Colorado bound

As I mentioned in our previous post, we made the trip to Vallecito Lake, CO which sits northeast of Durango. After much consultation with friends who have gone before, we decided to take a leap of faith and just GO. The odds were stacked against us as quite often our two younger children struggled with two hour trips, how on Earth could they make it 12 hours one day and 6 the next. Here was our strategy:



1. I packed as light as we possibly could because a) we would have access to a washer/drier b) I absolutely CAN NOT stand a cluttered car. If momma struggles, we ALL struggle.


2. Upon recommendation from my friend, no hero, Courtney, I made "goodie bags" for good behavior along the way. One might have a piece of candy, another stickers, or a new movie.


3. McDonalds, McDonalds, McDonalds (thank you to my friends Jeanine and Jaime for giving me "the ok" and helping me rid the guilt). You get sick of it, but the kids don't and if it is dangled in front of them, they will ride happily for miles.


4. Break it up, stay in a hotel room and the kids will think it is a resort...seriously, they LOVED it. Just pack an overnight bag with all your valuables, toiletries, and family's clothes so you won't have to unload too much when checking in.


5. If you have a little trouble winding down from a day like that as Scott and I do, take a little adult "juice" to take the edge off for a peaceful night sleep...NOTICE- I said "a little"


6. Just about anything goes unless it is dangerous or can make a mess that can not be cleaned up. For example, putting stickers all over the windows or tearing a paper into tiny pieces are all things that can be cleaned, however, markers or meltable candies that can be used as "lotion" are NOT good.


7. If they watch 10 hours of movies, they watch 10 hours of movies. Are they quiet and content? Then don't worry about it.


8. Take several trash bags and clean out trash at every stop. I guess this only applies if you are OCD like me, but I was amazed at how much trash would pile up between stops.


9. Fill a back of individually wrapped snacks...lots of them and don't be the "food police". Trust me, it is not a battle worth fighting on a long road trip.


10. Last, but not least keep your sense of humor :)


Oh, and one last thing that really only applies to those of us with girls. Keep your girls in dresses, easy pull-over dresses. It makes bathroom stops and diaper changes MUCH easier! The kids were a little more restless on the way back than on the way up, but all in all it was great.





Here are some pictures:

Molly covering herself with circle stickers

Peaceful ridin'


Woo hoo!


The Big Texas...I do NOT recommend!


Cuddled on the front porch swing

Enjoying breakfast with Daddy boo


One of the few times Eleanor sat down

Fishing in a dress

Boat ride

Horse ride

Fishing in the mud. Unbelievably the mud came out of their clothes

Roasting marshmallows