Family Road Trip

Left Newman Grove shortly after 7am Wednesday morning. I woke up to my 5:30am alarm and got a little workout in before we hit the road. Felt good. First day I had done that since I've been back. Wake up early and workout right away. 

We met up in Columbus at Uncle Ron and Aunt Kristin's house, where we all piled into this big van here that Uncle Ron recently acquired  Boschen family road trip - Granny B, Uncle Ron, Aunt Kristin, Mom, Dad, and my brother. This was something Mom, Aunt Kristin, and I decided would be fun to do. A family road trip down to Texas for cousin Seth's wedding. No sense taking different vehicles, and boy have we been having a good time so far.

Inside the '97 van. The TV doesn't work, but we don't need it. Plenty of entertainment without it.

Headed straight south, made a few pit stops, and then decided it was time for some lunch. Pulled into th Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q. Place with lots of charcter and some good food. I didn't order anything and just ate some sides from everyone else's plates. Plenty of food for all of us.

Sheldon fell asleep for a while. He has a light switch he just turns off in his brain and can fall asleep like nothing. I even nodded off for a while. I only got about 5 hours of sleep the night before.

Once we were in Oklahoma, I kept talking about how we should stop at a Braum's for some ice cream. Mmm mmm. I love me some ice cream. First time I had this stuff was on my way to a science fair in Stillwater, OK back during sophomore year of high school. Actually don't even recall being to one since, now that I think about it. Good and fun stop.

Realized while we were on the road that somehow my family of four all managed to wear something red. Real family road trip right here. haha So, we had to take a photo. Finally set up the timer when we had settled into our hotel room in Ardmore, OK. We didn't have any particular destination in mind for Wednesday night. Just wherever we happened to be around dinner time, we decided to call it a day.

Sheldon and I did a little 15-minute cardio abs workout, and Mom even joined in for parts of it. Off to dinner/supper we went at Two Frogs, a tiny tiny walk from our hotel. Great place to hang out for the night. Guitars signed by artists all along the wall, a super friendly waitress, and a nice atmosphere.

Dad ordered some fried mushrooms for a little appetizer.

I wasn't super hungry, and my attention was grabbed by some apple dumplings on the menu. Oh boy was that yummy. Never had anything quite like it before. I also munched on a few sides from others' plates.

So, I usually drink a decent amount of water with any meal I have. It just so happens that these glasses were mostly full with ice when we started, so the waitress probably filled my glass about 6 or 7 times. Then, here she comes with this 40 oz. mug for me. hahaha. Awesome and hilarious!

Went back to the hotel, and I convinced my mom to join me for a little walk. It was about 7:45 or 8pm, and I didn't want to just sit. Needed to use up some of the calories consumed during the day. After a little walk around a residential area, I decided to head into the fitness room and run a mile on the treadmill. Felt good to sweat a little. Finally, Dad, Sheldon, and I spent a little time in the pool and hot tub before calling it a night. I had a little fun playing with some photos while I sat there letting my sweat drip. This one reminds me of something I've seen in a movie.

Woke up at 6am, and Mom joined me for another walk. We walked at a much brisker pace Thursday morning. Great way to start the day followed by a healthy continental breakfast. I love breakfast! :-)

Loaded back up the van. Aunt Kristin looked pretty cute next to our cart full of luggage. Managed to get it all back in there in even better fashion than the day before.

Stopped at a quick shop quick as I requested looking for a few postcards, and Uncle
Ron cleaned off our windshield before our departure for the day.

Down the road we went, drove in a few circles in Dallas, and further South we went. Pulled into Fairfield, TX for lunch/dinner at a diner. I love diners! Always a fun atmosphere and plenty of choices for food.

 Uncle Ron had fajitas, Dad - a club sandwich, Grandma - a burger, Aunt Kristin - a sandwich, me -  pancakes, Mom - an enchilada, and Sheldon - a buffalo chicken sandwich (the best he's ever had mind you). I also enjoyed a yummy milkshake. Just something I think of when I think about a diner.

Here's brother and I by the van after a fun lunch in Oklahoma.

Straight on through to The Woodlands, TX we went. This is our final destination for the journey. Cousin Seth is marrying Kathryn Hearn in Magnolia, TX (a bit further North), and the reception is being held in The Woodlands. The heat sure is drier down south. I can feel it on my face. Rather warm, and it is a tad weird for me experiencing such dryness again after living in humidity 11 month straight.

Seth was there to greet us, as well as Cousin Andrew, Uncle George, and Cousin Cassidy. All the Boschens are officially in town. Who's ready for a wedding in a few days? :-)

This is Aunt Kristin with the boys - Sheldon, Andrew, and Seth.

Aunt Kristin, Mom, and I walked over to the Wal-Mart right next to the hotel to pick up a few things to stick in a fridge. My first time in a Wal-Mart since last summer. I wasn't overwhelmed or anything. I've heard people say that, but maybe it was I knew exactly what we were looking for. I found a 4-pack of some old-fashioned root beer. I've been thinking for the past few days one of those would taste pretty good while in Texas tonight. It's chilling in the fridge now as I sit at the desk in the hotel room writing my journal for the past few days. I meant to get on last night, but the day was way over before I knew it. More chill time in the hotel today. Not sure what else will come of my night, but going to head and chat with Granny B and Mom for a little while at least. Hope you all have a great Friday!