Everything is bigger and better in Texas

I am extremely happy to say this post comes directly to you from Texas. Braedan and I packed up (well more me than him since he vigorously works to unpack as you're trying to pack) a few of our things and hit the road back to Texas. The whole packing business is the reason for our early departure from Chicago. Have you ever tried to pack whether it be for a short or long trip, or attempt any sort of activity for that matter, with an active one-year-old running around? It is pretty much impossible. So the hubby graciously stayed behind to do all of the major packing while we kicked up our boots to make our way down south, back to the homeland. We were a little nervous about how Braedan would do on his first, long road trip, but with a little help from Grandpa, Tia Jacquelyn and Barney, it went really, really well. Until this trip, I never understood the need for those TV/DVD players in a SUV, but after seeing the effect one purple dinosaur can have on a little one, I definitely know what Braedan should ask Santa for to bring with him on future road trips.

Even though it was such a long drive, 17 and 1/2 hours, it seemed to go pretty fast and we enjoyed taking in the sites and different views of southern Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and, eventually, Texas. A few funny things we noted along the way was how we weren't warmly greeted with a welcome sign in Missouri, Oklahoma kindly said welcome with its sign but then proceeded to charge us with a $4.00 toll as soon as we drove in, and then on the way out had the nerve to say, "Hate to see you go but please pay us another $2.00 before you leave." It wasn't until we arrived in Texas to reaffirm that everything is bigger and better in Texas. Plus, it doesn't quickly take your money for you to catch onto that fact. We weren't welcomed with just one, but two landmarks await you at the state line to let you know you've entered a whole other country in Texas.

Landmark #1

Landmark #2

And Braedan having some fun in the car.