Joy in the Journey

And, so we left last Tuesday evening after Erik got off work and began our 12 hour drive to Orlando for Christmas with Erik's family. Yes, we drove 12 hours with four children five years old and under, yes, yes, we did.

The trip started out well. Erik called it "an adventure." And, that is exactly what it was. We stopped by Chick fil a for dinner, and we were on our way! But something happened somewhere in the middle of Alabama. . . something unexpected. . .

Vomit.

Don't you hate that? Out of nowhere Elijah throws up all over his pjs & his car seat. And, Erik and I just look at each other like, "You're kidding, right? That didn't just happen?" But, oh, oh, yes it did! And, there was like no place to stop for at least 20 minutes. So, the poor child just sat there with big blue eyes filled with tears, while we searched the exits for a gas station. Finally we found one, and we did our best to clean him up. Or, to be quite honest, Erik did his best to clean him up, because he is the best husband/father on the planet. Hands down.

As the boys were getting out of the van at the gas station to go with me to the restroom, Joshua yells from the third row, "OOOhhhh Gross! JCT poo pooed in his car seat!" And, once again Erik and I looked at each other like, "You're kidding right? He didn't just say that?" But, thankfully after further investigation, the supposed poo poo was only a chicken nugget from dinner that had fallen behind, literally!

We drove about halfway, and then stopped at a hotel. This was really quite fun! The boys were so excited! And, they all slept great! No more vomit!! Hurray!

Here they are in the morning before we started on our way once again. . .


We visited some friends in Ocala (Hi, Karen!), and then headed on to Orlando. We had a very restful, wonderful visit with family.

Erik Daniel enjoyed meaningful conversation with his Pop. . .

These pictures were just too cute! I had to include them both!!

We began Christmas by Pop reading the Christmas story from the Children's Message Bible. . .

He is holding the newest member of our family sweet Ella Faith!

Then, lots of presents were given and received ~ imagine 8 kids and 6 adults!

Thankfully, the vomiting episode was a fluke! And, the trip was a lot of fun! The way home we drove the 12 hours all in one day. It was a long day! When we were a mere 30 minutes from home 3 out of our 4 children began to melt down. Erik and I just looked at each other and smiled. Because, honestly, what else can you do when you are trapped in a small place with 3 screaming children, but laugh. . .

Especially when you have been driving all day, and you are almost home. . .