Christmas Road Trip

Day 1: Grand Rapids - Springfield, MO We're off on another road trip. Maybe our last "big" one as Colin will most likely be going to college in the fall. I love road trips. The open country with highways and byways stretching endlessly before us. So many possibilities. So many different places people call "home". I love having my family all in one place. Sure, we have our moments of bickering and the normal family "stuff" but for the most part we're content to be together ready for new adventures.

 Our destination is California and Christmas with some very good friends willing to open their home and Christmas to 6 other people. What started out as a crazy idea is now a reality. We may be crazy but we're having fun and making memories.

 Today we pulled out at 5:45 a.m. (5:00 was the goal so that's not too bad for the McFam) The weather outside was frightful when we left. Sleeting and wind gusts up to 60 mph made for some treacherous driving, especially in the big rig. The weather cleared in Illinois but the wind remained scary strong. We lunched in St. Louis at the arch before taking the tram ride to the top. We had beautiful views and those who do not like heights or closed in spaces actually did OK. We had fun walking around the park being goofy. Nothing warmed my heart more than big brother giving his only slightly younger sister a piggy back ride.

That's the beauty of road trips. They free us from every day, too busy life and allow us to play and enjoy each other again. Home for the night is a hotel in Springfield, MO. We're tired but our hearts are full. Tomorrow we add Christmas lights to the van - interior festive illumination. For now, it's time to rest all snug in our beds, cozy & warm.