Friday, December 19, 2008

ROAD TRIP

That's right me and my kids (Cort had to work) went on a roadtrip a few weekends ago, 60 hours later, there and back, 11 hours each way, and there for about a day and a half. Good times! Go ahead, call me crazy, I know your thinking it...but after thinking we weren't going, to we are going, to Talan getting sick, and deciding not to go, to Talan waking up Friday morning just fine, and Taylor waking up in tears cause we weren't going...Friday morning around 10:00 am on a whim, I decided even though we needed to come back on Sunday we were going. And GO WE DID! 11+ hours that is, all the way to see our dear family in Arizona.
I must brag a bit, the kids did AMAZING! I couldn't believe it, I'll I can say is thank goodness for DVD players in the car. We had sooo much fun and I am so glad we went. It was so good to see everyone. Unfortunately, I didn't take a lot of pictures while we were there. In fact, there was several times in the car where the kids were being so darn cute that I wanted to take some pictures so bad to remember it, like when Taylor and Chase were sleeping and Talan was GLUED to and so into watching High School Musical (go figure) the entire time it played, (EACH TIME) or when they all started dancing like mad in their car seats, but unfortunately for me, since I was driving no pics of that. However, here's some of what I did get.

Here we all are at the amazingly good time VanEpps White Elephant party....my brother Tyson got a keepsake (click on the picture to see his treasure...Logan I just know it's already on his wall). Some of the other fun gifts that were given was a wheat grinder, maxi pad slippers, and a fur coat. I ended up getting a box full of wrapping paper and ribbon, which I have already used.

Here's the kids at their part of the party. My grandparents on my mom's side have I believe 29 great grandkids, and 3 on the way, so needless to say lots of fun friends for everyone.


I didn't get a picture of this, but my aunt had one of those popper things that you push around. Talan fell in love with it. He carried that thing around with him practically the entire time and he was very protective of it. He didn't even let it go when we put him in the highchair to eat. I just know he's going to be so excited to see it again on Christmas morning.

And here's Chasers asleep Saturday night with his present right next to him.


I came home and told Cort that we will NEVER miss another White Elephant party again. We had such a good time. Family, good food, and fun, it just doesn't get better than that!!

11 comments:

Carrie said...

I love your sense of adventure w/ that quick trip to Arizona! You go girl! Sounds like it was worth it, and so much fun. Nice header pic! cute :)

Casey and Whitney MCkell said...

You are a trooper but you do have amaxing kids!!!! I am so glad we went!!!

Anonymous said...

11 hours in the car with 3 kids...Whoa!Sounds like an adventure...Looks like a fun time!

Carla said...

Three kids in a car for 11 hours. Yes...I think you are brave and also insane. HA! How did we ever travel without a DVD player when we were little. (HA!)

Looks like a TON of fun. It is always fun to be with family and laugh.

:)Carla

Diane said...

okay Jamie, we got it in writing..."you'll not be missing another white elephant" with us....you being here made it extra fun!! THANKS for coming!!!!

Jenn said...

Those trips are the ones I remembered the most as a kid...so fun even though you're stuck in the car so long. I 2nd the DVD player comment.

CANADIAN AMERICAN FAMILY said...

Owen loved that popper toy too! I loved my gift thank you. How did you get that big pic up on your blog?

Angie said...

We made a similar trip to Arizona a few years back when we just had 2 kids and we had a blast. We at least stopped in Utah, then in Vegas, then onto Arizona. We had to break the trip up otherwise it would have been 15 hours. I am brave, but not that brave. Its fun to see your bro Tyson all grown up. He was just a little kid when we graduated. Was he even 10? Too fun!

Carlson Family said...

You are crazy!!! :) I can't even imagine 11 hours straight in a car with my one child and you have 3! Lucky you for having such great traveling children. Sounds like you had a great time.

the Pearce Place said...

Those are a lot of fun, that' sso great you got to participate!

Joel and Michelle said...

I love all your new family picutes posted on your blog. I really love your main pic. Way cute!