It just wouldn't be a Hein family event if there weren't throw up involved. Friends, please don't judge me for taking this selfie. We just have to laugh our way through these days... or at least someday we will look back and laugh, right?
We left for our family road trip at 5:30 a.m. In the dark I woke up Donovan first who sprung right out of bed, looked at his watch and proclaimed that we were a bit behind schedule. Next was the girls' room. With a bit of a back rub and then repeated wake up reminders, Emmerson shook her head and pulled the covers up over her face to prolong the inevitable early morning wake up call. Taylor with the sleepiest face of all still managed to roll out of bed and jump up and down shouting excitedly that our trip to Gram's was finally here!
And on the road we went. We got to Orange County before Emmerson proclaimed that her tummy hurt. We quickly scoured the truck for a bag just in time for round one. Car sick.
We pulled off the freeway to clean up the situation and while we sat, the only car in a lovely Christmas decorated shopping center, Donovan hustled his way out of the truck and into the bushes in the parking lot median to take his first turn for the day.
And so there we were: 7 hours of a car ride to go, with two car sick, over tired kids, one easy going three year old and an old dog along for the ride.
This picture was taken on the Grapevine where we still had 5.5 hours to go and Emmerson was about to throw up for the third time, Donovan mid-second go.
It. was. a. long. drive.
Dustin pulled off at a rest stop where he and I both took a turn using the potty and cleaning out the truck. Taylor convincingly assured us that she did not have to use the potty. And then we got back on the freeway to which Taylor decided, "actually I doooo have to go to the potty." So off the freeway we went again, this time with no bathrooms in sight, so into the dirt she went.
I was momming so hard all day long and I was exhausted by the time we got to Gram's.
The fragrant smell of wood burning fireplaces filled the cold Northern California air as we arrived and just like that, all of my stresses of the day, melted away.
The kiddos all took a nice, hot bubble bath and got into their Christmas jammies courtesy of the sweetest Grammie ever, and everyone felt completely restored.
That first night was a tired blur. We ate delicious soup and fell asleep early in our cozy beds.
Sunday, everyone woke up early ready for the day ahead. We watched church online and played outside in the yard.
Donovan and I took a brisk, morning walk around the neighborhood that we've missed so much.
Grammie's backyard feels magical to these little ones. They always create adventures back here.
Sunday afternoon Oma and Grampie arrived! They were on a little adventure of their own this week and found themselves in perfect timing to spend an evening with us here in Sacramento.
Nothing better than having both sets of grandparents together to spoil you like crazy.
We took a walk through my favorite neighborhood in town.
This truly is my happy place.
Sunday night, Grammie surprised us with a German feast. I have never had German food before. It was so much fun!
We played Oktoberfest music (Thanks, Alexa) and shared an amazing bottle of wine. (Thanks, Dad).
After dinner we changed into our jammies. Mom and I were unexpectedly twinning. Then it was time for Hallmark movies and apple strudels for dessert.
Monday morning, Donovan and I were off for a morning walk ritual. Oma joined us this time.
The colors of the neighborhood are simply stunning.
Mid day, Oma and Grampie were off for the next leg of their trip. We waved goodbye and then got right back to vacation mode. The boys and I played pickleball while Gram prepared Christmas cookies with all the fixings to decorate.
Ahhhh... this is vacation at its finest. I am so very thankful for these days.
More to come. Wishing each of you a restful week full of gratitude.
xoxo
