Road Trip

We're taking a road trip this weekend.  We made plans to go to my mom's future retirement home just outside of the Outer Banks in Grandy, NC.  It will be my mom, stepdad and my sister with her family.  One last hoorah before the end of the summer.  

My sister texted me last week and said the kennel they use for their dog was booked and she wasn't sure what they were going to do.   They were thinking that my BIL might have to stay home.  They may be moving to Nashville before the end of the year (that's another story) and staying home would also give him the opportunity to start fixing up the house.  So, my sister would be travelling 5 hours with a 4 and 2 year old.  Yikes!

We started talking and I told her my trip would be rushed.  We weren't planning to leave until Saturday morning and we would be coming home early Monday morning.  DH hasn't earned any leave since our vacation a few weeks ago so he needs to work a 1/2 day on Monday.  Not the most ideal situation and a very quick trip.

During our conversation, we came up with a plan.  The guys are staying home and the girls are renting a mini van and we're road tripping to Grandmom's house!  We're leaving Friday morning and coming home Monday.

I hope this isn't a HUGE mistake.  2 mommies, a 4-year old, (2) almost 3-year olds and 1 almost 2-year old.  I can guess the trip won't be boring!

My kids did so great at the beach a few weeks ago so I'm encouraged that vacations, in general, will be easier and more fun.  BUT....

My SIL and my nieces were so hands on with helping and well?   My mom?

Not so much.  You might remember this vacation when the twins were 6 months old. 

Or, this vacation last year. 

I don't quite know how to explain her.  She's a little selfish.  I know she loves me and I know she loves the kids but she's not one of those "touchy feely" types.   She's not the type that will get down on the floor and play with the kids.  She won't offer to take the kids anywhere to give me a break.  She sort of stays in her own little "world" where she gets to relax on the porch, enjoy a glass of wine, read a book.  She does interact with the kids but it's more conversational, if that makes sense?  Maybe she forgets what it's like to have small kids?  My sister is her youngest and she'll be 37 years old this year.  I guess she figures she raised her 3 kids and it's now her "me" time?

So, while I'm excited to road trip with my sister, I'm also preparing to be single "mom'ing" it for 3 days. 

The plus is that they have a pool and now that I know the twins do well, my plan is to keep them swimming until they completely wear themselves out.  We'll be about 20 minutes from the beach so I'm sure we'll spend a morning (or two) down there.

So, anyway.  I'm hoping to have a post-vacation post just as wonderful as the last.  Wish me luck!