There and Back Again
21 days, 16 states, nearly 5800 miles by minivan. We left home on August 4th, the six kids and I, and got back this afternoon. It’ll probably take me another three weeks to tell all the stories. I started posting about the trip while we were still on the road but didn’t want to say we were away from home until we weren’t anymore.
We got to spend time with beloved family on both sides, Scott’s and mine, and had delightful visits with friends all over the country. This was an August we’ll not soon forget.
Tomorrow we’ll tackle the mountain of laundry, but tonight I’m still thinking of the mountains west of Tucson this morning, as we moved out from under a heavy blue storm into the bright desert light.
(Grainy cellphone photo.)
Tonight we are happy to be safely home, reunited with Scott (who flew out to Virginia to join us for a week of our trip, but returned home ten days ago). Kids are bathed and still mostly on Central Time, so bedtime is nigh. Scott says we have three episodes of Mad Men to catch up on. There’s dulce de leche ice cream in the freezer. I loved our grand adventure, but I am happy, happy, happy to be home.
Melissa Wiley says:
And? MOCKINGJAY on the nightstand. Life is good. š
On August 26, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Sara says:
Happy you’re home safely and have Mockinjay to welcome you! Oh, and Scott, too! š I want to know how you stayed awake for all those miles. And how many miles/hours did you do per day?
On August 27, 2010 at 1:36 am
Michele Q. says:
You amaze me my dear. I loved following your updates on FB. So glad you are home safe and sound!
On August 27, 2010 at 4:17 am
Penny in VT says:
What a treasure of a trip – I’m glad it was wonderful and you are home safe and sound!
On August 27, 2010 at 4:24 am
Cindy Kelly says:
Hi Lissa- Again it was so nice to be able to meet you and your lovely dc… so glad you are back home, it must feel good. Blessings!
On August 27, 2010 at 4:39 am
Margaret in Minnesota says:
Happy you’re home safe and sound, eager to hear the stories.
As always.
(Heck, you could write about sharpening a PENCIL and it’d be interesting. I can’t imagine how good a recount your trip will be!)
(All in God’s good time, of course.)
Welcome home!
On August 27, 2010 at 6:16 am
Ellie says:
Oh, I can’t wait to read your roadtrip stories! (I don’t do FB). I loved reading along when you all drove to CA.
On August 27, 2010 at 6:25 am
Heather says:
how absolutely amazing and wonderful!! I can’t wait to hear more. what an adventure!
On August 27, 2010 at 9:12 am
Heather says:
Your trip sounds lovely š Glad you’re all home safe and sound. I look forward to reading about your travels!
~h
On August 27, 2010 at 6:32 pm
Anna says:
Oh, I think you beat my trip! Three weeks, 3000 miles and only six states.
I hope things get settled there again soon. I picked up _How to be Good_ at a thrift store last week, only because I recognized Hornby from your posts.
On August 30, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Melissa Wiley says:
Will be interested to hear what you think of the Hornby, Anna. I haven’t read that one—I think it might be the one that irritated my hubby so. I’ve mostly only read (and adored) Hornby’s nonfiction, his essays on his reading life. I did like Juliet, Naked. I think that’s his only fiction I’ve read. Hope you’ll come back and let us know how you liked How to Be Good. š
On August 31, 2010 at 5:15 am
MelanieB says:
I have to say How to Be Good was the Hornby that irritated me. There were some great Hornby moments; but they were isolated islands of goodness. Definitely not his best work. I much preferred About a Boy and High Fidelity. So, Anna, if you decide you don’t love it, try again with a different title. And if you do love it, tell us why. I might have to give it a second chance.
On August 31, 2010 at 6:41 pm