Washington D.C.

Day 6 - June 2^nd, 2014

Monroeville, PA – Washington DC

229 miles – 3 ¾ hours

We left the Steel City by 8a.m. – eastbound and down for D.C.  We pulled into the National Zoo (after driving around in a panic for almost 30 minutes, looking for a place to park) by noon.  We rendezvoused with Uncle Lance at the Panda Exhibit.  Uncle Lance looks great and Audrey and Hunter were very excited to see him (Cammy didn’t remember him and Bear didn’t let on what he rememberedJ).  We spent two hours touring the zoo, which is beautiful.  It comes close to beating New Orleans (Audubon Zoo) as our favorite.  The kids were very well behaved and Uncle Lance was in for our next stop!

We drove over to Arlington to see all the Kennedy grave sites and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  By the time we got to Arlington, it was hot and the kids – Camden in particular – were tired.   I was a little nervous, because Uncle Lance is very into military and ceremonies, so I was hoping the kids would keep their acts together.  Unbeknownst to me to me at the time, Lance had bribed all the kids to be quiet.  Apparently he offered them quite a bit of coin, because they were very good.  After we saw the changing of the guard, we also witness a funeral procession, which was very moving.  The flag covered coffin was carried by a horse drawn carriage.  Wow.  There were hundreds of people there, and everyone just stopped.  All you could hear with the houses trotting.  Just, wow.

I hadn’t visited Arlington since Ted Kennedy died.  His grave is off to the side of JFK’s, like Robert Kennedy’s.  This was the first time that I saw Joe Junior’s grave at Arlington.   I truly didn’t remember that he was buried there.  Do you know if he was moved to Arlington in the last fifteen years?  I could have sworn he was buried in Massachusetts.

The kids and I checking into the hotel and we had a little bit of drama, involving the children, which I may or may not write about at a later date - but the last two days and the added tension of kid drama wiped me out.  I was all set to relax – but then I realized the room was not de-feathered as requested – and we ended up changing rooms.  Then I noticed the time and we had to scramble to meet Lance for dinner.

We had a delicious meal and took a walk afterwards – in a cool little retail area that had a Barnes and Noble.  Score!  We all chill out when we’re in a bookstore.  It was a nice way to end a crazy day!

A Day Full of Amusement

Day 5 - June 1, 2014

Pittsburgh, PA

We had a fantastic day!  Leading up to our trip, I kept telling the kids I had a surprise for them when we got to Pittsburgh.  My friend Patty works for the school system and she scored some discount tickets to Kennywood, an amusement park close to their house.  I never take the kids to parks like that.  Too expensive and I’m way outnumbered - but with discount tickets and Patty cheering me on, I decided to go for it.

I was expecting pure unbridled excitement when I told the kids.  Yeah, that didn’t happened.  They were disappointingly blasé about my announcement, so I approached the day as if it were a chore.  OMG, it was so much better than that.  We had a blast!  The park was very cool and not the least bit crowded.  The kids in this area are still in school and I’m guessing there may have been some other end-of-year activities occurring, because we never waited more than ten minutes for a ride and this park had some serious roller-coasters.

Upon arrival, I went to guest services to see what kind of accommodations I could get for Barrett.  They were wonderful and basically he got a “pass” – but there were nine of us, so it was going to be tricky (the pass was for four).  The first couple of rides, I didn’t bother with the pass, because the lines looked very reasonable and Bear did great.  Honestly, I’m still in shock at how calm he was – all day long.  He waited in line with his siblings and friends and just hung out as one of the gang.  I held him back from a couple of rides, thinking they would wig him out, but he did ride each and every roller coaster (two of which I wouldn't get on).  He was a rock star!

I scored a first, as well.  I haven’t been on a water ride since Bush Gardens, circa 1983.  The kids were all wearing swimsuits, but Patty and I were in street clothes.  She refused to go on the water rides – warning me that I may get soaked.  I’m trying very hard to loosen up and be a little more “fun” – so I went for it on the Raging Rapids.  Well, the three bathing suit clad girls lucked out, but not me.  I got drenched.  Although I had a spare t-shirt, I had to buy a pair of shorts in the gift shop – with “Kennywood” printed on the bottom!  I’ve sunk to a new low, all in my quest to be a cool mom on the road trip.  Just call me Brittney!

Patty was watching from the bridge - and captured my drenching.  I'm in the red visor.

Audrey miraculously got over her fear of rides.  That, or she didn’t want her Pittsburgh Pals to think she was a chicken, because she rode everything and didn’t cry once!  Hunter was his usual wild-man self and my little guy rode his first roller coaster - although he was not thrilled.  As we pulled in at the end of the ride, he couldn’t get his seat belt off fast enough – and I quote, “Get me out of here, I am never doing that again!”

We stayed at the park for almost SEVEN hours!  Can you believe that?  I can’t, not in my wildest dreams.  We had dinner at Red Robin and then home to bed.  Everyone – moms included – was exhausted!!!!

Hanging with The Brown Family in Pittsburgh

Day Four – May 31, 2014

Charleston, WV – Monroeville, PA

229 miles/ 3 ½ hours

The Brown House

We got up slowly today.  When we opened the hotel room curtains this morning, we were literally blinded by the sun rising over the mountains.  Wow.  Seriously, it was the brightest light I think I've ever seen.  I tried to take a picture of it, but it doesn't even come close to capturing the brilliance.

It woke everybody up.  We headed down to the hotel gym to get in a little workout.  Hunter has to log some miles for Cross Country.  After that, we did a grab and go breakfast, which we took back to the room.  I will spare you more of the boring morning logistics, but we were lazy and didn't leave Charleston until after 11.  I don’t know what has gotten into me this summer, but I’m trying not to rush.

Monroeville (suburb of Pittsburgh) is the home of my friend Patty and her family.  This is the third time we’ve invaded them on our road trip.  Our kids love each other.  Patty’s son is two years younger than Barrett and Hunter, and her twin girls are one year behind Audrey.  We spent the afternoon getting everyone reacquainted, while Patty and I caught up.  We had a nice cookout and the weather was perfect! 

I know it’s been a little zzzzzzz so far, but as I get ready to post this, we've completed day five – and it was awesome!  Good stuff coming:).

Day 3 - West Virginia

Day 3 – May 30, 2014

Rose Hill, VA – Charleston, WV

222 miles/4 hours

Temperature – 85 degrees.

We pulled out of Grandmom & Granddad’s at 9:15 this morning.  Although it’s always sad to say goodbye, we were ready to hit the road!  The drive from the SW Virginia (Cumberland Gap) to Charleston, WV is beautiful – God’s country.  We drove through Big Stone Gap, which was stunning.  SO pretty, in fact, that Miss Petal to the Metal pulled over three times to take pictures.  Seriously, that was a first!

We rolled in to Charleston at 1:15 and it is a little city.  About ten years ago Rich and I passed through with the boys and decided to stay the night.  At the time, we found the city charming.  I don’t know if I’m older and more cynical, or if there’s been some decline, but the charm has worn off a bit for momma.  I’m not feeling it.

We drove straight to the Capitol, which is on the Kawahna River.  The Capitol complex is beautiful, and grand.  It always amazes me when you find such stunning facades in small cities.  I can confirm that the capitol of Georgia really pales in comparison.  Another interesting observation I made was that there was absolutely no security in the building.  We came and went as we pleased and Barrett actually entered the Governor’s outer office.  Seriously – his real office.  His secretary wasn't there, but no one stopped us.

We got to the hotel about 3 – and hit the pool for an hour.  Then the kids and I went to the mall across the street to find dinner.  We ended up at Outback and had the best time.  We laughed ourselves silly over nothing.  I am really going to miss our adventures when they grow up, they are my wingmen! 

It’s official – we’re on the road.  As I type this, they are watching The Muppet Movie (and I’m wishing I had ear plugs – it’s a truly bad movie).

Big Stone Gap

Posing with the Governor and his family.

The Governor's Mansion.

Day 2 - Chillin' In Rose Hill

Day 2 – May 29, 2014

Rose Hill, VA – 85 degrees

Chillin in Rose Hill.

Rose Hill has been scheduled as our last stop on most of our road trips, so starting this summer with a visit to the grandparents shook us up a bit.  Rose Hill is a very peaceful place, where things slow down.  We chill out and relax.  In the past, it’s proven to be the perfect antidote at the end of our journey, for a stressed out Momma.  When I'm here, I can sleep in.  I don’t have to worry about dining venues or the kids, because there are many adults on hand to help.  So honestly, I feel out of sorts starting here - like we’re not even on a summer road trip.  Case in point – I was up at 6 a.m. this morning, ready to go...

We spent the day visiting family, eating and hanging out.  I got some blogging done (which is good because Thursday has become a busy day for me).  Sadly, I once again have very little to report.  I will let the pictures do the talking.  Tomorrow we’re heading out on the road – for realJ.  West Virginia, here we come! 

Feeding Uncle Stan's horses.

Tasting the honeysuckle.

Visiting with Mamaw.

Cousin Justin, Audrey & Amber.

Watching TV....

Audrey, showing her young cousins how to taste the honeysuckle.

Watching a storm roll in over the mountains.

Day 1 - May 28, 2014

Home – Rose Hill, VA

310 Miles/5 hours

Smithberry Farm

We left home around 11 am, which was very late for us to depart on day one of a road trip adventure.  We had a short drive in front of us and I wanted to Caravan with Rich, since he was joining us in Rose Hill.  He had an appointment and a conference call, which is what delayed us.  We stopped for a nice lunch at J. Alexander’s, in Chattanooga, and rolled into Grandmom’s and Granddad’s by 5:15 p.m. – in time for happy hour.

Seriously, that’s all I have to report on our first day!  Very uneventful.  I fell asleep reading a book with Barrett sometime around 9:30.  As we were dozing…Rich, Granddad and the other three children were running around outside, catching fireflies.

Right before take off (Hunter opted to ride with Dad).

Welcome to Virginia!

We're almost ready!

This is a test, to make sure I remember how to post on Goggle Blogger!  We leave in three days.

Here's this year's logo: