Roadtrippin'

So over the break before fifth quarter started (that's right-- fifth quarter-- Derek is officially a second year med school student), Derek and Avril flew out to Boise to see his family and bring this sweet little ride back. Now, naturally, Avril loved flying on the big airplane with Daddy. She felt so important. Up until now, in her memory, she's only experienced other people coming and going on airplanes--- Grandmas, cousins, Mommy's friends, aunts, uncles... Now, she can number herself in the ranks of those who ride in airplanes. Just getting ready for her trip, she felt pretty important. She packed her little purple backpack full of all the most important things she was sure to need on her trip-- pen lids, nail clippers, doll shoes, paperclips, about three miniature stuffed animals, Candyland movement pieces (you know, the little Gingerbread men. She calls them "manager guys". At least I think that's what she's saying.). When she was finally ready, we put all her stuff together and got ready to leave in the semi-darkness of the pre-dawn-- yes. We left K-ville at 3:30am. Ew.

Anyway, the week was naturally spent (for Derek) immersed in the world of Magic the Gathering, dueling and battling with his fellow wizards, his brothers. They also discovered a marvelous new version of Dungeons and Dragons--- D&D Miniatures! You get actual pieces premade and do battle with them on the table. Yes, they loved it. My nerdy husband and his brothers have found meaning in life. In fact, I was told that I would be provided with my own starter set of Miniatures, but I have yet to see evidence of this. So far it has been just a lot of fast talk and empty promises.

For Avril, the week was spent being inundated into the world of Spoiling Grandma without the balancing (aka "naughty") influence of The Mom. This translates into movies (she learned all about the Little Mermaid and her "naughty" daddy) galore, candy, any kind of yummy sugary cereal she wanted, toys, dolls, clothes, books, swimming, etc. And she got to spend time with her cute little cousin, Izabel. Apparently, they had a great time, and I have photographic evidence, but it's not available digitally. So... too bad for you.

The horrible drive back also allowed for a well-stocked fun trip for her. Grandma bought her a roadtrip care package: new Disney Princess dolls, books, stickers, coloring book, My Pretty Ponies, candy, goldfish and treats. I think she was in heaven. Derek and Weston, however, pretty much wanted to die. A twenty-four hour straight-shot drive across the country always drains the will to live. Especially when there's no A/C and no cruise control. And especially when you run out of gas 15 miles outside Laramie, Wyoming and no tow trucks are willing to come at 1am. Fortunately, highway patrol came along and gave them a ride back to Laramie and they wound up delayed a mere 45 minutes. Not too bad, all things considered.
They rolled into town Sunday (the 2nd) afternoon, just in time for Weston to get rested up for another horrible day of traveling all day Monday, this time by plane. Read: sick layovers. Thanks for the awesome scheduling, Kirksville Regional Airport. (Does the sarcasm come through? Do I need to add something else to convey it better?)