The Simonson's: Things I've Learned

Lets start out with a quick recall of the events from last week. Monday the girls and I stayed home and did laundry and cleaned house to get ready for our trip to Columbia. Tuesday we had Preschool Open House. Rachel had a lot of fun meeting her teacher and playing with all the toys at Little Leprechaun Preschool. After that we went to Cash Wa to pick up some ribs to take to the Creamer's, then we went and surprised Grandma Kitty at lunch. Kitty was down here for some Dr's appointments so Vicky the lady that drives the van called me and let me know where they were eating so that the girls and I could surprise her. Kitty was surprised and we all enjoy lunch at Long John Silvers.
Wednesday we all got up early and started down the road. We left North Platte at 7:30 and pulled into The Creamer Residence at 5pm. Wednesday night we just let the girls play and enjoyed relaxing. Thursday Beth, Rachel, Rebecca and I went to Rock Quarry Park, then to Stephen's Lake. After lunch we went to the hospital. It was so good to see a lot of my old friends from work. We had a lot of people to see so we didn't get to chat with anyone long but it was good to see everyone.
After a trip to a nursery to get some new plants for Angie the girls and I went to Millersburg to see Jennifer and Will Blair. Rachel and Will had a great time playing and Becca really enjoyed the cat! Thursday night Beth and Rachel had a slumber party. Let's just say they didn't sleep great and that was the only slumber party they had while we were there.
Friday we went to some garage sales and to the park with Angie, Beth, Brooke, Jeralee, Keenan, Clayton, and Haley. After lunch with Haley. the girls and I made a run to Target then stopped by to see Justine and Carter. Natalie Ficken came out to Angie's to see the girls and she also brought them some gifts. She got Rachel some super cute cowgirls boots for her birthday.
Saturday was a lazy morning and a busy afternoon. It was Baby Brooke's 1st Birthday! We all had a great time at the park and the girls were all beat when we got home. Sunday we got up and had a great big breakfast and then the girls and I got back in the car to come home.
We had a really good time in Columbia. I really miss all the outdoor activities but not the drive! The girls did really good in the car. We only stopped twice each way and made good time traveling.
Here are a few things I learned about traveling with two kids, in a car alone for 10 hrs. If the baby is a sleep no matter how bad you have to pee just keep going. She will eventually wake up. It takes a big basket of toys to entertain a 7 month old, one toy at time works wonders. 3 to 4 sippy cups are a must. Just when they decided they are hungry or thirsty will be when you try to hand them a cup and it falls on the floor just far enough away that you can't safely reach it. A 3 year old will travel much better with new movies and some type of activity to keep their hands busy as well. Overall the car ride went very well. We stopped to eat and just let the girls stretch twice each way. 3 hrs is about the longest Becca could go without a major break down.
We are now home and ready for a busy week. I really miss the Creamer's already and wish that we could see each other more but with all the hectic work schedules it seem to be a problem. We are going to try to meet in Omaha sometime this fall or early next spring. Since Mike was unable to go this time we may be making another trip down there so he can see old friends as well.
Have a great week and a safe Memorial Weekend.