Ahhhhh, summer. Long days, balmy nights of full moons and mosquitos. Lightning bugs, greasy sunscreen and slurpees. Time to run through a sprinkler, grill lots of burgers and wear flip-flops. Time to pack away the sweaters and the school books and pack for a roadtrip. Roadtrip. The word used to sparkle with possibility, evoking visions of the open road, random fun stops at quirky landmarks, favorite snacks and lots of laughter. Fun destinations, freedom! I say “used to.” Now as a mother of 4, the word Roadtrip hovers like a foreboding raincloud, overwhelming in its dreadedness. I have disturbing visions of screaming 2 year olds, poopie blowouts in car-seats and fossilized cheerios embedded in the minivan carpet. I imagine arriving exhausted with a car of cranky children and the grim determination to make this trip worth it.
The contrast between Roadtrip now and Roadtrip then…. hysterical. Think first of the time factor. College Roadtripping could begin on the whim of a moment and 30 minutes or less later I could be on the road, ready for adventure with a full tank of gas. Sometimes it was just a matter of veering left on the interstate and changing my plans in an instant. “Forget my 8 o’clock. Let’s go to the beach. Woooo Hoooooo!” Fast forward ten years and four little progenies later and a Roadtrip requires the preparation only comparable to a military operation. Location determined, lists of lists carefully itemized, supplies acquired, route mapped, and van strategically packed for total accessibility and ease of transport. “We will be leaving in 4.6 days with approximately 200 lbs. of luggage. ETD 4:32 a.m.
This matter of spontaneity ties in closely with the matter of packing. Throw a change of clothes and a swimsuit in a bag and I was ready to go. Toothbrush optional. Now we pack forecast-weather-appropriate coordinated outfits for 4 children and two adults, plus a full regimen of in-car entertainment, a fully stocked medicine cabinet bag, and a portable toilet for roadside emergencies. Not to mention the furniture required: pack n’plays and booster seats and, possibly, swingy and/or jumpy seats. There is great joy to be found when travelling to a kid occupied house that already has such items for your use.
