The List: Reasons to Travel Across the Country to Grandma’s House

Over 18 rivers and through the woods, plains, prairies and canyons to "Grandmother's House" we came. The trip was a long and arduous one. But it was one that I plan on making every summer now that we have managed it this summer. With each passing year, the Darling Boys will get easier and easier to travel with and with a lot less baggage.

Once the kids can stand being strapped into their seats for hours on end, I think it's important for families to get out on the road and travel through an array of terrains, large cities, tiny towns and varying weather patterns, not just over it {in an airplane}. You can really get a feel for the country; learn the history of the people and the land, taking it in with eyes and ears; taste the flavor of a region, both figuratively and literally; and see the beautiful landscapes available only by highway travel.

And then, of course, there's the lure of Grandma's {& Grandpa's} House. There are plenty of good reasons to visit here too.

On the road, you can:

1. Explain how and why the Native Americans hunted and killed the Bison while driving through the very lands where the Bison roamed;
2. Teach your child how to pump his arm and get a truck driver to honk her horn;
3. Have flashbacks to your own childhood days of traveling cross country in the family car when yelling, "Don't make me pull this car over!" or "If you hit your brother one more time, I'll turn this car around and go home!";
4. Stop at local attractions and be a tourist;
5. Tell stories about long ago "before you were born..." or "when I was a child....";
6. Listen to local radio stations and drink in the down home charm of small town U.S.A.;
7. Point out every cow, horse, tractor, combine, crop, barn, wind turbine and old windmill along the road....until the fascination of being out in the country wears off; and
8. Discuss which animals we think might be waking up and coming out into the darkened lands through which we are speeding along.

Upon arrival at Grandma & Grandpa's House, you can:

1. Eat fabulous home cooked meals {Complete with fresh veggies from the garden...My dad's "got skillz" when it comes to cooking};
2. Go back to bed while someone plays with the kiddos;
3. Relax while someone else plans the meals and schedules;
4. Do work while Grandma reads to the Boys for naps and bedtime;
5. Hang out on the covered back porch soaking up the golden rays of sunshine without an ounce of humidity {like we have at home};
6. Drink as much freshly-made Iced Tea as I want {Note: Iced Tea NOT Sweet Tea};
7. Have freshly ground and brewed coffee made to order and served to me no matter what time I wake up; and
8. Watch my kids get to know my parents and my parents get to know their grandchildren. During these early years, the kids change so frequently that with each visit each child has transformed into to a new and different model.

Even though there are many difficult and unpleasant things about traveling with small children, it's the stuff memories are made of. Enjoy your weekend. Over and out...

Anna

Comments

[Erin @ Small Types]

Oh, perfect timing Anna! My hubby and I just made the tough decision to drive vs. fly "home" again this summer. We've done it now for three years, and you're right, although it's long, it's a great experience for the family.

[Heidi]

Warms my heart to see those boys and to know you are safe. So glad you made this decision! Can't wait to see you all soon. Hello to Mr. & Mrs. S, too.

[Kara]

Making memories via road tripping is the best!