On the road again

Well, I shouldn't really say, "again", since we haven't actually been "on the road" since last summer. That's probably the longest hiatus my suitcase has taken since I've been married. We're headed to gorgeous Amish country- Pennsylvania, for my grandfather-in-law's funeral. Pa-Pa (pronounced Paw-Paw) finished his life here on earth to join his Savior in Heaven this past Monday. It was expected so there's some relief in situations like that, but sadness as well. He was one of the sweetest old men and I always got about a thousand kisses on the cheek when we were with him. I'll miss his gravelly voice, constant jokes, and lots of hugs. But I'm thrilled we get to go out for the funeral. We always have the best time with Jon's extended family out there. I just love all his cousins and Aunts and Uncles and its been a long time since we've seen them. I'm also so excited for our road trip tomorrow (call me crazy). I guess that has a lot to do with the fact that every year growing up, sometimes twice a year, we'd drive from where ever we were living at the time to Georgia or Florida to visit our family. (Yes, we drove from Canada to Georgia multiple times!). They weren't all fond memories in that van, but it's just a nostalgic part of my childhood. Especially getting to pick out a bunch of candy before the trip and waiting until dark when we couldn't read anymore and scooting up close to the front so we could listen to my dad tell stories "from his mouth".
Here are my favorite things about sitting in the car for hours on end:

• I don't have to do a darn thing, except sit. I'm not one of those stir-crazy women who can't relax until every last dish is done (to my husband's dismay). I love to just sit--and I won't have the slightest guilt that I really should be doing those dishes, or laundry, or cleaning the bathroom...
• And during all that sitting, I get to read as much as my heart desires! My favorite thing to do in the world. It would be perfection if I were sitting on a boat in some body of water somewhere rather than in a van on a highway, but hey, I'll take it.
• I can actually take a nap!
• My boys will be contained. I won't have to check on them every 3 minutes (or less, depending on the noise, or lack thereof).
• My boys will be content (I'm really crossing my fingers on this one!). Bennett gets to watch as many movies as he wants-- his dream come true. And Dawson's still young enough to be lulled to la la land in his car seat.
• The ultimate excuse not to cook. I'm pretty good about getting around that one at home anyway, but again...no guilt involved this time!

We'll see if I'm still this optimistic after two full days in our van! Ok...enough with the procrastinating. I need to go finish packing!