A Good Omelet: Are We There Yet?

This past Saturday, Chris, Maisey, Marley and I started the the first leg of our trip to Colorado for a backpacking/hiking vacation on the Rainbow Trail with my parents. We traveled to Shawnee, Kansas where Dad and Mom live and promptly began the preparation for the adventure. The garage was transformed into Camping Central as Dad "built" the "staging area" using two saw horses and a fine piece of plywood. We started with backpack and sleeping bag inspection followed by an inventory of tools and cooking gear. When that task was complete, the four lists we had all made of things still needed was compiled into one master list, and all six of us piled into the 15 passenger van (how roomy!) to make the pilgrimage to Wal-Mart. We actually escaped from Wal-Mart not having purchased more than seven items that weren't on the list. That's amazing!

When we got back to Dad and Mom's, we rationed the food to put in our packs. Here's what we'll be dining on while on the trail:

We also rationed out Off! wipes and Wet Ones and we each got a rain poncho. Even Maisey and Marley have their own little backpacks to help carry the load. But I have a hunch that we won't get too far before the contents of their backpacks, and probably the backpacks themselves, will end up in our packs. I predict a "it's too heavy, Mommy" complaint about 100 yards up the trail!

Sunday after church, we double checked that we had all supplies, food, clothing, etc., loaded up the van, and hit the road. Mom leaned up and asked me, "I wonder who will be the first to ask 'Are we there yet?'" It was Marley who broke the silence--not 10 minutes after Mom's query. Her unintentional comedic timing is genius.

I am so looking forward to this road trip with my family. So much fun has already been had in these past hours as we have recounted stories from times past. Maisey and Marley have provided comic relief with made-up jokes and phrases that can only come from the mouths of 5 and 7 year olds. Mom and I have cried our eyes out watching episodes of Little House on the Prairie. Chris has enjoyed sitting shotgun and talking to Dad about things ranging from ministry to farming. Dad has taught the value of a serendipitous stop versus the itinerary, allowing us to visit a giant sculpture of Buffalo Bill (gotta love Americana!)