. Congrats for the 10-hour gig. I'm so impressed. I'm in Atlanta this weekend so I will be thinking of you!
Posted by: Linda | July 10, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Girl - those are some big sunglasses. Good tips - I think the planning ahead is the most important one! You can never be too well planned or organized traveling with kids. Now you have the trip back home! I am never as organized on the trip home.
Posted by: Jenni Morris | July 10, 2008 at 11:06 PM
My 17 month old handles the car better than my 9 year old these days. Go figure! DH works in Herndon and we went to surprise him for lunch this week - it was an hour to get there and about every 10 minutes Ben would call out, I'm carsick - unlock the windows!! LOL 10 hour trip - I think not....
Tanya
Posted by: Tanya | July 11, 2008 at 09:11 AM
I prefer to leave in the afternoon (if not driving too far) after the kids are exhausted! I try to make my girls listen to the headphones in the car for the movies so I can listen to other stuff!
Have fun:)
Posted by: Hollie | July 11, 2008 at 09:34 AM
you are such a fun looking mom! Was the book you listen to good? I wanted to see that movie. ALONE. No hubby haha... looked a bit sexual for hubby.
I like the idea of no stops at rest areas... i travel 4 hrs to charlotte to visit my mom often.. and im forever stopping. its hard when you travel alone... cant assit the kids in the back.. so that usually results in a stop.
Posted by: Drea | July 11, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Thanks, guys:) But you might want to save your brave comments until I make it back... like Jenni said, I still have the trip home:)
I did enjoy the book, Drea...historical fiction is my fave.
Posted by: Ainsley | July 11, 2008 at 03:07 PM
The look on your face is priceless...I have yet to take a road trip with the kids without the hubby. Food seems to be the remedy for all problems with my kids. I've enjoyed your pics, keep em coming.
Posted by: Tiffany | July 12, 2008 at 03:15 PM