Road Trip Update

I just want to thank everyone for all the love, kindness and support that you’ve offered me over the last six weeks.  I apologize for going off the grid, but I’m just heart broken.  Rich suggested that I may want to “check-in,” so that’s what I’m doing.   Just a few weeks after the loss of Edmund, our family also lost my Aunt Mimi.  We’ve been pinballing from state to state - not the summer I’d planned.  I cancelled the first half of our road trip, to spend time with family in Michigan.  I’m planning to head out west for part two of our family road trip, meeting up with my cousins.  Some of you have been asking about the Road Warrior trip blog…I’m going to try, but I may not be updating every day, but I’m hoping to check in – trying to get back to “normal” for the kids.  Our travel adventures, thus far, haven’t been the stuff of funny reading.

Please know, I’m very grateful for all my friends and family.  Truly.  I promise I WILL return all your phone calls and e-mails, I just need a little more time.  Thank you so much for the cards, flowers, gifts and memories you’ve shared with me.  I will always cherish them.

On a professional note, I’ll soon have news to share and I have a number of book reviews that have been posted.  I’ve been hesitant with links and updates on my blogs well, because it just doesn’t feel appropriate and my heart hasn’t been in it.  I’m not sure when that will happen, but I know I’ll be back.  If I’ve learned anything, it’s that life is too short. 

Kelly took me, Hunter & Aud to the Red Sox game at Comerica Park Friday night.  Detroit fans rock, they were so gracious.  Uncle Eggie brought home the win for us! – thank goodness.  Perhaps we should have been at the other three games?  Brother, please shine on the Bruins!

Spring Break, Day 5

Day 5

March 31, 2013 – Easter

Naples

We woke up to discover that the Easter Bunny does in fact find you when you are on vacation.  Thank goodness!  Although one child, who I will not name, was rather disappointed because that the EB doesn’t “bring as much stuff to a hotel.”  Ah, probably because he thinks you’re spoiled, since you are in a hotel, in Naples, for spring break!

Hotel coffee was awful, so I ventured out to Starbucks.  I gathered everyone up and we went to Nana Natalie’s place, to have our Egg Hunt, which took all of 3 minutes!  Of course, the hunt was not without a battle between Frick and Frack…Lord give my strength.  We decided to go to the beach by the Naples Beach Club, since we were already there.  It was very convenient to park at Natalie’s, because we only had to cross the street!

Great picture of Bear!

Absolutely gorgeous day at the beach!  Did I mention that I LOVE NAPLES?  The water was a bit chilly, but that was okay.  Natalie joined us, so we got some bonus time.  We got lunch from the Beach Club and ended up staying for four hours.  That my friends, is a major record with the kids!

 

We had our own little Easter dinner at the hotel.  The suite has a small kitchen and we heated up a ham, had potato salad, real salad and green beans.  It turned out quite nice.  I then cajoled everyone back in the car, so we could go see the sunset.  It was just so pretty last night, I couldn’t miss it. 

Gorgeous!

Cam & Daddy

Aud & Mom

Aud, Hunter & Bear

 

Early to bed, as everyone is a little bit sunburnt.

Tomorrow we’re off to the east coast.

Spring Break, Day 4

Day 4

Sarasota-Naples

103 miles/1 hour 45 minutes

Rich and Hunter got here last night, and it was nonstop (which I’m sure my guy didn’t appreciate).  In quick succession, we went down the street to see Jean, played basketball with all the kids, went to the beach, took pictures, unpacked and then Rich and Jay went in search of a seafood restaurant, that could accommodate 10 people, with no reservation, on Good Friday, in South Florida.

Eventually we scored, and our wait was under an hour.  We had so much fun, laughing and catching up.  I love that our kids, who don’t get to see each other very often, get along so well.  Marcie’s youngest boy and Audrey definitely get along well – which could prove problematic in a few years!

Cammy seems to be on the mend, fingers crossed.  I went to bed early with him.  I didn’t have it in me to stay up for the UF/FGCU game at 10:30p.m.! 

A little B-ball

Rich and the kids

Jake, Tanner, Bear & Hunter

Me and my girl, Marcie!

Smithes & Nashes

Me & my guy

Good Friday Dinner

 

Getting silly!

 

Jay & Rich

 

Saturday morning we had to pack up and drive to Naples.  I felt a little rushed, which is my own fault.  I try to fit too much in, in too short of time.  But I just have so many people I want to see.   I guess it’s better to leave them wanting more, yes?

Halfway to Naples, I realized I left Cammy’s antibiotic at Marcie’s, so that took more than one phone call to straighten out.  Dummy.  Then, when we got to the hotel and unloaded the car and got everyone to the room - I discovered that we were in a one bedroom suite, not a two bedroom suite.  No way would it work, for six people, over two days.  Some more phone calls before we managed to get that worked out. 

Then it was off to lunch at the Dock.  I LOVE NAPLES!  Love this place.  Lunch was good, but ridiculously overpriced.  Then we went to Publix, to get supplies for Easter dinner and it was a zoo.  Complete mayhem.  Then we stopped by to see Lisa and Sandy at their store.  Then back to the hotel.  All rather boring, I’m sorry.  No major drama, so far, on the trip.

We were supposed to have a sitter, so Rich and I could meet some friends for dinner, but there was a snafu, so I ended up meeting Michele and Natalie for a drink at the Turtle Club and witnessed an amazing sunset.  I grabbed some take out and went back to the hotel to have dinner with Rich.

 

With Michele

The Kids and I on the Naples city dock.

Spring Break 2013, Days 1-3

Spring Break Day 1-3

ATL – Sarasota /560 miles, 8 hours

March 27-29, 2013

I departed ATL with Bear, Aud & Cammy around 1p.m.  It was so cute.  When we left Bear’s school, I asked him where we’re going and he replied, “Road trip.”  Love it.

With the exception of a half hour hold up, due to road construction north of Macon, it was a pretty good drive.  I almost think I should have pushed it and kept going to Sarasota, but I had mercy on the kids.  I stopped in Valdosta, after checking in at the Courtyard, went to Chili’s (yuck) for dinner.  I was tired.  It had been a long week.  So at 8 p.m., I climbed into bed with the kids and we watched Enchanted.  I love that movie.  We all fell asleep early, except for Bear, who was up till midnight.  I think he was really missing Hunter.  It was his first time on the road without his twin.

The next morning we were heading south by 8:30.  Other than a huge tire remnant landing on the hood of my car – scared me to death! – it was an easy drive.  The trouble was in Sarasota, because you would not believe the traffic.  Unbelievable.  It took about 45 minutes to get from I75 to Marcie’s house (roughly 10 miles).  Once at Marcie’s, I noticed that Cammy didn’t quite seem himself.  When we went down the street to see Marcie’s mom (Nana Jean), he fell asleep in my arms.  Uh-oh. 

We went to lunch with Jean, at The Boatyard, which is on the intercostal.  Oysters, sangria and boats cruising by ...almost heaven, except for the fact that it was windy and the temperature was in the 60’s.  Brrr.

After lunch, it was very apparent that poor little Cammy was not well.  He had a very high fever.  Not good.  Tylenol and a nap for Cammy, while Marcie and I hung out with the kids, outside - freezing!   We fed everyone a late dinner and then watched the basketball games.  Cammy’s fever wouldn’t abate and I started to panic a little.  At one point it was 103, and the Tylenol and Motrin didn’t seem to be helping.  I don’t like fevers.

After a fitful sleep, in which I woke up many times to check on Cammy, I knew a doctor’s visit was in order.  First thing in the morning, I took him to an urgent care, where they diagnosed him with an ear infection.   However, getting the prescription from a crazy busy Publix Pharmacy, which was on the corner of an incredibly congested intersection (that offered direct access to Siesta Key), well that wasn’t easy.  Wow, I forgot how crazy “season” can be, in Florida!  It took over an hour – and this included the 1 mile drive back to Marcie’s.

The good news is that the temperature has begun to rise!  Although the sun was burning bright, it didn’t warm the pool water very much (65 degrees), but it didn’t stop Bear.  After administering antibiotics and Motrin, I donned a swimsuit and hit Marcie’s roof for a little sunbathing…just a little.

Hunter and Rich are currently in route to Sarasota, so the family will be reunited.  We’re planning a Nash-Smith Happy Hour at the beach and then a Good Friday dinner of pizza and salad, while watching the Gators (Rich, Hunter & Audrey) play FGSU (the rest of us).  Good Times!

 

Mini-Getaway Day 3 - July 29, 2012

July 29, 2012

Charleston, SC – Alpharetta, GA

Courtyard Alpharetta Windward

355 Miles/6 hours                           

As I mentioned yesterday, we all went to bed very early…because Rich insisted that we had to get UP and GET going…early!  Well, the wake-up call came at 5:15a.m., and momma was up, packed and ready by about 5:40a.m.  Do you think anyone else was out of bed by then?  Absolutely NOT. 

Somehow we did manage to get on the road by 6:05. It was a very easy drive (with the exception of some backseat drama) and we were at Houston’s for lunch a little after 11.  Then we snuck up to Cumming to take a peek at the basement (which we’re finishing….half of it, we’ll finally have a guest room!).  Then Audrey and I snuck off to get our nails done, before meeting the boys back at our new hotel.

Hotel is awesomeJ.  Lots of bright light and we have two rooms connecting, with a view of a beautiful pool.  Within minutes of check-in, we were torturing fellow pool guests.  Audrey never stopped chatting, Barrett never stopped laughing (manically….it was weird, even for Barrett), Cammy never stopped whining and Hunter, well, he was pretty good.  We met a couple of talkative, retired school teachers who matched Audrey word for word in the chatty department.  They first latched onto me, but I quickly tagged myself out for someone better able to handle non-stop small talk.  I think Audrey may even be friends with them on Goodreads by now.

We stayed with our trend of an early dinners (to get back in time for the Olympics), eating at Macaroni Grill.  It was fantastic!  After we got some frozen yogurt and sat in the balmy breeze….it was beautiful, we could actually breathe.  The heat had finally broken.

Back at the hotel, I was once again the last woman standing…the Olympics are killing me.  I wish they weren’t on so late, I need to figure out how to watch live.

Kind of sad that our summer adventures are overL.  Planning on hanging at the hotel in the morning to catch up on some writing, and then head back and try to transition back into the school schedule.  A week from tomorrow, my Hunter goes to 6^th grade Viper Camp, with school starting a few days later.  Wow.

Back in GA

Mini-Getaway Day 2 July 28, 2012

July 28, 2012

Charleston, SC

The Dungeon formally known as The Citadel

I had weird dreams all night and the smell of this place has awakened my long dormant olfactory system.  I definitely don’t have any vampire blood in me.

Rich and Audrey got up early and hit the buffet.  I took the boys down, around 8a.m.  It was very crowded, perfect for people watching and let me tell you, I did some watching.

The plan was for me to take the kids for a walk, down to Market Street and back and then we were going to take the ferry over to Fort Sumter, for a tour.  Rich was going to spend the day working.  Well, at 9:45, after we’d made it precisely ONE block, all four mutinied on me (in all fairness, the bank sign indicated that it was 91 degrees)!  I bailed on the Market Street plan and took a detour back to King. 

In all the shoe confusion, during our departure from home yesterday, Rich and I forgot our hanging bag….and therefore neither of us had dress shirts/sun dresses, so I needed to pick something up for both of us.  It was easy in Rich’s case, because I stumbled upon a Tommy Bahamas store, almost instantly.  A dress for me, not so easy.  I was surprised by how dressy all the woman’s shops were.  The most casual was a Lilly Pulitzer shop…which just isn’t me.  Very pretty, but not me.  So we went into many, many stores.  I’d line the boys up, along a wall and threatened them with their lives, while Audrey amused many a shop keeper (and drove me crazy).  Eventfully, we found something.  I tell you all this, because it leads up to the kids having a mini-melt-down when we came upon a park with break-dancers, complete with 80’s style boom box and a farmer’s market.  They united and refused to go to Fort Sumter with me, since they’d already had to spend the morning doing stuff I wanted to do.  They wanted to hang out at the “fair.’  Can you believe that?   I was really bummed, but honest to God, it was so unbelievably hot, that I just gave in, without much of a fight.

We had an unmemorable lunch with daddy (unmemorable because on the place, NOT the company, just to be clear).  Rich wanted to keep watching the woman’s basketball team, so I took Bear with me and we went to a bookstore I’d seen earlier in the day, while the other three stayed with daddy.  Bear & I ended up back to the hotel, where I fell in to a deep slumber, until I heard a stampede of buffalos in hallway, which were of course my children.  Rich had taken them to the Children’s Museum.  Immediately feeling guilty about my nap, I took all four kids to the pool, so Rich could finally work.

The pool was very small, but we had a good time.  I finished my book (Emily Giffin’s Where We Belong – excellent!), Hunter met a friend, and Audrey told everyone and anyone at the pool everything and anything she could about our family.  Either because of Katie Couric, or Barrett’s rousing, repetitive rendition of “A Rubber-Dubbers” a woman approached me to ask about Bear and to tell me she had a son with autism.  They were from Miami, her husband is in the coast Guard, and I have to tell you it is soooo unfair what kind of benefits their (government) insurance pays for her son’s treatment!  They pay for everything!  Wow.  Anyway, very nice lady and we exchanged phone numbers.  (Sadly) It’s like being in the world’s biggest sorority, mom of children with Autism.

We got dressed and took a Taxi to dinner (not my choice) on Market Street.  Ironically, after taking the taxi to stay cool, we picked the one and only restaurant in the city, where the air-conditioning was broken.  I. Kid. You. Not.  It was so hot….Rich only ordered a shrimp cocktail, if that tells you something!

We ended up taking a Taxi back, because a big storm was moving in.  The thunder was horrendous, and I can only assume it rained and rained hard, but I didn’t have a window to look out of, so I can’t confirm it. 

I think the heat really got to everyone, we all fell asleep early.  I woke up at 10:45p.m., and both TV’s were on, along with some lights, but no one was stirring.  We’ve decided to leave tomorrow.  Rich has to get an early start on Monday and I need daylight!  So we are going to stay in Atlanta tomorrow night. 

Old School Beeakdancing

Kids were enthralled

And so it begins:(

Bear & Daddy

Cammy's 1st Fish sandwich - bigger than he is!

Me & my girl

Mini Getaway - Day 1 July 27, 2012

July 27^th, 2012

Cumming- GA – Charleston, NC

375 miles, 6 ½ hours

Embassy Suites Historic Charleston

We got off to a rough stuff.  Car was loaded and we couldn’t find Cammy’s sandals.  After looking everywhere (including the backyard, with a flashlight), we gave up and told him to grab another pair – he found lots of shoes, but not one that both fit and/or had a match!  I gave one more look in his room….and found them behind his toy chest!  Not a good sign.

We hit the road, with Willie singing at 6:15.  Once we made it out of the metro area, we planned to stop for breakfast (coffee!).  Well, east of ATL, we were not lucky enough to have a Starbucks on every exit.  God bless Rich (who does not drink coffee), he patiently participated in the Starbucks hunt.  To add insult to his injury….the kids loudly and affirmatively rejected his suggestions of Waffle House, Burger King or McDonalds.  They wanted Starbucks tooJ.  It’s costly, but I have to admit, I was proud.

We stopped in North Charleston for lunch (quick one at Panera Bread) and to take pictures of the hotel that Big A managed when the Chamblins lived here.  I was with them, in Charleston, when I found out I was going to be a momma for the first time!  If I knew then, what I know now…ha,ha.

We made it to the hotel around 12:30 and they said they wouldn’t be ready for us, until 3p.m.  So we crossed the bridge to Mount Pleasant …eventually landing on Sullivan’s Island, where we were lucky enough to find a parking space, rather quickly.  We all awkwardly changed into our swimsuits, in the car and hit the beach.  It was beautiful.  It’s been decades since I’d been to a beach in the Carolina’s and it was perfect.  The water was unbelievably warm.  There was a huge sand bar too, not too far out.  We managed to get all the kids out on it, so that was cool.  The temperature was perfect.  It was well into the 90’s, but with the ocean breeze, it was very tolerable.  (Although, Rich begs to differ).

We got back to the hotel about 4….and the room is a bummer.  This mini-getaway was a last minute decision and our destination was determined solely based on availability.  Charleston was the closest we could get to a beach, in less than six hours (and the beach is 30 minutes away).  Embassy Suites had suites available…but no windows.  Have you ever?  I called the hotel to ask what that meant – and they said exactly what it says…no windows.   Apparently the hotel was the original Citadel, which I admit is cool…but those poor boys had to live in dorms, with no windows? I asked if it was creepy and they said no.  The girl said if you’re going to be in the room the whole time, it might bother you….but they don’t get many complaints.  Well, beggars can’t be choosers, so I booked it (after asking if I could be on wait list for windows).  Besides, I’ve certainly worked in a few offices with no windows, right?

Cute room, but I could not shake the feeling that we were in a dungeon!  I just couldn’t.  And….the room smelled a little musty.  No ventilation!  We took quick showers and then hit the streets, looking for dinner.  We were in a great location, one block off of King Street, which was lined with cool shops and restaurants.  Of course, finding a restaurant that has a kid’s menus, a full bar, and caters to both my agrarian tastes and Riches carnivorous ones….plus fresh seafood…well that presents more of a challenge.  And lest we forget….it was in the 90’s…hot, hot, hot.  Whenever we walk more than one block, you can guarantee two things are going to happen: 1) Audrey is going to complain that her feet hurt & 2) Cammy is going to say, “Hold me.”  Usually I can’t resist, but it was in the 90’s! so he was out of luck.

Eventually we ended up at a Coast, a seafood restaurant, with lots of options for the kids.  We had a wonderful dinner and the kids were great.  We made it back in time to watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics!  I loved it, but was the only one who made it to the endJ.  Planning on going to Fort Sumter tomorrow.

Up & out early

Big A's old school hotel - turn of the century;)

Those are the kids out on the sandbar

Cammy

Bear

She swiped my glasses & pretty much wore them all night!

Cammy & Hunter

Fun night

Kids torturing the hotel's birds.