Up the Family Tree

 

 

Road Trip

                                      By Judy

It’s the time of year some families consider a spring break trip. Not my family. My husband is an accountant, and our family did not take family trips during spring break. However, we did drive to the mountains one summer. Our van was packed to the top. There was not room for one more pillow or even another can of pop.

“Hey, Dad, don’t worry, I can still see your bald spot if I use my pocket telescope,” my older son shouted from the back seat.

“Thanks, son, I’m glad. We’ll be out of the driveway soon, and you’ll have some different scenery to view,” my husband answered.

“Are we there yet?” my younger son asked as we turned out our driveway onto the highway.

Time passed quickly, and we were soon a good distance from home. “I’m worried, dear,” I said. “We’ve been on the road for an hour, and we haven’t had to stop yet. Do you think the kids are dehydrated? We’ve driven by dozens of dirty bathrooms. Maybe we should look for a doctor in the next town?”

“Oh, Mom, don’t worry. We’re okay. Remember we brought pop and candy with us. We don’t ever have to actually use the bathroom when we stop. We just like to have you buy us stuff. But, I am hungry now. Could you fix me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?” my younger daughter asked.

“No, you are not starving; you can wait. We plan to stop in the town that has the world’s largest hand-dug well, and we’ll eat our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches there,” I said.

“How did the world’s largest whale get to Kansas, Mom? Did it swim here?” my older son asked.

“There are no whales in Kansas, dear. Now, quit being so silly. Sit back and enjoy the trip,” I answered.

“But, Mom, you said we were going to eat our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with a big whale,” my son whined.

“I did? Where did you get such an idea? Oh…I said well, dear, not whale…the world’s largest hand-dug well,” I explained.

“How many more hours, Mom, before we’re there?” my younger son asked.

“What? You mean we’re not going to see a whale? I want to see a whale. When can we see a whale?” my older son cried.

“I’m hungry, please Mom, can I have a sandwich now?” my daughter asked again.

“Mom, are we in Colorado yet?” my younger son asked.

“Mom, will there be a shopping mall near our cabin?” my older daughter asked.

“I wish I could see a whale. It’s not fair I can’t see a whale. That would be really neat,” my older son said.

“Why can’t I have a sandwich now?” my younger daughter nagged.

“Are we there yet?” my younger son echoed himself.

“I want to see a whale.”

“There just has to be a shopping mall. Who wants to see some silly old mountains?”

“Please Mom, I’m really, really, really hungry. Can’t I please, please, please, pretty please have a sandwich now?” came a weak plea from the back of the van.

“Dear, is it too early to get a motel for the night?” I asked my husband. “We’ve all been together for some time now. Perhaps you could take the kids to the pool while I lock myself in the motel room?”

“We are not stopping for the night yet. It’s not even 10:00 A.M.,” my husband said.

The day was long, but finally in the distance I saw a mountain range.

“Look kids, there are the mountains. There’s still snow on top, too.”

“I don’t see a mall.”

“I never did see a whale.”

“Are we out of peanut butter?”

“Now how much longer?”

The week in Colorado was cool, peaceful and relaxing. But T-ball games, swimming lessons, golf games and jobs awaited our return. It was a long sixteen-hour drive home. There were still many questions, and we didn’t see any whales. We bought a fresh loaf of bread and a new jar of peanut butter for the trip home.  No…there is nothing quite like a road trip for family bonding….