Trip to WI, day 10

The next morning we attempted once again to get going first thing, but Austin was in a grumpy mood and having only two adults means we basically only have one adult since one can do loading and such while the other is confined to watching the boys. The hotel didn't have free breakfast, so we went to the Waffle House across the parking lot, but just going over and back is bit of a circus, so it was probably 9 before we hit the road. uck. I'd like to be up and going much sooner than that! Anyways, we headed for home and we knew it was the last day of our trip, so it made me feel in a bigger hurry.

More backseat smiles. 

We had really beautiful scenery on this trip and it reminded me of how ugly it is around Dallas.

It was a day of movies. We were all worn out.

It was a long day of driving through Kansas. I think Kansas must know that people are just passing through, because the stretch you take through their state is not only a toll road, but has zero stops that aren't in the middle of the road (between north and south bound) and have a gas station and a McDonalds. I was so sick of McDonalds! We had to keep stopping at them at the very minimum to change diapers and well, yuck.

Only one more state!

My grandma has talked about the Oklahoma City National Memorial for years, saying that I need, need, NEED to go and I'm so glad she pushed it on us. We weren't sure what we were getting ourselves into, and Austin was in no mood to go through a tour, but he enjoyed running around outside in the heat for an hour while I took everything in (and took pictures). Then we went to the gift shop and got a magnet and Christmas ornament (the two souvenir things we do), I got a shirt (one of my favorite from the trip!), and Austin got two emergency vehicle cars that have lights and sounds. I was feeling bad that the whole trip had basically been sorta like torture to him (not knowing the places, people, things, not getting good sleep, etc) that I totally caved when he started loving on these cars. I figured they were good souvenirs from the trip, so I didn't mind that much.

This is the center of the memorial, a big memory tree.

The reflecting pool is only like an inch deep. It's the craziest thing... the water is moving and yet still and going down the cracks but you can't tell.

Each chair represents a person killed that day...

Big ones for adults and Little ones for children. 

It's a very moving memorial. I do recommend it. I wish I knew more about the bombing before I went, but it's at least served as a catalyst for reading up on it!

Who knew that southern Oklahoma was so beautiful!?

We're in the home stretch now!

Loved this cloud/sun combination.

We made it home about 7pm on Saturday night and it was perfect timing to get the car unloaded, boys bathed and to bed before we went to bed ourselves. That left all of Sunday to unpack and do laundry and get groceries, etc. We wanted to have an entire day back here to adjust to normal life. I didn't want to start the week still pulling clothes from suitcases and without any food!

I think we would definitely drive again. It's easier that way, with carseats and all the driving we did while there (not having to rent or borrow anything) in addition to all the equipment we need with kids this young. It also allowed (within reason) for me to bring lots of stuff back with us. My mom had stuff for us, my grandma sent the boys' birthday gifts, etc. I think trying to do the trip in 1.5 days on the way up was rough. I definitely think we'll split it more evenly like we did on the return trip which would allow for some dinner and fun in the middle of the drive. 3,986.3 miles later we're a closer family as a result and I already can't wait for my next turkey pita and chocolate chipper! And to see friends and family again. ;-)

Many thanks to all of the people who hosted us, fed us, coordinated with us, planned around us, went out of your way for us, etc. Coming home every other year is a big deal and very important to me. I couldn't do it without y'all! (If anyone ever heads south, please let me know. We'd love to have you stay with us!)