I’ve been toying with an idea for a couple of weeks now. Just yesterday, I got the cajones to ask my husband what he thought about it. Much to my surprise, he agreed and gave me the go-ahead.
On June 30, I am packing up the minivan and heading east for the entire month of July. With the kids. By myself.
Many of you, including my parents think I am crazy. I probably am, a little bit.
On June 30, we will begin our cross country road trip. Me and couple of toddlers. Alone on the wide open road. With a cooler full of snacks, countless DVD’s, books, and stickers. We will be stopping in the boys’ place of birth first, Des Moines, IA. Where we will see countless friends, whom we regard as family. My BFF and her hubs just built a beautiful new home with plenty of room for the boys and I to shack up for a couple of weeks. Hopefully, we will be able to make a pit stop in the fine state of Kansas where we can meet a blogger who writes over at You Know It Happens At Your House Too and her brood. Holy shit, that’s a long way. Deep breath. Continue.
In the middle of July, we will be heading to Columbus, OH, our original home, with a pit stop in Indy to see my Mommo and other family members. Columbus, OH is the home of my husband’s family and many friends from my childhood and college years, including my other BFF. We will be staying with the in-laws for two weeks and then the hubs will fly up, hang for a few days and then drive us home.
Many of you are probably wondering why the hell I am driving. There are several reasons for this including:
1. Expenses. Gas round trip will cost around $800. David’s one way ticket will cost around $200. Other Miscellaneous Travel expenses are around $200. I am budgeting around $500 for spending money, including groceries, activities, etc. That brings the total trip budget to about $1700. Originally I was shooting for $1500, but I forgot to include David’s plane ticket. If we were to fly to both places and procure a rental car, we would be looking at roughly $3600. That doesn’t even include spending money! Insane.
2. Flying with toddlers sucks. Security is a nightmare and God forbid if something like this were to happen. I would probably be detained for freaking the eff out and never get to our destination. My kids are not easy fliers. We have done it a number of times and if I had a nickel for every evil look I received when the turkeys refused to sit still, I would be one rich lady.
3. This one is a combination of both #1 and #2. I am a control freak and by making the decision to drive cross country, I am in control of the trip. That’s really nice.
4. I want to get out of the heat for at least a little bit and by driving I am able to get away and stay away longer. Seriously, people, they aren’t kidding when they say it can get to 115 in Phoenix. I don’t care if it’s a dry heat or not, 115 is effing hot. The first couple of summers it didn’t bother me too much, but it’s getting to where I am dreading it. So the idea of heading to the Midwest for a month is so appealing. Of course, with my luck, it will be 90 and humid. But, and this is a big BUT, at least it cools down at night. In PHX, it is still 100 at 11pm. Ridiculous.
5. I want to see as many family and friends as possible. Driving is the only way to accomplish this goal.
6. I would love to make this a yearly thing, but in order for that to happen, I gotta take that first leap.
I think that about covers it. Straight simple to the point. I am nervous, anxious, but most of all, excited from my head to my toes. We are scheduled to get our tax refund on May 22, at least that’s what the IRS website said. It is taking much longer that I anticipated, and all because some douchebag didn’t know his social security number. The whole trip will be paid for in cash, since credit is a dirty word in our house. I certainly shall be blogging a great deal about our adventure in the next couple of months. I welcome, with open arms, any suggestions, tips, etc. that any of you may have to offer. Have a lovely Friday friends.
Good for you! I would love to do that with my children. It would drive my husband nuts, because of their “incessant chatter” as he calls it. Good luck, enjoy and have fun!
I found your blog through Kelly’s Korner. I have a blog but haven’t posted anything since September, so there is no point is directing you there. We moved to Gilbert (from Michigan) about a year ago and I am still looking to get connected with some other moms. I have 3 kids. 2 girls and a boy. 7, 5 (6 in June) and 4. I am with you about the heat, sure it is dry, but even dry heat is still hot when it is 115. I fell like sort of a stalker going about this this way, but figured you didn’t link up to Kelly’s Korner expecting to be left alone:) you can email me at kara804@gmail.com
I am kind of with Kara on this feeling of a stalker lol. I just browsed till I found ladies from AZ. I am Tish, a first time mom to one little 5 month old boy. My husband and I just moved here from Vegas in December. I am looking to make friends and read some interesting blogs. AND WHOA! I am contemplating take a short plane ride alone with my baby and am still not decided. Good for you and good luck
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Wow, you are brave, momma! I recently traveled, with just one of our twins in tow, and I had the help of my husband along the way, and that was hard. But I think driving will go a lot smoother than flying. The important thing is to take your time and enjoy the adventure. You can do it!
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Go for it girl!! I drove to TX with 9 month old twins in the dead of summer July for a church convention, once we got down there, my hubbie met us also, that was alot of years ago, but hey i did it. Recently June 2010 I had a 8 week old baby girl and we went from MD to VA it took me 5 hours because I had to stop and nurse, it was hot, but when I got there, my entire family had the baby and I rested for the week. You can do it!!!
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WOW. I give you major props for wanting to do this! You’ve thought everything through, though, which is important. And, hey, when you’re in Columbus you’ll only be a couple hours from me! I live in Cincinnati.
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I’m sweating! Not because of the heat! You are my hero! How many miles are you doing solo? I’m wondering how the bathroom trips will go. I can’t wait to hear how this goes – I have a bunch of twin travels coming up soon – starting with a 12 hour road trip – trying to decide if I should do two days. I’ll be reading….
Leigh @oneandoneequalstwinfun.com
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Well, I’m on the East Coast over 9 hrs from Ohio. I have travelled south with our kids and I call them Mom’s adventures, lol. I loved it. I never planned things out like you did. You have done a great job with that!. The one thing I did was googled ie shops or sites that were on our way or close to the highway. We ended up touring a potato chip factory, went to produce stands and found a neat amish market, to name a few. Now the kids say when are we going south again???? Its been a few years since I’ve done that but maybe this summer. I wish a safe and FUN trip, enjoy yourself
I wish you the best! Must admit, I’m a little jealous! Would love to do a trip like that, but would miss hubby too much
But seeing all your maps makes me want to attempt it!
Warmest regards,
Joy
http://www.PardonMyPoppet.com
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I think it is a great trip I can remember making some road trips with my little ones when they were small solo when my husband went back to school. You can do it and it is a lot of fun!!
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Andrea… I LOVED road trips with my kids! The one tip I give all my friends, especially with the kids being this young. Leave after dinner! Do most your driving at night. Send your kids to the sitter and take the longest nap ever… I used to pack during the night before, forcing myself to stay up; sent my boys to friends the day of departure so I may sleep during the day. Get up in time to make dinner, fed the fam and off we went! I loved it! Minimal potty break, no fights and when they would wake up in the morning, we’d almost be to our destination. Blessings!
Carla Barilá Karam recently posted..Day 332~ Feliz Cinco de Mayo
You are definatly a lot braver than me lol. Travelling with my youngest right now, not so much fun. LOL.
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You cannot eat this kind of insane impulsive madness, I hope you enjoy it!
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