Home James Home

It's a saying my mom always used to say, "we're home James, home" to no one in particular.  As kids, we just knew it meant home.  Now, whenever I get off that plane in Seattle or drive into the likes of Ellensburg Washington, I feel it...I know it. Home James, home.

It's a weird feeling.  Loving a place so much, yet not wanting to physically live there.  I enjoyed growing up and spending my younger years as a country girl; barrel racing and camping, hiking or just mudding up in the hills in someone's truck.  There's memories that have been made there that are priceless; however, those days are over.  I've moved on with my life.  I've grown up, made a family, made a life in Colorado. Those old days will never be mine again; however...I sure do enjoy the visits!  Every small town girl looks forward to getting back to her roots...

Tomorrow we start our 17-hour trek to Ellensburg Washington for labor day weekend.  The Ellensburg Rodeo is one to be talked about, and I'm excited for my kids to get to experience that and the fair that I spent so many years enjoying myself.  Showing them the barn animals, letting them watch the roping and bull riding, eating the oh-so-yummy but super unhealthy fair food.  Riding the ferris wheel.  And of course, enjoying adult beverages behind the chutes while my children are cared for by Grandma.

Until then, I pack, I clean...I stress as I prepare for this long road-trip with two young kids and no hubby to help.  I try to look at it as an adventure, but experience has taught me otherwise.  Hey, even "the glass is half-full" girls have to be realistic sometimes!  The prize at the end of the journey is a tall glass (or bottle) of wine, some  relaxation...and great memories to be made.  I'll have finally made it home James, home. ~Trina

Road Tripping With Your Kids Without the Strife ~ Guest Post

Family road trips are the quintessential way to spend summer vacation. The weather’s warm, the road is open, and you and your kids are itching to get out of town. If you and your spouse are able to take a few weeks off from work this summer, you might be planning to spend them on the road with your kids. Road trips can be a whole lot of fun, but they are hardly ever perfect. Kids will be kids, and circumstances like car trouble do happen. Plus, a long trip in the car means a lot more family togetherness than you’re probably all used to. So, how do you road trip with your family and lose the strife? Here are some pointers:

1. Pack thoughtfully – Too many parents wait until the last minute before a road trip to pack. They shove all of their clothes in suitcases and then shove those suitcases in the back of the car and hit the road. An hour into the drive, they realize how useful it would have been to bring along some toys and other forms of entertainment for the kids. Kids get bored on road trips, and that’s a plain and simple fact. So, spend some time packing a few of their toys, and pack outfits for them based on the weather forecast of your destination.

2. Give everybody chances to stretch their legs – You and your kids are more likely to get grumpy and tired if you don’t stop every now and then and stretch your legs. It’s generally a good idea to stop every 2 or 3 hours to give everyone in the family a chance to get out of the car and stretch their legs and use the bathroom if necessary. Stopping will slow you down a little bit, but it can work wonders in terms of everybody’s moods.

3. Anticipate roadblocks – You may get a flat tire or your transmission may go out, of the driver may take a wrong turn somewhere. Things like this happen on road trips. So, don’t sweat it. There’ll be a mechanic down the road to help out, and the navigation feature on your phone will help you get back on the right track if you’re lost. As long as you do everything you can to keep your family safe on the road trip, chances are, you’ll stay safe and happy.

So, consider the three tips above, and have a memorable trip with your family. Your kids will never forget the family trips they took with you, so make fun your priority!

Author’s Bio: Logan is a guest blogger on the subjects of traveling with kids, traveling with pets, and when to consider your jet charter options.