We began our drive to Nebraska on May 24th, at approx 8 am. We had hoped to get out by 6am, but we were lucky to get out by 8! Thankfully, my mom and my twin sisters, Mary and JoAnn, came over the day before to help us pack. Without them, we probably would have never gotten out here! The girls helped me and played with the kids, Mom picked us up lunch AND dinner so I wouldn't have to worry about meals, and Mary, Mom & I ran to town to pick up a few last things for the trip and have the kids "Trip Journals" spiral bound, while JoAnn continued to load our iPod
Speaking of the Trip Journals, the kids LOVED them! They spent countless hours working on them during our trip, and enjoyed every minute of it! They will make such nice keepsakes of the trip for them.
This was our 3rd road trip to Nebraska. We were there in 2004 and 2006 for a couple other ordinations as well. This time, we made a few changes... For one, we actually booked hotels along the way. (At least for the first 2 legs of the trip.) This was such a huge help, actually knowing where we would be stopping for the night! In 2006 we ended up driving a straight 36 hours on the way home, and we wanted to make sure we didn't do anything crazy like that this trip! :)
While I am thinking about it, if any of you have a road trip planned, don't miss Tracy's post: On the Road with Little People. I found it very helpful, and used quite a few of her suggestions.
Here are a few last glimpses of our home state:
It was a very cloudy day, but beautiful just the same!
It didn't take long to realize that when traveling with 5 children, there is no such thing as a "quick" bathroom stop! Each time we easily lost 30 minutes, or more, especially if there was a playground near by:
Due to our late start, and our multiple bathroom stops, we were not going to make it to our first destination in time for the evening Mass in town, and so once again, my sister came to our aid, and looked up a few other options for us online. We ended up stopping in Winnemucca, Nevada for Mass at St. Paul's Catholic Church.
Though I didn't care at all for Winnemucca, the church was so beautiful! I especially loved the stained glass windows and altar:
We arrived an hour early, so the children visited the outdoor grotto, and I was even able to make it to Confession.
(In order to recieve a plenary indulgence for assisting at the Mass of a newly Ordained Priest, one must fulfill a number of conditions including going to confession within 8 days of the Mass and Blessing.)
Welcome back Jessica! Take it easy now - seems like it took me two months to catch up after being gone for only two weeks!
ReplyDeleteThank the Lord you arrived back safely!
I can relate to feeling overwhelmed when you get back from a trip. Can't wait to hear more!
ReplyDeleteWhat a trip! What beautiful places you visited. I enjoyed your pictures! Travel bags are a good idea. I'll remember this when we are brave enough to venture out with our four small ones! God bless!
ReplyDeletei cant wait until you get to the 'good' stories ;)
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Why Regina? You have already heard them! :)
ReplyDeleteLOL we don't care for Winnemuca either! That drive through Nevada from Eastern Oregon can be so hard!! But the church looks lovely! And the grotto... how sweet!
ReplyDeleteWinnemucca was actually overflowing with motorcycles when we were there... They were having something called Run-a-mucca that weekend. They were EVERYWHERE! I was glad to get back on the road after Mass. :)
ReplyDeleteThese are all great posts!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite of these pictures are the girls together then all of them, thats soo neat. After all your Horrible/terrifying stories, its nice to see these "good" pictures! haha
Oh yeah, and i'm glad i could help you with the Church haha
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