Clan Gacek-where every day is an adventure: Hit the Road, Jack

So the flashbacks and night terrors have finally stopped from our whirlwind 5 state tour in mid-August. Actually, I am being dramatic (and we wonder where Bear gets it?!)...it wasn’t that bad. It was very exhausting and tense at times though. Nevertheless, in the end, it was very nice to see the fam and to be a part of Joe and Erin’s special day. Moreover, how many 5 month olds can say that they have already been in five states? Really, when it comes down to it, how many 5 month olds say anything that any human over the age of six can understand. If they do, whoa, that is very creepy.

So anyway, the trip was innocent enough on paper: 5 adults, 1 9 year old, and 2 babies plus 1 Chevy Tahoe and a boat-load of supplies turn their wagon westward toward Colorado. The problem with plans on paper is that they usually do not go according to the paper. Along the way, we hit some snags, which I have detailed below for your reading enjoyment.

Snag #1: The Chevy Tahoe was not designed to have infant seat car bases installed into it’s very back, third row bench seat.
Therefore, the infant seats must be hoisted into the back, shoved between the 60/40 folding middle row at just the right angle, then shook up by the impact of the 60/40 folding middle row being slammed back into place, and manhandled to each side so that a regular seat belt can be intricately threaded through the clips, locking them into place. You must do this smoothly, too, so as not to wake up the slumbering beasties that lie within the infant seat itself.

The view from the way back

Snag #2: Infant seats containing 4 ½ month old infants are not light.
This is especially true when it is the 15th time that one has lifted an infant seat up over his/her head. I think that my arms are definitely more cut now than before the trip.

Snag #3: The Chevy Tahoe, while roomy and mostly comfortable, has enough cargo space for an umbrella stroller, two backpacks, and a pack of diapers.
Enter the Rainex roof pouch. Each of the road trip part, we had to unpack and repack that sucker, and, as I alluded too above, the Tahoe is a tall vehicle. Good thing I played a lot of Tetris in college!

Snag #4: On average, infants get their first teeth between 4 and 6 months.
Abigail’s just happened to come in 2 at a time closer to the 4 month marker. Think about when you were 6 and you got your first permanent tooth. Then think about getting two at once. Then think about your family and quietly thank them for their patience and understanding.

Snag #5: Babies do not care if you are outside at a park without access to a changing table or garbage can.
If they gotta poop, they gotta poop. Hence, the photos of the entire group that witnessed the wedding and me holding two white things. No, those aren’t programs, and I am not moved to tears by the ceremony, I am trying not to gag.

Me in the middle of the back row: note the small white packets in my hand and the look on the face of the girl in front of me

So as you can see, despite some drama, it wasn’t THAT bad. Not that I want to do it again next week, but I am sure it could have been much worse. Apparently, it really was not that bad as the girls and I drove to Chicago over Labor Day weekend. Either that or I am just a glutton for punishment! Well then, until next time, sit back and enjoy some choice photos. Until next time, as is said in some circles, mint.