Here's how we did it:
First, we have been telling the kids for the past week that we were going to make a big trip. That helped us all to mentally prepare for the big journey. Ironically enough, a 5 minute drive across town is met with the constant mantra of "I want to get out!"
We do know that the kids understand almost everything that we say (even if sometimes they don't want to...) and that when we clue them in to the "plan" then things go a lot smoother. This includes mundane plans of "We are leaving for the market in 5 minutes." I suppose that they feel included in the decision and have a sense of power in that.
The second key factor to survive the drive was having mamma sit in the back with the little ones. Heleen planned for the journey with activities and games, books, beloved toys, and a goody bag with new toys. Additionally, a steady stream of snacks kept appetites balanced.
We only watched a DVD once and for only an hour or so, maybe two episodes of Go Diego Go. Evan was not really interested. Again, I think the fun of having mom in the back to play with made all the difference.
We stopped twice on the way. Once to refuel and a quick latte, that was about 4 hours into the trip and once after the stop and go traffic of LA, about 6 hours in. The last stop was initiated by a very hungry 6 month old that needed her mamma-fix. So, 45 minutes in Orange County on a grassy knoll outside of the In and Out Burger (only fries with mayonnaise for us) and we were on our way!
I hope that this story of survival will not be registered as over confidence because I am quite aware that we will have the drive back....and going home is never quite as exciting!
Say a prayer for us
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