Blasting Off

We’re packing up the minivan of coolness and heading to the in-laws tomorrow. They live near Pittsburgh. I love the ‘burgh. I feel a bit like I’m in a sitcom there with all the rabid sports fans and mullets. It’s a refreshing change of pace from DC which is a town that can take its conservative self a bit too seriously.

Plus we have big plans - the highlight for my son is grandpa’s golf cart and I’m a little overly excited about the fantastic outlet mall there. I will definitely be feeding my new found shopping addiction this weekend. We’re also planning a visit to a little local zoo where the kiddos can feed the animals and experience an old school petting zoo. I’m post some photos when we return if I get some good ones.

We have the only grandkids on my husband’s side so his family is always grateful for a grandbaby fix, even if we invade their house with enough supplies for an army of toddlers. It truly is amazing how much stuff we end up hauling along with two small kids. I’m excited to move past portable cribs and diapers. I realize that I am contributing to the over packing, but I just can’t help myself. With two little people there are just so many “what ifs” and I like to be prepared.

Anyway, we’re just about ready to go. I bought glow sticks to play with during the fireworks, craft projects to keep the boy out of mischief in a non-childproofed house, stocked on snacks and picked up “Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator” on CD from the library to listen during the 5 hour drive. (We had really good luck with “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory during a previous road trip so hopefully the sequel will entertain the troops as well.)

A good time should be had by all.

To my American friends, enjoy the 4th of July. I hope it’s filled with friends, family, food and, of course, fireworks! To everybody else, have a great summer weekend packed with everything good.