Unexpected trip events

During the trip to and from Kentucky, we had decided to go sight-seeing, opting for the more scenic routes through the mountains. A couple of times we took the "wrong" roads completely missing our turn-offs. However, they turned out to be to our advantage. Either they were so incredibly beautiful, they were worth the extra time, or they helped us avoid heavy construction according to locals. Needless to say, we really got to see the countryside and found many places to visit.

When we got to Kentucky, we were happy to be resting in our hotel room (well at least after the kids went to sleep finally at midnight!) We all slept in a big king size bed together, which was great! It was so cuddly to be surrounded by all those warm kid bodies snuggling up to me.

The next day, as I was taking some things back to the car, Doug's parents pulled into the parking lot. It was nice to see them, and they arrived at a perfect time. We packed Laila's stuff into their car, and then went upstairs to get adjustments and hang out for a few minutes. Laila was so excited, and hopped right into their car with a big smile on her face.

Then we decided to go to Wholefoods together and get a few trip things, and then to have a picnic lunch at their outdoor tables. As Grandma, Laila and I took Laila to the bathroom, she grabbed ahold of my hand, skirting Grandma. We eyed each other, as if to say "Uh-oh." Then headed back out to the boys, and to the cars. When we got to the car, Laila grabbed ahold of me, and pulled me down to whisper in my ear. "I love you, Mommy. *sniffle, sniffle*" I said, "I love you too, Say goodbye to Daddy and Rogan and Grant." Then Grandma came over to pick her up, she started to whimper, and whispered to Doug "Daddy, I want to stay with you." Then the waterworks came, along with the rain. Laila, Grandma, and I jumped into the back of their car, and Grandpa in the front seat. Laila clutching ahold of me, repeating over and over, "I just want to stay with you, Mommy." Grandma was crying, I was crying a little. They asked us to decide, saying that either way she would cry. Grandpa was protesting (thankfully) saying she is not ready she is too young, we tried. I didn't know what to do, I knew what I wanted to do, just put her back in our car, but feeling really bad for Grandma, and everyone wanting to see her.

Then, my sweet ray of sunshine, Rogan, calls out, "I want to go to Grandma's house! I got my water bottle! Can I go, ppplleeeaassseee!!!!" We all looked at each other, and then asked Laila if she thought Rogan should go, and she said, "Yes, but I don't want to." We all asked each other what we thought, and Grandpa says, "Why not?!" Grandma seemed hesitant because of his age, but I said, "I actually think he will be just fine, better than Laila would." So, I went to the back of the car and scrounged for all his belongings, finding all the "extra undies and shorts and shirts" I brought, "Just in case of accidents." We had a good supply of stuff for him. Then Grandpa says, we can just go to the consignment store or a thrift store and find clothes for him. So, Doug got his car seat out, and put it in their car, and he hopped right in so excited, saying "Bye, Mommy! Bye, Daddy!" We kissed him, shrugged our shoulders all at each other, giggled and said, "See you later!" Then we were all off our separate ways.

He had a wonderful time traveling with them, checking out their house, picking his room, and reading with Grandma, and is having a wonderful and fun first day. He is "Happy as a clam" Grandma and Grandpa report. I am so excited for him!
He really needs this special time on his own.

Though, here we are all feeling the emptiness of him not being here. Laila has cryed a few times, and I have, and Doug got a little choked up in the car. It is such an odd feeling. It is quiet, and more peaceful around here, but I miss the hecticness of him. I don't know how I am going to last through these 10 days. I feel like I am holding my breath, waiting for the phone to beep with his sweet voice on it. I am trying to be happy for him, I know he is having fun, and happy for Grandma and Grandpa. It is so hard though! I have to keep busy.

We had a great time in the smokies yesterday. They are beautiful and the towns are cool, but we just kept saying, we want to bring Rogan here. He would love this too.

I hope this gets easier as the week goes by. Busy, Busy, is what I need to be.