We just completed our almost-annual drive to visit family in Texas and Oklahoma. First, some stats from the driving...
· Just over 3000 miles
· About 175 gallons of gas (translation, $700)
· Averaged 17.5 mpg
· Averaged just over 55 mph
· 53 hours in the car!
We had a great visit. I think the shorter timeframe - 3 daysat each set of parents vs. the more-normal week at each - helped everyone focus and ensured that wekept busy. We were also pleased that the kids got to spend so much time with their cousins, on both sides. They all had a great time together.
A highlight for everyone, except David who didn't get to go, was our trip to Six Flags Over Texas with my siblings and their kids. It was my first time there in about 20 years, and the first time ever for our kids. It was a bit hot, but the crowds were pleasantly sparse (recession at work?), so we didn't waste much time standing in hot lines.
In Tyler, the kids had a blast at Jumpin' Jacks and learning to shoot a bb gun. David, of all people, got the only bullseye (but i think his Papa might have helped a little). Emily was probably the best shot overall.
In Terrell, the kids enjoyed an evening of fishing, with Jackson and Caroline nabbing a couple. And they had fun with the new pool slide.
Elsewhere, we had a very nice visit in Flower Mound, kicking back until the wee hours, chasing the big puppy (David called him the "big snappy puppy") down the street after midnight, as he took off after a stray cat. And we were happy to visit Julie's Grandma Walker and aunts/uncles/cousins up in Oklahoma.
Certainly glad to be home, but certainly glad we made the trek.
