** This thread discusses the Content article:
The Field Trip Across America Officially Begins! **
"Woo-hoo" the boys whooped from the sofa as we rolled down the road.
The adventure had begun. Of course, it was not without a snag or two.
We spent the last week trying desperately to get all of our stuff to
storage. Just when I thought I was winning more stuff would appear.
It was as if our house was protesting our departure, manufacturing
delays, and the weather wasn't cooperating either.
Two days before we were supposed to leave Memphis received its annual snowfall. We usually only get one. Perfect timing. Because it happens so infrequently, the city is not equipped to handle snow, so everything shuts down. Grocery stores run out of staples. Businesses and schools close. People don't drive unless they have to - all over 3 inches of snow and ice. I was a little worried that we wouldn't be able to leave on time. But, as quickly as the snow appeared, it was gone. By the next day it had melted away and we were back on track. Unfortunaltely, our house was still plotting against us. The motorhome was out of propane and we needed more so that we wouldn't freeze overnight. The melted snow had left the ground very soggy and as the Captain backed out of the driveway it gave way leaving a big sinkhole. Lovely.
The next morning was D-Day - departure day. We planned to go to church and leave town after lunch with some friends. The night before we were up tending to final housekeeping details until 3am. (we the parents - not the children) We were exhausted. That's when the house sensed our weakness and made its final plea for us to stay. The motorhome had been plugged into the house for power. When we started rolling to church we were still plugged in. (sneaky) The garage door squealed in pain as it was warped by the massive power cord and the floor of the storage compartment in the motorhome was ripped open. ARRRRRGG! So what did we do? Give up? Cry? (I considered it) Throw eggs at our house?
No. We kept going.
After the church service, and lots of praying, we loaded up about 15 of our boys' closest friends into the motorhome for a joyride to Arby's. They were everywhere...on the bunk beds, the dining chairs, the sofa, the ottoman. Wherever they'd fit. And loud? Wow! I heard a rumor that their parents were going to ditch us, but thankfully everyone showed up and we packed the restaurant. Our last supper
Ok, our last lunch. We really enjoyed visiting with everyone. They all got tours of our new home and we got everyone's contact information. From there we made one last stop at the storage facility, loaded the van on the dolly, and hit the road. It actually happened!
To our friends, I'd like to say, "Thanks for everything! We couldn't have done it without you." To our readers, "Welcome aboard. We hope you enjoy the trip," and to our house, "You lose!"
