yesterday's adventures took us to the hotel lobby for breakfast. Omelettes, ham slices, waffles, cold cereal, apples, strawberry banana yogurt. Afterwards, we packed up, loaded the car and made our way to the Mammoth Cave National Park.
We got out and took a picture at the park entrance and walked a short (.1 mile) trail to a (closed) cave that had drawn a lot of attention in the past - where a famous spelunker was trapped and had died years ago. We made our way to the Visitor Center (where Mike picked up our Domes and Drips Tour tickets) and we registered for the Junior Ranger program. We ate a picnic lunch out of the back of the car and ventured for our tour. Sydney had the nervous piddles.
We rode a bus to a metal door in the middle of nowhere. There, we climbed down a set of stairs, through a sink hole, under the Earth. Our two hour tour took us to two chambers with seating benches. One area, they turned off ALL LIGHTS, leaving us in 100% darkness on the count of three. Then, she lit one single candle to illuminate the cave while we listened to her talk. Moments later, she allowed everyone to light the place up with watches and cell phones before turning on the lights again.
Sydney proudly answered the stalactite and stalagmite question for the entire group.
Our seats were directly under fairy ceiling.
We were going to hike, but decided to follow a road to a ferry instead, not knowing how far away it was! Abandoned that idea, made a giant lap in the car around the outside portion of the park and drove back to 'town' for Sydney to run barefoot into Wendy's to go potty. Made our way to the bed and breakfast in the middle of NOWHERE!
Mike took a bath in the oversized whirlpool tub while we sat on the patio reading Land of Stories and petting a small cat. It was difficult to keep the kids from exploring the farm; we kept boots in the car. Eventually, we ALL took a bath. (I miss our whirlpool bath from Dubuque!!!)
Early bedtime. Boys on pull out couch while we had a queen bed. Silliness, fighting over sheets at bedtime.
6:45am as I write this post, the rooster just crowed TWICE while Mike denies hearing it (with a pillow over his head) *I woke to a bright room at 6:08am.
Syd and I are going to let them sleep a while longer.
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Cell phone will likely be turned off
Got a text alert message last night that we have used up 75% of the data plan which bills out on July 3. We have been Roaming for most of our trip and used the cell phone for navigation purposes. My battery life continues to be inadequate. I plan to turn the phone OFF and to check it tonight.
NP VAC | One.
Our drive to Kentucky was uneventful. We left around 5:30 AM and drove through rain for almost 7 full hours, tracking the storm along our route. We made good time.
Mike taught Sydney to read the mile markers on the side of the road. This proved to be a bad decision a few moments later when we discovered that he was going to update us on the mileage every single mile that he was awake. We did, however, have the boys listen to the audiobook by Beverly Cleary titled The mouse and the motorcycle. It was two hours long and enjoyed in the backseat by the boys.
Both boys slept in the car. They fight over Mike's neck pillow only to discover later that Sydney doesn't like it after all. We bought a share pack of M&Ms… Peanut ones… And shared them nicely.
We took some great pictures in the car . I love using a self timer so that I can be in pictures too.
One of my favorite are the pictures of Mike looking as if we are ready to crash the car. We were driving down a very straight road with no one around us and he pulled his hands from the wheel pretending as if we were going to crash. He had wanted me to post them on Facebook… Saying please pray for us, but I was taking pictures on my camera and have no way of downloading it at this time. We will get to enjoy those all over again when we look at them on our computer at home.
Last night, we enjoyed swimming in a pool at the hotel. It was a small indoor pool with a hot tub available. Unfortunately, the hot tub was ice cold. It was the worst hot tub ever! We looked forward to taking hot showers in our room to warm up again after our swim.
For dinner, we headed over to a local Mexican restaurant. Sydney loaded up on chips and salsa and took three bites of food when it had arrived. Mike enjoyed his dish very much. Silas and I shared a dish that was essentially a fresh salsa made with shrimp avocado cucumbers tomatoes jalapeños and lots of lime juice… Delicious!
Our room has happy cream walls and white bedding covering two queen size beds. Mike had declared he would only turn on the television to watch the weather; however, we all know how that turns out… With all the boys watching some brainless TV.
Our sleeping accommodations: Sydney and Mike shared a bed while Silas and I share the other. I'd like to say that Silas shared the bed well, but that little stinker is a lot like his dad… He likes his own blanket cocoon around him and stole all of the covers.
This morning after waking early, I decided to dress in yesterday's clothes and head downstairs with the iPad, my book, and the phone. I am sitting on a recumbent bike In the fitness room by myself currently pedaling at a slow, steady pace. I believe that my room key is in Silas's pocket because he took it from me yesterday to get back into our hotel room and I can't find it. I currently have Mike's key in my sweatshirt pocket. The breakfast room was full of people this morning. I'm anxious to see what our options hour and hope that they have something that the boys will enjoy. I've got some gluten-free options in the car for myself if needed.
I haven't peaked out the window yet but AccuWeather tells me to expect dense fog today. We intend to go to Mammoth Cave national Park where we will be doing a tour called domes and drips during the 12 o'clock hour. Perhaps, riding a bike isn't the best idea for me right now as 500 steps are in my future on that tour later.
We ran into a couple from Chicago with their teenage daughter in the parking lot of the Mexican restaurant. They drove from Chicago and ended up with a flat tire on their trailer. They gave us some feedback on the area… Which places to avoid. They also give us insight as to which horseback riding options in the area are best. some, they say, are riding in a line in circles around a grassy field. We're hoping to try the ones that ride into the national park on trails instead.
At tonight's bed-and-breakfast, I intend to sleep with my husband and let the kids sleep together. I'm hoping for an early bedtime or a nap or both as I am very tired right now. As you may recall, I didn't sleep much the night before we left. Hopefully, my MS doesn't flare up with lack of sleep.
Mike taught Sydney to read the mile markers on the side of the road. This proved to be a bad decision a few moments later when we discovered that he was going to update us on the mileage every single mile that he was awake. We did, however, have the boys listen to the audiobook by Beverly Cleary titled The mouse and the motorcycle. It was two hours long and enjoyed in the backseat by the boys.
Both boys slept in the car. They fight over Mike's neck pillow only to discover later that Sydney doesn't like it after all. We bought a share pack of M&Ms… Peanut ones… And shared them nicely.
We took some great pictures in the car . I love using a self timer so that I can be in pictures too.
One of my favorite are the pictures of Mike looking as if we are ready to crash the car. We were driving down a very straight road with no one around us and he pulled his hands from the wheel pretending as if we were going to crash. He had wanted me to post them on Facebook… Saying please pray for us, but I was taking pictures on my camera and have no way of downloading it at this time. We will get to enjoy those all over again when we look at them on our computer at home.
Last night, we enjoyed swimming in a pool at the hotel. It was a small indoor pool with a hot tub available. Unfortunately, the hot tub was ice cold. It was the worst hot tub ever! We looked forward to taking hot showers in our room to warm up again after our swim.
For dinner, we headed over to a local Mexican restaurant. Sydney loaded up on chips and salsa and took three bites of food when it had arrived. Mike enjoyed his dish very much. Silas and I shared a dish that was essentially a fresh salsa made with shrimp avocado cucumbers tomatoes jalapeños and lots of lime juice… Delicious!
Our room has happy cream walls and white bedding covering two queen size beds. Mike had declared he would only turn on the television to watch the weather; however, we all know how that turns out… With all the boys watching some brainless TV.
Our sleeping accommodations: Sydney and Mike shared a bed while Silas and I share the other. I'd like to say that Silas shared the bed well, but that little stinker is a lot like his dad… He likes his own blanket cocoon around him and stole all of the covers.
This morning after waking early, I decided to dress in yesterday's clothes and head downstairs with the iPad, my book, and the phone. I am sitting on a recumbent bike In the fitness room by myself currently pedaling at a slow, steady pace. I believe that my room key is in Silas's pocket because he took it from me yesterday to get back into our hotel room and I can't find it. I currently have Mike's key in my sweatshirt pocket. The breakfast room was full of people this morning. I'm anxious to see what our options hour and hope that they have something that the boys will enjoy. I've got some gluten-free options in the car for myself if needed.
I haven't peaked out the window yet but AccuWeather tells me to expect dense fog today. We intend to go to Mammoth Cave national Park where we will be doing a tour called domes and drips during the 12 o'clock hour. Perhaps, riding a bike isn't the best idea for me right now as 500 steps are in my future on that tour later.
We ran into a couple from Chicago with their teenage daughter in the parking lot of the Mexican restaurant. They drove from Chicago and ended up with a flat tire on their trailer. They gave us some feedback on the area… Which places to avoid. They also give us insight as to which horseback riding options in the area are best. some, they say, are riding in a line in circles around a grassy field. We're hoping to try the ones that ride into the national park on trails instead.
At tonight's bed-and-breakfast, I intend to sleep with my husband and let the kids sleep together. I'm hoping for an early bedtime or a nap or both as I am very tired right now. As you may recall, I didn't sleep much the night before we left. Hopefully, my MS doesn't flare up with lack of sleep.
Friday, June 23, 2017
Pre-vacation jitters | ...THINKING ABOUT (list)
I always have an idea in my head that I am going to CLEAN MY HOUSE before we go on vacation so that I will be able to enjoy a clean house once I return. (Not that going on vacation happens all that often.) However, these lofty goals never seem to happen. In fact, I keep wishing my house was cleaner ALL THE TIME. (SO much for my vision after reading The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up.)
I stayed up far later than I should have. I tried to go to bed. I am tired. I want to sleep, but I laid in bed AWAKE for an hour and ten minutes - THINKING.
Thinking about the puppy - hoping that she's OK. (This is her first time away from us; she's staying with Nana and Papa.) Feeling badly that we forgot her favorite blue duck toy at home,
Thinking about the birthday checks - still hanging on the fridge door. Thinking about the birthday thank you cards that we haven't yet written. (I had a list somewhere of thank you's to send. HOWEVER, last week, I picked up ALL of the paper clutter from all over the house and piled it into boxes in the office in the basement.)
Thinking about those boxes of stuff in the basement. How there are GOOD THINGS mixed in with junk mail. How it will be a lot of work to go through that mess and straighten it. How I will vow, once again, to adopt better habits. Thinking about all of the paper clutter that came home from the end of the schoolyear (and how Sydney still has a collection of his stuff from the end of first grade in his bedroom that has been untouched for an entire year.)
Thinking about all of the library books and audio books that we have in our possession right now (and that if anything happens to us, that is a pretty hefty fine).
Thinking about trying to stall Sydney from getting to the end of Land of Stories BOOK 3 since he is getting so close while Silas and I are still in Chapter 1. Hoping that we can read in the car. Hoping NOT to get car sick. (*SPOILER: I had flipped through the book and noticed when checking how many pages are in it, that there is a MAJOR SURPRISE on the last paragraph of the book and I don't want Sydney to find out without us.)
Thinking about the book we recently found that belongs to Ms. Kristy Ascheman at Cooper and how we need to return it to her. Thinking about the two books I borrowed from Alice Busch at May's Insurance and how I'd like to finish reading them SOON so that I can return them to her. Thinking about Land of Stories BOOK 5 that was loaned to us by the Gaydos family.
Thinking about the WHAT IF's.... what if our computer gets stolen while we are gone? Or our house burns down? What if we're in an accident? What if someone gets hurt going down the alpine slide? What if there is an earthquake while we're inside of the caves? What if there isn't a fourth ticket available ... what will I do to kill three hours, without getting lost?
Thinking about how painfully obvious it will be that we aren't home. The dog wont be barking at every little thing. The boys wont be dragging all sorts of crap out of the garage and scattered all over the yard. Our garage door wont be open. The lights wont be on. Mike's car wont be in the driveway (when it really belongs in the garage.)
Thinking that I should have stopped the mail. Thinking that Nana will need to take out our garbage and recycle bin.
Thinking that I might have a load of clothes in the washing machine. Knowing that I have a hamper of clean stuff to fold.
Thinking that I should have called my best friend to see if she located the source of her sewer stink.
Thinking that I missed our school principal's library program tonight and wishing we'd have gone.
Thinking that I should have walked the dog longer this morning, but thankful that we went out early before Mike left.
Thinking that I will have a hard time sleeping in the same room as Mike and the boys. Thinking that Sydney is thankful that we located his old sound machine, but not thrilled to have to listen to it.
Thinking that the farm bed and breakfast will be FANTASTIC! And fun for our boys. And wondering if free range chickens are friendly.
Thinking that this trip will be a true test of my gluten free diet.
Thinking about the loaf of GF banana bread that Nana made, that I hid in the freezer. And how Aunt Arlene's recipe - made with 1:1 GF flour was pretty good. And that the America's Test Kitchen GF banana bread was A LOT of work.
Thinking about the freezer inventory that didn't get done yet.
Thinking about putting current pics of the boys in our wallets in case they are lost; although, the school pics don't really capture them very well.
Thinking about Mike's discovery that the boys broke the door handle of the front door, but didn't tell us.
Thinking about the robin's nest - wondering if the babies are still alive - after Sydney touched them.
Thinking that Mike wanted our recliner cleaned while we are away (and we didn't arrange for it to happen.)
Thinking about the countless fights and arguments that went on today and wondering if we are NUTS to attempt driving to Kentucky.
Thinking about the iPass we bought and activated, hoping it is ready to go for our trip and that we wont have to worry about toll money.
Thinking about flash flooding. And sink holes. And bed bugs.
Thinking about family read alouds. And games of UNO and Skip-bo. And horseback riding.
Thinking about which books to bring along. And which audio books to listen to. And wondering if we will kick ourselves for not bringing a movie for them to watch in the car.
Thinking about cell phone reception. And my over-filled iPad. And my cell phone battery that will likely last until early afternoon before dying.
Thinking about where to hide my purse and camera in the car when we're not able to take it with us.
Thinking about the Konz family's photos to Grand Teton National Park and wanting to add that to our Bucket List.
Thinking about cancelling my essential oils membership. And my LuLaRoe addiction of the cute clothes. And that I had an AMAZING TIME at the Wellness Center's water aerobics class. And how I think I want a membership so that I can work out. (And how my neuro appointment went like this: tell me you're getting exercise) And wondering if walking the dog counts as exercise. And how I think I could work out for 40 minutes during my 1.5 hour school lunch break. And how my school district rate is good. And how nice it would be for our family to take advantage of family time every weekend, especially in the winter - when we are anxious to swim again.
Thinking about chore charts. And behavior incentives. And more PLEASE and THANK YOU's. And less fighting. And more hugging. And getting the boys involved with making dinner and setting the table and sorting laundry.
Thinking about how Silas is content with US reading to HIM (and that we should REALLY have him read a book to US each day.) And how impressive it is that BOTH BOYS are reading above grade level.
Thinking I need to pursue my dream to write.
Thinking about the frames in the hallway that have strangers in them. And how I want to update them one of these days.
Thinking about pins and needles sensation in my feet - wondering if it is a side effect of my new medicine. And wondering if my hair loss is slowing down yet - also from the medicine.
Thinking about abnormal blood test. And upcoming results.
Thinking about my new glasses prescription still hanging on the fridge. And how they did NOT manage to give me a prescription for bifocals on my 40th birthday.
Thinking about the incredibly beautiful clouds tonight.
Thinking that if anything happens to us, that I'm very sorry for all of the mess that we've left behind.
Thinking that the unopened manilla envelope from BASD might have been relating to summer school and that it is hiding in the junk box in the basement office.
Thinking how sweet it is that grandma called to see if we wanted our anniversary check to spend on vacation.
Thinking I probably forgot to pack SOMETHING.
Thinking I really, Really, REALLY need to get to sleep.
Thinking I should say I LOVE YOU more often. And to see the GOOD in situations.
Thinking how much I love my job! And my kids! And chocolate in the air! And my life! And feeling lucky for each day that I'm here - sharing the same zip code with my best friend (who I wish I could see more often) and my family. And how my husband and I need to date each other again. And speak kinder. And work together. And continue to laugh with each other.
Two hours post-bedtime. I have to go try again. Alarm goes off in four hours. Vacation fun is coming!
I stayed up far later than I should have. I tried to go to bed. I am tired. I want to sleep, but I laid in bed AWAKE for an hour and ten minutes - THINKING.
Thinking about the puppy - hoping that she's OK. (This is her first time away from us; she's staying with Nana and Papa.) Feeling badly that we forgot her favorite blue duck toy at home,
Thinking about the birthday checks - still hanging on the fridge door. Thinking about the birthday thank you cards that we haven't yet written. (I had a list somewhere of thank you's to send. HOWEVER, last week, I picked up ALL of the paper clutter from all over the house and piled it into boxes in the office in the basement.)
Thinking about those boxes of stuff in the basement. How there are GOOD THINGS mixed in with junk mail. How it will be a lot of work to go through that mess and straighten it. How I will vow, once again, to adopt better habits. Thinking about all of the paper clutter that came home from the end of the schoolyear (and how Sydney still has a collection of his stuff from the end of first grade in his bedroom that has been untouched for an entire year.)
Thinking about all of the library books and audio books that we have in our possession right now (and that if anything happens to us, that is a pretty hefty fine).
Thinking about trying to stall Sydney from getting to the end of Land of Stories BOOK 3 since he is getting so close while Silas and I are still in Chapter 1. Hoping that we can read in the car. Hoping NOT to get car sick. (*SPOILER: I had flipped through the book and noticed when checking how many pages are in it, that there is a MAJOR SURPRISE on the last paragraph of the book and I don't want Sydney to find out without us.)
Thinking about the book we recently found that belongs to Ms. Kristy Ascheman at Cooper and how we need to return it to her. Thinking about the two books I borrowed from Alice Busch at May's Insurance and how I'd like to finish reading them SOON so that I can return them to her. Thinking about Land of Stories BOOK 5 that was loaned to us by the Gaydos family.
Thinking about the WHAT IF's.... what if our computer gets stolen while we are gone? Or our house burns down? What if we're in an accident? What if someone gets hurt going down the alpine slide? What if there is an earthquake while we're inside of the caves? What if there isn't a fourth ticket available ... what will I do to kill three hours, without getting lost?
Thinking about how painfully obvious it will be that we aren't home. The dog wont be barking at every little thing. The boys wont be dragging all sorts of crap out of the garage and scattered all over the yard. Our garage door wont be open. The lights wont be on. Mike's car wont be in the driveway (when it really belongs in the garage.)
Thinking that I should have stopped the mail. Thinking that Nana will need to take out our garbage and recycle bin.
Thinking that I might have a load of clothes in the washing machine. Knowing that I have a hamper of clean stuff to fold.
Thinking that I should have called my best friend to see if she located the source of her sewer stink.
Thinking that I missed our school principal's library program tonight and wishing we'd have gone.
Thinking that I should have walked the dog longer this morning, but thankful that we went out early before Mike left.
Thinking that I will have a hard time sleeping in the same room as Mike and the boys. Thinking that Sydney is thankful that we located his old sound machine, but not thrilled to have to listen to it.
Thinking that the farm bed and breakfast will be FANTASTIC! And fun for our boys. And wondering if free range chickens are friendly.
Thinking that this trip will be a true test of my gluten free diet.
Thinking about the loaf of GF banana bread that Nana made, that I hid in the freezer. And how Aunt Arlene's recipe - made with 1:1 GF flour was pretty good. And that the America's Test Kitchen GF banana bread was A LOT of work.
Thinking about the freezer inventory that didn't get done yet.
Thinking about putting current pics of the boys in our wallets in case they are lost; although, the school pics don't really capture them very well.
Thinking about Mike's discovery that the boys broke the door handle of the front door, but didn't tell us.
Thinking about the robin's nest - wondering if the babies are still alive - after Sydney touched them.
Thinking that Mike wanted our recliner cleaned while we are away (and we didn't arrange for it to happen.)
Thinking about the countless fights and arguments that went on today and wondering if we are NUTS to attempt driving to Kentucky.
Thinking about the iPass we bought and activated, hoping it is ready to go for our trip and that we wont have to worry about toll money.
Thinking about flash flooding. And sink holes. And bed bugs.
Thinking about family read alouds. And games of UNO and Skip-bo. And horseback riding.
Thinking about which books to bring along. And which audio books to listen to. And wondering if we will kick ourselves for not bringing a movie for them to watch in the car.
Thinking about cell phone reception. And my over-filled iPad. And my cell phone battery that will likely last until early afternoon before dying.
Thinking about where to hide my purse and camera in the car when we're not able to take it with us.
Thinking about the Konz family's photos to Grand Teton National Park and wanting to add that to our Bucket List.
Thinking about cancelling my essential oils membership. And my LuLaRoe addiction of the cute clothes. And that I had an AMAZING TIME at the Wellness Center's water aerobics class. And how I think I want a membership so that I can work out. (And how my neuro appointment went like this: tell me you're getting exercise) And wondering if walking the dog counts as exercise. And how I think I could work out for 40 minutes during my 1.5 hour school lunch break. And how my school district rate is good. And how nice it would be for our family to take advantage of family time every weekend, especially in the winter - when we are anxious to swim again.
Thinking about chore charts. And behavior incentives. And more PLEASE and THANK YOU's. And less fighting. And more hugging. And getting the boys involved with making dinner and setting the table and sorting laundry.
Thinking about how Silas is content with US reading to HIM (and that we should REALLY have him read a book to US each day.) And how impressive it is that BOTH BOYS are reading above grade level.
Thinking I need to pursue my dream to write.
Thinking about the frames in the hallway that have strangers in them. And how I want to update them one of these days.
Thinking about pins and needles sensation in my feet - wondering if it is a side effect of my new medicine. And wondering if my hair loss is slowing down yet - also from the medicine.
Thinking about abnormal blood test. And upcoming results.
Thinking about my new glasses prescription still hanging on the fridge. And how they did NOT manage to give me a prescription for bifocals on my 40th birthday.
Thinking about the incredibly beautiful clouds tonight.
Thinking that if anything happens to us, that I'm very sorry for all of the mess that we've left behind.
Thinking that the unopened manilla envelope from BASD might have been relating to summer school and that it is hiding in the junk box in the basement office.
Thinking how sweet it is that grandma called to see if we wanted our anniversary check to spend on vacation.
Thinking I probably forgot to pack SOMETHING.
Thinking I really, Really, REALLY need to get to sleep.
Thinking I should say I LOVE YOU more often. And to see the GOOD in situations.
Thinking how much I love my job! And my kids! And chocolate in the air! And my life! And feeling lucky for each day that I'm here - sharing the same zip code with my best friend (who I wish I could see more often) and my family. And how my husband and I need to date each other again. And speak kinder. And work together. And continue to laugh with each other.
Two hours post-bedtime. I have to go try again. Alarm goes off in four hours. Vacation fun is coming!
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