31 hours to Texas.
26 hours to return. (we didn't go home the way we went.)
Sunday was the worst day of the entire trip.
Don't ask. No, really, you most emphatically do NOT want to know. It was really brutal - and it was the day with the least amount of driving. I cried twice - and I NEVER CRY.
The whole trip was worth it, though, for sights like these:
Diaper babies (shhhh - don't tell the Coast Guard, but if you wear a life jacket on your bum, you will float like you are in a seat. The things your Grandpa teaches you...)
Psst - my SON wishes me to tell you that I did NOT take these pictures. No. I didn't, because I DON'T HAVE A CAMERA ANYMORE. My step mom took the top two and my SON took the rest. Except that *I* took the one of him with my dad - but with HIS camera.
Happy now????
Great pics. It looks like a great vacation.
Posted by: kyooty | July 18, 2011 at 11:04 PM
Glad you guys made it back home safely.
Every time I think about your camera, I get all sad panda on the inside.
Posted by: Bridget | July 19, 2011 at 12:22 AM
I love the top 2. They are awesome!
Posted by: Headless Mom | July 19, 2011 at 01:14 AM
The first one is PRICELESS. Seriously I mean it is perfect. So natural and relaxed.
Posted by: Penny | July 19, 2011 at 08:35 AM
Look at all the memories you made for you, your kids and your parents. How wonderful. Even the bad parts!
Posted by: bama Cheryl | July 19, 2011 at 09:41 AM
I am glad to hear I'm not the only one who's had a harrowing too long trip this summer. Glad you made it home in one piece, and you look great!
Posted by: Angie | July 19, 2011 at 09:58 AM
Happy to hear y'all made it home safely. The pictures are awesome! I thought we were the only ones who taught our kids to target practice with a bow and arrow! *g*
Hope y'all are settling in at home nicely!
Posted by: Brandy | July 19, 2011 at 02:27 PM
Welcome back!
Posted by: Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith | July 19, 2011 at 06:12 PM
so wonderful!
Posted by: Lisa | July 19, 2011 at 06:54 PM
Lovely pictures no matter who took them! Thanks for sharing your vacation with us.
Posted by: addy | July 19, 2011 at 10:50 PM
Wonderful pics, esp with your Dad. Your hair looks FABULOUS!
Posted by: sabz | July 20, 2011 at 12:33 AM
I have loved hearing about your trip: your bravery at taking it on; the joys - and pain - of a long trip with all your kids; your happiness at spending time with good friends and your Dad; and feeling I've shared a little bit in the memories you have made with your kids.
The photos are gorgeous; my favourite is the one of you all on the steps, but they are all great.
If it doesn't sound patronising (and it's certainly not meant to be), I am so proud of you for making such a big adventure happen for your kids, even when it was really tough for you. I hope you are happy with your memories of it; I'm sure your kids will remember and talk about it for years to come.
Posted by: UKCraftySal | July 20, 2011 at 09:16 AM
My goodness Carmen. I love that top photo of you. You are stunning!
Posted by: Ouida Gabriel | July 21, 2011 at 02:33 PM
A trip worth a life time I presume? Fantastic family photographs Carmen.
Posted by: GADEL @ Single Moms Poem | July 27, 2011 at 10:20 AM