The weekend in as few words as possible:
Packed the car with drinks for everyone and activities (box of polly pockets on the floor, cds, and my computer tucked into my bag)
Took only what I thought was necessary which ended up being quite a bit (and managed to forget a sweater for myself and Ryan – note to self: Pittsburgh is still cold this time of year)
Should I give a prize to the person who can name the most things in the picture?
Drove through a lot of these listening to books on CD – the girls’ new favorite was “The Secret Garden”. We all loved it. I haven’t read it for so long I couldn’t remember all of it. The girls were sad when it was over so I suggested drawing pictures of what they heard. We talked about main characters and who was our favorite. A real life-saver let me tell you. I’ll definitely be getting more books on CD for future drives.
Ryan coloring. He doesn’t like looking at the book, just scribbles like crazy. As long as it keeps him busy I don’t care!! He was happy for 3 of the 4 hours.
We finally arrived and sat in quite a bit of traffic. I need to remember not to arrive at 6 pm. on a Friday night.
Hit Bella Norte Pizzeria at the Strip for dinner. I thought it was delicious. Henry thought it was okay.
Woke up Saturday and drove around with a realtor for 3 hours. She left us at the end in the town of Marshall at the mother of all playgrounds with our picnic lunch.
These two could be found here for most the time:
After we tired the kids out, we took a long drive and let them fall asleep. We followed these sign for at least 30 minutes.
When we finally found Liberty Hills I laughed my head off. It’s an active adult community. My husband and I have a history with trying to live at these things well before our time…. Henry asked me again how old you have to be to qualify!
Woke up Sunday to dreary rain. Ryan didn’t sleep well Saturday night… he has a lot of congestion and coughing that’s keeping him (and me) up. So no pictures of Sunday. It was a lot more of the same – driving to different neighborhoods to get a feel of them – with a morning church service thrown in. Then a tiring drive back with the kids. Think it took more like five hours on the way back… first had to turn around about 5 minutes out of the city to get Ryan’s enalapril that I left in Henry’s fridge, then took a scenic detour to get back out of the city, then potty breaks and gas and dinner run (on the way up we did not have to stop once!). Ryan slept for about an hour but fussed the rest of the way… he is sooooo sick of the car. I don’t blame him, he’s only two. I was so glad to be home. I would’ve taken after pictures of the car, but it was too dark. Just imagine sleeping kids with Mr. Potato Head pieces all over the books which were coving the floor with McDonald’s food wrappers and empty water bottles scattered on top. And my front seat with trash and papers spilling out of my bags and all over the floor. It looked like we’d been driving for days!
Whew! And we didn’t find a house so this isn’t our last trip! Agh!
(c) 2016 Leighann Marquiss
Comments (9)
Awww. Praying the Lord directs your steps to the right house. 2 yr old and a long car ride do not mix so well….
I love that picture of Ainsley laughing. So cute!!!
I’m so sorry you didn’t find a house ;( I’ll be praying.
I loved that you guys ended up in a retirement village haha I laughed out loud by myself in my apt.
Knob Hill Playground! We used to take our littles there every Sat. morning! We like it because there is only one way in and way out to the actual playground.
If you move to the Northern suburbs, I can fill you in on some other good playgrounds, too.
Also, we are in the Pine-Richland School District and we love it.
Heather
One of our family’s favorite books on tape was James Howe’s “The Celery Stalks at Midnight” and “Howliday Inn”. If you had pets it would make them even more funny, but your girls are the right ages for them. Good luck with the search and the move. It’s a big challenge but you’re up to it! I have confidence in you!
I’ve had it on good authority (Willa) that you’re up to it! 🙂
Beverly – Ohio
wow…that sounds…fun and crazy and hard…
yes – the northern suburbs are the way to go! my husband and i both grew up in the north hills and though we are city folk now (due to the proximity to all of the services we use for wyatt) it would be our locale of choice, should we ever have to move….
pine richland is a great SD, as are just about most of the northern districts. and it is very easy to get to children’s hospital, children’s institute and all of the other fine places we visit frequently.
alot of unsolicited advice….let me know if i can be of any help!
– leah
Send those kids out here on a plane and I’ll give you a month’s break. I think you could use it. Love, Marmi
@Leah – how do I find you? Your email is not generated in your profile… email me if you want.
@Beverly – Thanks for the book suggestions, I’m headed to the library tomorrow to see if I can find more for this weekend. I’ll see if they have either of the ones you suggested.
Awww I was hoping you would find a house! But don’t be discouraged hon…it will happen soon.
You are a brave girl driving the kids that far by yourself. But it looks like you had it under control! And God was with you!
Hope the next trip goes well.
I enjoyed the pictures.
Love, Linda