Twelve Hundred Miles

I put over 1200 miles on my mom van last week. The purpose of the first leg of the trip was to pick up the oldest at camp. The rest of the trip was full of friends and family. And water.  LOTS of water.

Road trips are second nature for me now. I’ve been driving back and forth from Louisiana to Texas for 7 years (as of this weekend) and I still cannot always find a pair of sunglasses in my purse or even on the driver’s seat, after that third bathroom break on the 7-hour-ish journey. Over the course of the trip and the stops, and the sleeping in other people’s houses and hotels and cottages, the van becomes a virtual cesspool of snack attacks, fast food cups and electronic devices. But even so, my kids are EXCELLENT travelers. Perhaps because they have all been doing this since they were pretty young. Or maybe because there is a God. Either way, I am thankful.

Here are 10 things we enjoyed during our 1200 miles. There’s a math problem in there somewhere…

The TX/LA border

This time we crossed over past Shreveport, me and the two younger kiddos, on the way to get their big bro from camp. The border is a big deal to me for some reason, even though I’ve been back and forth SO many times. It still symbolizes so much for me. Two homes. Two families. Two places that hold my heart.

 

Camp El Tesoro

After two weeks my kid was tan and tired. But he still did not want to leave. I enjoyed listening to all he did in the time he was gone, about his activities, his friends, etc., on the way to spend the weekend with our good friends in the area. I never went to summer camp so I think it’s really cool that he is able to have this experience each year.

 

Our friends’ house with a pool

Our good friends in Arlington moved into a different house with a pool. Best decision ever! Plus, it was really good to see them.

 

The Perot Museum – Dallas

I have wanted to visit this museum since it opened a few years ago and we got a wild hair and went on Sunday. I was immediately impressed with the architecture and the kids had a great time. There are many interactive exhibits and even a T-REX!! Pays to have big bucks and open a museum. 😉

 

 

Magnolia Market – Waco

This was a completely spontaneous stop. We were already a bit late getting on the road from Arlington to Austin but Ben and I did not care! Ha! We both wanted to see the place that Chip and Joanna built since we are big fans of the show Fixer Upper. I bought a t-shirt and a candle that smells like Heaven. Then we got back on the road.

Schlitterbahn, New Braunfels, TX

(primarily the “old school” side) – Pretty much my favorite part of the trip, taking my kids to the waterpark where I spent many great times as a kid and teenager. It’s changed somewhat but it’s still so fun. And now I am more than old enough to enjoy the pool bar. Yay!

 

The Hill Country Cottages

I happened upon these places while looking for somewhere to stay near New Braunfels and they were perfect! It’s an R.V. park but also has several cottages (I am calling them “tiny houses”) on the property.  The amenities were great – two pools, a game room, smores-making, movies outside at night, a kids play area with a cool trampoline thing…

 

Coopers BBQ

Possibly THE best brisket I have ever tasted. And I’ve tasted a lot. Unfortunately I ate it too fast for a picture. SO good!!

 

Poth/Dewees, TX

These are the places where my father grew up and still has a family farm with my uncles. I had not been there in many years or ever taken the kids, so I wanted them to see where I spent time as a child. It has changed a lot since I was a kid, including the oil well pictured. However, in my head, it is still the same place. The place where we picked pecans, fed cattle and enjoyed family time with my aunts, uncles and cousins. We also visited the graves of my grandparents. Sadly, I do not remember my grandfather since he passed away when I was three. But my grandmother Annie Hosek, the matriarch for many years, she was a real gem. I still miss her. An excellent cook, strong-willed, full of heart. As we passed by the Catholic church where we always went WAY too early to mass (in a child’s opinion) I could see her sitting in the pew, praying her rosary.

 

The LEGO store

The yellow-brick road led here, apparently. We ended up spending our last night in Houston because I just COULD NOT drive anymore that day. And well, the LEGO store in the Houston Galleria (along with the Athleta store for Mom me) was simply irresistible.

 

So, as you can see, we packed a lot in during one week! The van survived and don’t worry, so did I. I forgot to mention that we did spend one night in Austin and during that time saw 2/3 of my brothers and their kids. My kids sure love their cousins! It’s really cute to watch. Now if all the people from Austin who promised me that they would come see me here (wink, wink family members) actually do it, I’ll be set!

Happy Summer, hope your vacation is full of less car crumbs than mine! 🙂