A Little Rock and Roll

Really?



We are in the thick of summer. I keep thinking to myself when I see signs like "Bridge Ices Before Road." How a place so hot, can possible ever be cold enough to ice over. We left Asheville 2 days ago (very reluctantly) and headed toward Memphis (we missed Nashville due to traffic and early nap).


Henry was super excited about the hot air balloon that we saw while getting gas in NC. He has now started to ask for really random things to happen. Then I realize that random things have appeared only now, as he gets older he is remembering them.


I find myself getting into the car first to cool it down for Henry and actually saying "its not that bad, its only 104 right now in the car" instead of the 114 it was the day before when we just jumped out to get ice cream (we are not ever leaving Henry in the car dont worry).


People often comment on how long we are taking on our trip. Sure, its taking a long time but factor in that the two of us are still working 2 full time schedules (just breaking the hours up a lot), catering to Henry's little legs that need to stretch and run around, eat lunch outside of the car and arrive in places before 5 (this is my main goal each drive to get out by 5). Sometimes we drive two days in a row but that means that we stay somewhere for two days so that Henry can reboot and not go totally insane. I also am still recovering from major spinal surgery and a giant blood clot in my leg so I often have to get out and do stretches too. It isnt easy, it is sort of a vacation...its more like we are traveling gypsies only we arent robbing people instead, we are sending large digital files to clients.


Each time we arrive at a hotel or a friends house Henry does two things. He asks to jump on the bed (we ask permission at houses not hotels) then he asks to go swimming. Every hotel has had a pool that we stay at. He seriously loves water. If we stay at a house I promise to take him to the sprinkler the next day, or if its early or cool enough we go that night. Boy loves the sprinklers.

We took a total chance and had Ethiopian food in Memphis. It was super good. Plus I got to meet a long time Livejournal friend of 10 something years. He was just as sweet in real life as I thought he would be. We learned about Graceland Too which we didnt have enough time to see sadly.

The hotel we stayed at in Memphis was pretty terrible but the fact that some gospel awards show was happening made it more amazing. The outfits in the lobby were amazing. I only wish I had brought my camera down to the lobby.




We stopped in Little Rock, for a sprinkler break. There were some seriously weird stores in downtown.

We got back in the car, drove through another insane rainstorm and arrived at the beautiful and peaceful home of Jeremy and Kathleen and were greeted at the door by the adorable Kathleen and Kelly. There was a lovely vegetarian lasagna waiting for us made from all local vegetables. Also Kelly made us the super awesome Strawberry Cream Pie.



Henry is loving the drum set in the room we are staying in. He has also pretty much been introducing himself as Mark from Devo and letting Jeremy and Kathleen know that "cats are great".


Working for a couple of hours while Henry naps. Landing in New Mexico tomorrow and attempting to drive overnight to LA the next day...Lets see how that works out.

Comments

[marlene]

i am loving your current road trip. we just got back from a cross country trip with our 3 year old and our infant. i wish i had found those fountains in asheville!

[Jenna @ sweet fine day]

that first comment cracks me up. i assume it's spam. the fortune is telling you to fly next time.

[Tara At The Sideshow]

It was cool to accidentally meet you at Jeremy and Kathleen's (thanks for letting me in and believing that I was her sister instead of a crazy). Here's to road trips and old-man kids' names.

[Lost Bird Found]

@Tara you know there are also crazy sisters. I was glad to meet you too! Old man names unite!