Captains Log: 12312012…

Well, it’s New Years Eve in Colorado Springs, which means we will be celebrating the New Year well after most of our friends and family (side note-maybe we do it on EST and hit the sack early-yeah-that’s the ticket!)

Uncle Joe has honed in on his inner domestic goddess and prepared a crock pot roast. Then donning his best Sheik outfit, hits the town with the girls, who play right into hands like putty. We enjoyed a lovely dinner with Joe and Debra and then settled in for a movie before watching, what I am sure is a repeat, of that big Waterford Crystal ball drop in the Square. Minutes until midnight, Teresa is fast asleep, but the little ones are wide awake. The countdown begins and we pop a bottle of champagne at the stroke of 12. Everyone gets a glass, kids enjoyed sparking cider-but they sure looked special with their flutes. Even the pups, Tasha and Zue get in on the party action. By 12:10, we have all retired –including 2012.
We have had an exciting adventure and enjoyed a day of rest after several days of nonstop excitement. Back on the road tomorrow, to our Columbus home, where Christmas, I’m sure, still waits for us on the living room floor. -The Navigator

Today’s Mileage logged: 10 (because we made a donut and milk run!)

Captains Log: 12302012…

No rest for the weary! Sike, we’re not weary. Off to Copper Mountain , which is near Breckenridge, for some tubing! The 2 hour ride proved long and now to entertaining. What was I thinking putting a 13 and 5 year old next to each other! Oi. But the attitudes went by the wayside as we signed our lives away, grabbed our tubes and headed for the “slopes”. The first run, was a... family run. Arranged in a circle-they sent us down the path, holding on to each other. Megan did not like that. Luckily there was a kiddie park, complete with a mini slope, mini tubes and “hook your tube up and it will pull you” machine. Sweet.
As for the rest of us, we spun, we raced, we jumped. And all that was just getting on the conveyer belt! Not really, but we rode up to the top and did it again…and again….and again. Until they wouldn’t let us go anymore. The guy who was throwing us down said we were awesome. I said “I know”. We were delighted (insert sarcasm font) to be entertained by some woman, who I am sure is an actress-and it is KILLING me who she is. In her designer snowsuit, helmet, and goggles-she spent the whole time bossing the workers and her companions around. It was, well, kinda like being on vacation with me! Oh touche’ (to myself).
The ride home was much smoother, as everyone got in a cat nap. The Captain said his only last a minute and a half. Back home to grill burgers, which seems odd grilling in the snow-but it was fun. Looks like we will have a day of rest tomorrow. - The Navigator

Today’s Mileage logged: 274

Captains Log: 12292012…

 

With no sicklings we were off on our latest adventure. A drive up to Pikes Peak, Deemed “unclimbable” by it’s namesake, Zebulon M. Pike, today it is the most visited mountain in North America. The 19 mile drive up the Pikes Peak Highway is filled with switchbacks , but The Captain made a new friend, Gears 1 and 2, and he was able to successfully lead us up and down the highway and we took in some really spectacular views.

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The summit lies at 14,110 feet. Above where the trees can grow, and roughly the same elevation that these young adventures once jumped out of a (not so perfectly good) airplane. Almost immediately the lack of oxygen got to us all, inducing headaches and dizziness. Not to mention the bitter cold and windy conditions. But that doesn’t stop us. We take it all in from every angle, dare not forgetting to photograph our feet handing off the edge.
Wrapped the evening up with a lovely dinner at with my long lost cousin, complete with kid meltdowns and checkers. Time to call it a day! – The Navigator

 Today’s Mileage logged: 143

 

Captains Log: 12282012…
Good News, Jim is feeling better. Bad news, None! Everyone is well.

A much needed sleeping in and lingering morning was a just start to the day! As afternoon approached we ventured out into Colorado Springs with our trusty tour guide, Uncle Joe, to show us the land. First up, The Garden of the Gods, an area of beautiful red sandstone rock formations, including one that looked like camels kissing.

Then off to a waterfall in Cheyenne Canyon. However, slick roadways proved too much for our front wheel drive Sienna. As any man would do, The Captain backs up and tries again….then again…then again…maybe more to the left….OK, maybe we should turn around. So now, let’s reverse down the mountain and over a bridge, because that’s totally safe, The Navigator & kids bail to play in the snow, figuring if the cars going off the cliff-it’s only taking one of us with it. As you can expect, The Captain steered ole Sienna in safely, and we were back on to find another trail to hike. 

 We found that trail at Mount Cutler. A one mile hike to the summit and a 400 ft vertical incline, proved little challenge for this crew. Fortunately our guide is skilled in the way of shoulder rides, as the wee one required some confinement on the narrow pathways. We reached the summit, took in the view and headed back. Then we headed up to Denver for dinner at Casa Bonita. A Mexican Chuck E Cheese on steroids, this place is awesome covered in queso. Come early if you want to get one of the 1000+tables that are tucked away anywhere they can fit one. When you arrive, you feel like you are in line for Pirates of the Caribbean. Food is costly and everyone MUST order a meal (according to the menu) but the margaritas are delicious and atmosphere is priceless. A live dive show, arcade, light sticks and mariachi band to name a few of entertainment options. All and all it was another successful day on this awesome journey. Tomorrow Pikes Peak is on the menu. –The Navigator

 Today’s Mileage logged: A mere 172

Captains Log: 12272012…

 

Good News, Sami is feeling better. Bad news, Jim is not.

Today started with a beautiful covering of snow. Which quickly lead us to praying that Mount Rushmore would not be closed. (Oh how that would have sucked!)

As we approached the Black Hills, named due to their “black” appearance because they are covered in pine trees, we saw cabins along the road, which sounds like a future vacation! The park was amazing. There were beautiful rock tunnels. As we turned the bend, we could see the carving. Teresa was in awe. We got to the park and it was a brilliant memorial. The snow was falling, it was very magical and every bit what we had imagined. We learned that 90% of the monument was carved with dynamite. Fascinating. As we prepared to leave, I asked Teresa if she saw everything she wanted to see to which she said, “Pictures, check. Souvenirs, check. Memories, check” Melts my heart!

As we left the park, we saw wild turkeys along the roadside. We started out on a 7 hour drive through the remaining of South Dakota and Wyoming. The landscape in Wyoming was breathtaking. We finally saw a herd of Buffalo, as well as cattle walking in a preschool line. Even in the snow, we saw tumbleweeds. Cheyenne was smaller than we anticipated. Snow and traffic in Denver was a bit stressful, but we arrived safely, albeit late to Colorado Springs. Now we will stay put for a few days. (But you can bet it will be adventuresome!) –The Navigator

 Today’s miles logged: 457

Captains Log: 12262012…

Good News, Teresa is feeling better. Bad news, Sami is not.

Up bright and early to a whopping 1 degree in Omaha. On the road for the 7 hour drive to Rapid City, SD. Much of the ride north along the Iowa boarder was the same. Changed to wider plains as we headed west on 90. Then we came to the Missouri River and just like that the topography changed to hills. We saw some ice fisherman who had set up camp on the frozen river. Broke the time-space continuum and gained an hour, not as painful as I would have thought.

 Arrived at the Badlands National Park around 2:30 MST. Amazing rock formations, which we were told was caused by the area once being underwater. Sami spotted a pair of rams atop one of the rocks just after we entered the park. A lengthy stop at the visitor center to get the kids passport books stamped and brose the gift shop. Then we embarked on the 35 mile scenic route through the NE portion of the park. It was majestic, very interesting rock formations of line and sandstone, topped with a beautiful dusting of snow. Lots of deer, and although we were told ram were tough to see, we saw plenty grazing and eating. To get a picture of one, The Captain honked the horn – we’re lucky he didn’t charge us. Although I am sure Sienna could take him on. A beautiful Buck and then we travelled off the main road onto a gravel path in search of some buffalo. As darkness set in, we finally decided to turn back when we saw some movement and quickly realized there was a herd in the distance. Not a close up look like we had hoped, but spotted nonetheless. Maybe in tomorrow’s travels we will have a more personal relationship with these beasts. 

 We bid farewell to the Badlands, and finished up our journey in Rapid City, where every hotel has an indoor pool with waterslides. Tomorrow Mount Rushmore and another exciting drive.  -The Navigator 

Today’s miles logged: 541

Captain's Log: 12252012

Day began with the hustle of any other Christmas morning, but quickly turn to travel time as we embarked on our holiday adventure.  4 kids and 4 sets of headphones, made for a remarkably quiet trip. Well, except for the kid who had a stomach bug and threw up every hour or so throughout the Land Of Lincoln. Illinois brought some mysterious red lights,... and prayers for a gas station as we travelled 20 miles past our "0 miles remaining" indicator (we love you Sienna). This however, led us to Knoxville, IL which held one of the friendliest gas stations I have ever stepped foot in, amid a quaint little town filled with Christmas spirit.
Iowa was dinner with a dear old friend, a crap load of tractor trailers jack knifed and disabled along the snowy banks and a check mark on the "states we've never been to" list. We are held for the night in a "Green" hotel in Omaha,NE (another checkmark!) free of course - because that's how we roll. Until tomorrow world...
-The Navigator

Total Miles Logged: 780

Captains Log....061911

Day 14..15...um, I lost count!

Happy Fathers Day!
Heading home!
After a delightful breakfast with Poppy (consisting of make the toast yourself when you wake up) We finished packing and hit the road. Off to Brunswick to visit some more family and drop a couple kids off for an extended visit.

Awesome visit. Lots of laughs, gave them the run down on taking care of Megan and Rese, then the rest of us packed it back up and headed North (before Sandy changed her minds and gave the kids back!)

Truckin' on down 95.....temperature 97...98...101...103....water mist hand fans going...."squeal,squeal" a burning smell......Is that us? No-it can't be. Black smoke coming out of the back.........Yup, that's us! Crap. Warning lights start flashing like crazy!!! Really? Thanks for the WARNING! Coast to a stop in the berm...Oh crap, now what? Call the husband...Call my mother....call the Highway Patrol....the first hour passes, we have managed to accomplish that we need to renew our Onstar. Takes 45 minutes for the SC Highway patrol to stop for us. Finally gets there and he helps pop the hood and we determine it's a broken belt. Crap.....
Renew the Onstar..It'll be a hour before the tow truck gets there. Temp is down a little about 99.....Oi....Onstar lady is getting all our information...
Onstar: "How many passengers do you have?"
Me:" Me and 3 kids"
Maria: "I'm not a kid"
Onstar: "Um, I'll let you have the conversation later!" (jokingly of course)
Wait...wait..wait....
Tow truck comes, hooks us up. Does he have room for 4 passengers? No....
So we cram in, Sami sitting on the floor...This driver is REALLY talkative! Razing the kids the whole way. Borderline creepy. Check into the Hampton. Super Nice people! The desk clerk knocked on the door with a complimentary bucket of water bottles. :o)
Now we need to eat, what's in walking distance? Nothing. Guess it's a pizza kinda night. 895-1111....(you're singing it now aren't you?)
Man: "wha wha wha wha wha wha"
Me: "Delivery"
Man: "wha wha delivery driver not in"
Me: "um, like at all? or just right now?"
SERIOUSLY
Woman: "Pizza Hut"
Geez! Finally got the pizza ordered (my favorite dinner as you all know.)
Pizza and Pop in the hotel lobby. A little late night dip in the pool. Now it's time to TRY and get some sleep and pray it's a quick fix on the van in the AM.

Date Night!!!
With my Mom....

After a late night, we slept in....again....
The we took our sweet time getting to the pool. Finally a morning that's not scorching or ashen. We swam for hours. It was delightful.

Back home for lunch and naps. Getting ready for my big night out with my Mom.
Pizza for the kids, I get into my super hot van and truck it back into town for a 6 O'clock pedi.

My pedi is delightful. Mom's not so much-never are for her. :o)
Eyebrows waxed, as Tracey calls it...Vietnamese torture! She's a hoot.

Onto dinner...Mom takes me to a place called "Whiskey River". Mom goes on and on about how her company came here, sat outside, it was nice....We get in and it's loud, Hooters like...a menu of burgers and fried stuff....Not what we were looking for. We had ordered drinks...Then she remembers..."Oh it was Blackfinn"....Should we get up and leave? Do we tell them or steal away while they are getting our drinks? CRAP their back already- so she gives them a 5 minute explanation on why we are at the wrong place. Oi....

Off to Blackfinn, which is just across the parking lot. Hoitie Toitie...That's more like it! We are seated right away, it took FOREVER to get our drinks, never did get a bread basket, food came, my broccoli was cold. Yuck. Refills? Yeah right....Should have stayed at the Whisky place.

Capped the night at Joann's to purchase fabric for a new Irish Dance dress. I mean who doesn't end Date Night at Joann's?

Captains Log....061111

Day 6...A little further south.....

Today was finally a lazy kinda day. No beach, no plans....finishing visiting with my Dad in North Port and meeting my Mom and some other extended family in Fort Myers later this afternoon.

The whole reason for this trip was for the Marriage Renewal Ceremony for my Aunt Lynn and Uncle David, who have been married 23 years. So we meet up with My Mom, her sister Barb (with granddaughter Destiny), brother George (with granddaughters Carissa and Danielle), at a hotel in Ft. Myers. Time to hit the pool!

What could possibly go wrong with 8 kids and 4 adults at the pool?
Our first near death experience of the trip...that's what!
(I am more impressed it took almost a whole week for this to occur!)

Let me set the scene. Beautiful pool at a Hampton Inn. Brick pool surroundings, serene fountain in the middle of the pool. The gate opens, in runs 8 children ages 2-15. Unleashing of the hounds! Parent/grandparent stroll in behind them.....Mad jump into the once relaxing setting. Splash large enough to cause a small tsunami. Kids jumping, parents saying "don't jump" instigating uncle teaching children how to do back flips off the side of the pool....Can you see where this is going?
Yes, it is going to my daughter, attempting a back flip off the side of the pool, landing neck first on the brick ground. In the milli-second it take me to get to her side, I am panicking...broken neck....blood....brains....she sits very woozy-ly.
"Mom, my leg is tingling."
Me, while trying to hold her head still until we access the situation. "Can you move you legs?"
One leg moves, but not the other...Oh crap...no visible signs of trauma to the head, no blood, no bumps. She starts to get feeling back in her leg, so we move her to a chair and have her sit. She sits for a while. Gets a snack and is ready to hit the pool again. No Ma'am....pool restriction until tomorrow at least!

Time to get ready for our 7 pm reservation at Perkins... yum... Do they have a bar?

Captains Log....061011

Day 5...North Port....

Well, we were all still a little sun worn from yesterday's beach-capaides, Today we slept in a little then strolled out around noon, to check out some of the sights. First we went in search of the South Jetties. Found the North Jetties easy enough...From there we could SEE the south Jetties, but you have to drive out and around onto Venice island to get to them (about a 20 minute drive- would be quicker to swim it), so on the way out, we stopped off at a cute little spot called Casey Key Beach. Sami found LOTS of sharks teeth there.
Then we went in search of the south Jetties, got super lost, but ended up driving through Venice Island, which was beautiful. Once we crossed the bridge, it was like we were in another world. The air was so rich, and I mean rich with $$.
Finally found our destination, and it was amazing! As soon as we parked, and unloaded, the first thing outta Luke's mouth, "Where's Jesus?" Um...heaven? I think he was confused. :o)
Hopped up onto the rocks and were greeted by about a dozen Manatees.

We watched them for a while, then headed down the Jetty where we were surrounded by pelicans and cranes. We sat out on the rocks for a while watching for dolphins. Never saw any, but we did see a cute little crab and Sami had a pelican swoop right over her head!

After an ice cream, we headed back to Papa's house for a quick dip in the pool and a cookout with a bunch of people we didn't know.
Pretty slow day for blogging.

Captains Log....060911

Day 4…North Port….It’s a hot one! 9 am and its 92 degrees! Oi, Think we will hit the beach today!

Called up our new friends to see if they wanted to meet us at Siesta Key, (Named the Nation’s Top Beach by Dr. Beach himself!) Beautiful soft white sand dubbed the “World’s Finest White Sand” winning the International Sand Contest! Although we didn’t see any of the famed parrots that frequent the area, we did have quite the run in with some seagulls! We were sitting in the surf just minding our own business, when some idiot behind us fed the seagulls some bread. They took their bread and went to fly away when one of them dropped their bread right on us. Incoming… ALL the seagulls trying to collected the fallen piece of bread. It was like an Alfred Hitchcock episode. Kids run off screaming, Megan is standing there with a WTF look on her face. I’m trying to get to her. It was, for a moment, scary, but kinda funny now that no one actually got hurt. Damn tourists….DON”T FEED THE BIRDS.

Wrapped up the Beach, loaded my sand filled kids into the van and drove back to Dads. Decided to just line them up outside and hose them down. Actually had to take a scrubbing to Megan, since she decided to tattoo herself with black marker on the short trip. Inside for some pizza to settle the kids while momma got ready for some BINGO at the VFW.

Us Old Timers got to the VFW in time for the early bird. These people take their bingo VERY seriously. You can’t just buy a card, you gotta buy a stack, plus extras for the “specials” or the speed rounds, or the 50-50’s. They you find your seat and are surrounded by creepy little trolls and their good luck charms. You gotta have a list that shows you what a “regular” bingo is, because unlike when I was a kid-it’s not just a straight or diagonal line. Oh no, there’s the horizontal line, vertical line, postage stamp, four corners, large diamond, inside diamond, inside square, Vee (which can go any way!) My head is spinning thinking about it!
Initial investment, $24…..(paid for by my Dad as a belated Birthday Present). Game 2, double bingo. Nail it! Diagonal and inside square, “BINGO!” split $25 with one other person. Yeah me, $13 bucks richer.

Get up at intermission to hit the concessions, their closed. WHAT! Who closes concessions before intermission? These people don’t know how to make money. Second half, nail it again! On the check – mark game “BINGO!” $40 bucks all to myself. I am a Bingo machine!

I think Dad hit a $40 bucker too, so not too shabby for out night at the VFW. Now I have to wonder, how is it these old people can’t drive over 30, but they can play speed Bingo? Holy crap- I couldn’t keep up and I only had 2 cards! Most these people had like 12 or 15. So I'm taking my winnings of $53 and heading to the gas station to deposit it in my tank. :o)

Capped the night with a short Shiatsu Massage by Miss Dottie, my Dad’s lady friend, who is quite the crack up. Made in China she says. (really…made in China)….

Captains Log....060811

On the road again…… Day 3, back on the road heading south. 75 south, all way into North Port.

Not too much exciting things happen in the car, but we are guaranteed to hear some classic comments come out of the kid’s mouths.

Not long after we were on the road, Luke yells from his seat, “COP, COP, COP!” There was no cop, but good to know I have a human radar detector in him!

One thing I love about my kids is that they love to dance….and not just Jigs and Reels. Listening to an 80’s station somewhere in Georgia, and the song “Whoop, There It Is” comes on. Yeah, my kids had their hands in the air, raising the van roof. I think we embarrassed poor Maria, but that’s how the wheels on THIS bus roll...

I did have one proud parenting moment on this leg of the trip. Not long after we left, my cousin called to say that Sami left her Nintendo DS at her house. Fortunately we will be able to meet up with it again at the end of the trip, but for the time being, I decided not to tell her and see how long it took her to notice. She didn’t. The whole trip, Sami and Rese played with dolls or they used a deck of cards to play War or some other game. They entertained themselves, old school style. Love It! I literally smiled to myself listing to them talk to each other using the cooler as a table. :o)

One cool thing about this trip, is that through my Dubowitz Syndrome support group, I have met (via the web) other families that have children that share this syndrome. One family actually lives pretty close to my Dad in south Florida. So we decided to stop in and say hello and meet in person. (I called first of course) So we stopped in, met Ryan and his family. We had a very fun meeting, their children played so nicely with my kids-I think we all had a great time, and have made some new friends. Ryan was a hoot, He is 15, but every bit as spunky as Megan. We had a great visit and hope to meet up with them again while we are down here.

Wrapped up this part of the trip arriving in North Port around 9pm. Trip Ticker up to 1,165.

Captains Log....060711

Day 2.....

Still am reporting that I have 5 kids with me...so far, so good. This time last trip, Megan had tried to commit suicide twice by drowning. Sounds like we are coming out ahead.

After a late arrival to our finial destination, we slept in a bit and headed out to the Georgia Aquarium as our first stop. $80 later we were in (plus $10 to park). But this place is phenomenal. Our first stop was to the touch pool where you can touch (2fingers only) Cow Nosed Sting Rays and Bonnethead Sharks.

www.georgiaaquarium.org

Then it was off to Ocean Voyager, A giant tank which is roughly the size of a football field and holds 6.3 million gallons of water! The kids were beaming with excitement, stopping at each porthole as if it was the main attraction. Then through the tunnel, where we saw the 4 Whale Sharks (the largest fish in the world, about 30 feet) and 4 Manta Rays (about 9 feet in length) swimming right over our heads!
Imagine their awe, when we go to the main viewing area:

Then off to Cold Water Quest to see the Beluga Whales, the other exhibits have fish and mammals from all over the world. Ended with a trip to the dolphin tank where 3 dolphins were such a lively and playful bunch. Sami kept waiting for them to swim in a circle pattern, like the "recycle" symbol. :o)

Of course we had to hit the touch pool one more time before our 2.5 hour visit concluded. Wrapping up earlier than expected we mapped out Olympic Centennial Park and the Atlanta Underground and checked out those spots. Back to the homestead, Justin took me to the Vortex, where my cousin works, for one of the best burgers ever and an afternoon Mommy Juice. (Best Liquor Menu in Atlanta...and a super HOT Carameta bartender!)

www.thevortexbarandgrill.com

As the evening wore on, it was off to Stone Mountain for the nightly summer Laser show. An amazing time on the lawn of Stone Mountain, looking onto the massive piece of Granite with it's Civil War carving. The kids had a blast, well all except Luke, Who held his hands over his ears the whole time, and afterward said "I wanna go home and tell Trisha I didn't like it and I cried." (someone has a little crush on Tricia!)

www.stonemountainpark.org

Phew.....11 O'clock...time for bed....another 9 hour drive tomorrow!

Captains Log....060611

Another year...another Mom and Kids road trip.....
This year, I was smart. I brought along a babysitter! So it's me, and 5 ...count them...5 kids (yes I have to count them, or I will forget one of them.)

Plan was to leave at 8 am. Not too shabby...Out of the house by 9, errands done and on the road by 10. Two hours behind schedule, pretty good for me actually. :o)

Began the trip with, what my girls like to call "initiation". This consists of listening to the song "Thriller" and at the very end, after Vincent Price talks (I sat on his lap at an ice cream shop in Hawaii, but I di-gress), after he talks, there is a pause and than an evil laugh. Here is where I insert a leg grab and join the evil laugh making the passenger jump with terror. Oh yeah, it's fun...kids laugh and someone pees their pants. Welcome to the club Maria! :o)

Onto the Drive.....
75 south.... Cincinnati....Lexington.....Knoxville....Cha-Cha Noo Ga (Luke says he knows her, he wants to know if she has toys?).... Steak N' Shake just north of Atlanta with a dear friend (no broken glasses this time)...Final destination, cousin's house is southeastern Atlanta. Logged 577 miles today. Nitey Nite time!See how much we can get in one day in Atlanta?