Things I Learned on the Road

We're home from Fall Break.

We road-tripped it to Florida. Creating memories is what we like to call it. One day, stories from these trips will be what the boys share with their own kids.

After spending time with all males, I learned a few things on this vacation. Some good, some bad. But, all memories, nonetheless. Here they are, in no specific order:

I learned that a 3-year-old will tell you "no" when asked if he has to potty when stopped at a restpark. He will tell you "yes" if the offer is to pee on the side of the road. Apparently, that's more intriguing.

I learned that getting hit in the back of the head with a banana peel on 465, and hearing your 3-year-old say "He shoots! He scores!" is creating a memory. One day I will call it that.

I learned that children have to literally be pulled out of bed on a school day, but on vacation, they wake up ready to go at 6:45 am. Unfortunately, Mom and Dad don't.

I learned NOT to point out scenic things during our roadtrip, such as "Look at the horses, kids," because we always pass them by the time I get their attention.

I learned NOT to let a 3-year-old pick out a Ring Pop from Cracker Barrel, because you forget about it later. I found it on his finger, stuck to his favorite stuffed dog, while he napped. His yellow lab is now yellow and "blue."

I learned that I don't like the oatmeal at Cracker Barrel, even though I continue to order it time and time again. Apparently, I WANT to like it, but even with brown sugar and banana slices, it still tastes the same...like oatmeal.

I learned that Greg and I will never agree on the air in the car. He's cold when I'm hot, and I'm hot when he's cold. Translation...I choose. Seems fair.

I learned that Starbucks advertises with giant billboards at just about every exit, and I saw every one of them when I wasn't needing caffeine. When desperately wanting a nonfat white mocha on the way home, there wasn't a Starbucks sign in sight. Of course.

I learned there is a reason I don't do much of the driving. Hearing Greg wake up in a panic every 12 minutes, saying "You ok? You sure?" may have something to do with that.

I learned that saying "yes" to a 7-year-old who begs you to go on a water ride at SeaWorld is important. So is saying "yes" to sitting in the front row, then getting soaked. I rode an hour to my in-laws in wet underwear, yet my son says it was the "best day ever." Hey now, that's a memory.

I learned that two things will always happen at a restaurant with kids. They will drop their crayons on the floor, then crawl over your feet to retrieve them. They will also eat two bites of their chicken fingers and say they are full, then say they are hungry 20 minutes later. For dessert, no less.

Finally, I learned that I'd do it all over again. Minus the banana peel in the back of the head.