I know you are all jealous that we vacationed in Indiana this year. All of you “oh we went to Disney” and “the ocean was fabulous” and “doesn’t everyone go to a dude ranch?” and “wasn’t Europe fabulous this year” people. I am happy for you. We went to the middle of a few cornfields where it was about 110 degrees each day, we had a plastic purple pool, some brown grass, and cheap wine.
It was perfect. Because my mom and step-dad were there…not to mention my brother and his family. And at my age sometimes the simple and slower life is just what I need, a bit of nostalgia, a Bloody Mary at the Elks Club, and the ability to slip right back into my southern drawl for the week. It must be perfect because it keeps us coming back each year.
And the girls are finally at the age where the 12 hour drive actually flies by – even when I’m the only driver. All hail the dvd player.
(all six grandchildren together – and getting so old)
So our vacation by the numbers:
1240 – miles that I drove
10 -cups of coffee to get me through those miles
27 – times we listened to Astrid’s favorite song “Rumour Has It” by Adele
44 – inches that my 18 year old nephew is taller than Astrid
4 – inches that Eloise has to grow so that she’s taller than my mom
0 – ex high school boyfriends that I saw during our trip(this is for my husband’s info since he asked)
0 – ex high school boyfriends that I tried to see(this is for my husband’s info)
25 – years since I’ve seen my ex high school boyfriends
1 – time some kid puked in the public pool and we had to evacuate
29 – cars that I had to pass on the right because they would not get over
28 – cars that I passed on the right had Minnesota plates. The other one had an Illinois plate that read ‘MN Born’ – no shit.
29- times I cursed at Minnesota drivers for driving in the left lane while they were not actively passing
(we usually don’t match)
3 – large McDonald’s orders of fries we ate
115 – the highest temperature recorded at my mom’s house during our visit
1469 – estimated number of corn fields we passed
18 – Wisconsin State Troopers passed
87 – fastest speed that I drove (when not passing a trooper)
23 – number of times truck drivers honked at me as I passed them (this just proves that the average age of Americans continues to increase. Remember when truck drivers used to just honk at 19 year olds in red Miatas? Now it’s middle aged moms in minivans.)
365 – number of days we will look forward to our trip again next year
What are your Summer vacation plans?
Looks like a tremendous trip.
And, seriously, where the hell were portable DVD players when I was a kid?
We’re off to Chincoteague Island, VA next week — we’ve been doing this for as long as I’ve been dating my wife, and her family has been doing this for long since before I was involved. Rent a large house (or, now, a series of houses next to each other), each couple signs up for a night to make dinner, and a good time is had by all.
I’m, truly, looking forward to it.
John recently posted..Where I reflect on the direction of my blog and what makes me visit other blogs
Oh enjoy the beach! That sounds amazing!
Your family is gorgeous. And your nephew is super tall.
Alison recently posted..Things I’ll Miss And Things I Won’t
I know Astrid is just a peanut, but wow your nephew is tall! We don’t have much planned; we’re visiting friends this weekend and going to Lake Michigan. Otherwise, we’re just going to have to wing it
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It is not the average age of American’s…it’s just that you are still hott, even in a minivan (ahem…I have one also). And I agree with Alison – what a lovely family.
Jessica recently posted..Never say never…
Now you are amazingly hot..especially in your minivan! xo
You have a gorgeous family!
I am glad you had a good vacation.
And they sure grow ‘um big in the midwest.
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I recently got honked at by a truck driver, too! I nearly ran off the road I was so startled. I was all, “Who, ME?”
I just figured he’d spent too many hours holed up in a rig.
Kristin @ What She Said recently posted..C’est La Vie
I actually flipped the first trucker off as I thought he was mad at me for passing him. Then I figured it out. Then I just waved and maybe blew a few kisses.
Sounds like a great vacation!
another jennifer recently posted..Yes, you can.
What a wonderful summer tradition! There will be no trips to Disney or Europe for us either this summer – but time together as a family is great, traveling or not.
Co-Pilot Mom recently posted..Trekkie? Yes. Techy? No.
You got me beat. We’re not taking any vacations.
At all. (Other than the fact that my in-laws are here for the month of July so I get to host everyone. Is that a vacation?)
I think at the very least it justifies some McDonald’s fries and Adele.
julie gardner recently posted..Today call me monstrous
Okay – that’s for sure not a vacation. Fries on their way to you. xo
I’m with you, Julie; no vacation for us. We may make our way to the ghetto beach (murky water and having to dodge jelly fish) but that is not a vacation. We may make our way down to Kings Dominion or Busch Gardens but still, those are day trips and just eh — nonvacationish.
Tracy your family is gorgeous (you already knew that about your girls, but your brothers’ kids aren’t too shabby either. Why do I think it’s extra special that you each have three of the one gender?).
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Lucky you! Your Mother is beautiful – see what you have to look forward to in 40 years? Loved the cousin pics – gorgeous kids.
Oh how I love your vacation. It sounds perfect, really. Your family is beautiful, and you are just gorgeous
The only reason we’re taking any vacation at all this year is because my sister is getting married in New York. Taking the girls on their first plane ride. I’m terrified.
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Oh they will do great!!!! xo
Seriously, I can’t even tell you the number of times I honked at an old chick in a minivan. And usually, I’ll yell something out of line like “Hey, is that a 2007 Dodge Caravan with Sto-n-go seating”? And then she’ll yell back “Whoa, you got the deluxe package with a luggage rack”? It’s totally hot! Well, hell, I don’t need to tell you!
Alright, gotta go! Need to call the Quarter-back from my Alma Mater. You really got me missing my old boyfriends now.
m.
Mark recently posted..Read all about it!
Oh I love you, your minivan and that damned quarterback. Thatisall.
I thought only Texas drivers were that ridiculous (about the passing).
You have a beautiful family.
Jennifer recently posted..Project 365, Week 27
Looks like the best way to enjoy a summer vacation to me. You know, barring the opportunity to enjoy a private island with hot cabana boys to serve you:).
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What, cheap wine! I’m pretty sure it costs at least $10:) Looking at these pictures is shocking – I seem to have colorless hair – OMG:( We loved having almost everyone here, had a great time and I WAS Tracy’s cabana girl and loved every minute of that.
Looks like a lovely, relaxing time. And your nephew’s Texas shirt didn’t look one bit out of place until I remembered you were in Indiana. Tell your nephew to hook ‘em!