A road trip to Indiana (to help my parents celebrate their wedding anniversary) rounded out the month of October. Spending 14+ hours trapped inside the car together is great for family bonding. I think! ;-)
Now that four out of five Smiths can operate a motor vehicle, there is no shortage of willing drivers. Since we only "need" to change drivers &/or fuel up once or twice along the route, not everybody gets a turn behind the wheel. Who says that making the recommended ten minute break every two hours is a necessity?! Making frequent stops (to stretch and regain feeling in the extremities) along an 850 mile route is certainly overrated. Our goal is to get to our destination safely and post a favorable time -- and to have fun along the way. It is always good to reach the end of the road, even if we are too stiff & sore to climb out of the car. Then the unspoken "race" to the bathroom is on.
A not so happy meal..
On the trip to the Hoosier state, we were forced to eat breakfast at McDonald's, somewhere in rural Oklahoma. There were ABSOLUTELY no other dining options, & we were all hungry. Yes, hungry enough to eat a McBreakfast. It had been at least twelve years since I had eaten any food at a "Big M," and now I remember why I shy away from going there. Stopping for a potty break at McD's is fine, but I will never, ever, ever, ever again order food. 'Nuf said.
Along the way, we read, slept, sang, and discussed many "deep & philosophical" topics. I love talking to my kids about "stuff!" I also enjoy taking in the views -- small towns, large cities, interesting signs, other motorists -- it's all good! I was hoping for enjoying the scenic autumn countryside, but the fall color was a tad past its peak. We did spot a colorful tree here & there throughout MO, IL, and IN.
Sometimes seeing one brightly colored tree (or individual leaf) amidst washed out or dull colors is prettier than an entire "forest" of orange, red, and yellow. Seeing the fall foliage on this trip caused me to be reminded of God's creativity -- even as the leaves whither & die there is an amazing display of color and beauty. When I reach the autumn of my life I want there to be vivid colors displayed of the things God has done through me. He gets the glory. I'm just a branch. (John 15:5) But I want to have color -- and fruit!
More fall color...
Melts in your mouth, not in your hand!
This road trip was made so that we could honor my parents as they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Sixty years is a long time! We "Thompson kids" hosted an open house/party at my parents' church. We counted about 150 people in attendance -- probably an equal "relative to friend ratio."
Take a look at some of the beautiful smiling faces I got to see:
We rounded up 5/9 of the grandkids for a photo op. with the grandparents. If I had amazing photoshop skills, I could add the missing four into the picture.
Dwight & AFMMT
Do these two look related?!
Hooray for cousins!
I was thankful that several friends from high school attended my parents' bash. It was wonderful to catch up with these gals. I promised this trio that I would not post any photos of them on Facebook, but I think it's okay to share this image on my blog. I hope so, any way.Vroom! Vroom!
We also got to visit with my cousin and his family as they were en route to a weekend of drag racing in Tennessee. Their sons took the time to get one of their jr. dragsters out of the trailer to demonstrate just how loud & fast these little cars are. Earplugs are optional.
This is my cousin Gary, his wife, and three sons. Even with the sun grins, they are a handsome fam!
Up on the rooftop reindeer pause...
(Wait! Those aren't reindeer. But it looks like rain, dear.)
While in the Hoosier state, Mr. Smith & Mr. Smith Jr. got to reroof one of my dad's garages and install a new toilet. (Sorry, no pot shots.) My guys love having chores to do.
"Grandpa" had to help, too! None of the womenfolk wanted to climb on the roof, but we happily took photos to document the progress.
On the road again...
We left at 4:45 a.m. EST on the 31st so we could get back to TX in time for Millie to meet up with her friend Katie. These two girlies had plans for dressing up & hitting the neighborhood in search of refined sugary goodness -- the more chocolate, the better. :-0
We opted for coming home through Memphis, so the change of scenery made for a more interesting journey. No matter the route, it still takes fourteen hours to make the trip. I am sure that there is a shortcut somewhere. (Perhaps through the DFW airport?)
We opted for coming home through Memphis, so the change of scenery made for a more interesting journey. No matter the route, it still takes fourteen hours to make the trip. I am sure that there is a shortcut somewhere. (Perhaps through the DFW airport?)
Feelin' Groovy!
Millie decided to dress up as a "hippie," but I think that she looks a lot like I did when I was about her age. I was definitely not a hippie -- just a 1970-ish all-American girl. :-)
Katie described her costume as a "deceased fairy." Not so groovy?
Some of our new neighbors treated us by stopping by.
Too cute!
So there you have it. We have reached the end of the road, and the end of this entry.
Our bags are unpacked and the laundry is washed, folded, & mostly put away. We are back to our "normal" daily routine, but we'll keep the suitcases handy. You simply never know when the urge to go road trippin' will strike.
