Getting There Is 1/2 The Battle…

When we set off to visit my Aunt Linda and Uncle Tom in Florida we thought we had this whole traveling with 3 small children under control.  We thought we were prepared.  We thought we had a full proof plan.  We thought by leaving at 3pm this would help make the long 7 hour trip easier on the kiddos and that Josh and myself would be just fine staying up a bit late…I mean we were going to be in Florida and asleep by midnight…we were.

After traveling for several hours, we decided to stop around 6 for dinner.  The kids had drawn and colored and needed to stretch their legs.  We laughed pulling in saying, we were definitely the typical travelers stopping at Cracker Barrel to eat.

Laura Kelley Fun Fact #11:  I worked at Cracker Barrel when I was in college.  Their goal is to try and get you in and out in 30 minutes.  Not always the case…especially with 3 small kiddos.

Unbeknownst to us, this short dinner stop would cost us an additional 2+ hours, not including the time it took us to eat, and an extra 120 miles…All because of a small wee one’s blankie that fell out of the car and into our parking spot and we drove off without even noticing.  Over 2 hours, 120 miles and after going all inspector gadget on Cracker Barrel’s, we were back at that same Cracker Barrel.

This sweet lady said, “I could tell it was important.”  She has no idea.  Josh and I laughed as we discussed what all we just had done to get this blanket back.  But it was definitely worth it.

So our plan was shot.  There would be no arriving before midnight…how about after 2 am.  I promised Josh I would stay awake with him…I will not go to sleep…I will not go to sleep…I will not go to sleep.

An asthma attack for Huddy and a total random radio station helped with staying awake.

Thank goodness to for this random 100.7 radio station.

Turns out we hit the jack pot with 100.7.  They were only playing TV show theme songs and so began the challenge to figure out what show went with every song for the last 2 hours of our trip.  It did not disappoint.  And I may have won.  And our vacation may not have started out like we anticipated…but it got better…Tropical Storm Lee and all.

Happy Labor Day!