Slept in!

Today was a later start-yay! We slept in until 7am, and we didn't serve breakfast or lunch on the road.  We arrived at tonight's sleep spot (a very large church with a giant kitchen) and set out a variety of fruit and veggies,  hummus,  cheese and crackers,  and chips and salsa.  It was a nice spread, which made the riders happy. Tonight,  I'm cooking dinner.  The plan is chicken chili- delicious,  right Wes?! I'm also doing corn bread and salad,  with store bought cookies. I hope they're as good as our local Shaws brand.  We took some time off to visit a Veteran's memorial and had some relaxing time for the boys to sketch.

We also happened upon try outs for bubble ball soccer,  which was fun to watch. 

Along the way, we posed at a golf course.  This one's for you Chuck (we love you!)

Bison!

Today was an exciting day so far! We started off in New Ulm, MN and headed towards Faribault, MN.  Todd made another delicious breakfast, ready by 6:30am- egg and sausage sandwiches,  and the riders were off by 7am again today.  These early mornings might kill me- lol. I got some pictures of some of the riders as we passed them along the road.

John G

Rao 

Sonia

Dave

As we traveled to the lunch spot,  we saw a sign for "the falls" so we pulled off into a campground to park the vehicle.  As a surprise,  we happened to be in the same lot as the entrance to a Bison range,  so we instead decided to drive through.  We got up close and personal with a herd of Bison!

It was a bit scary to me,  but also exciting to see such huge beasts right outside our vehicle!! We walked to a Thai restaurant and ate a fabulous dinner...tomorrow morning is a later start and we aren't in charge of breakfast!
I'm having trouble with slow photo uploads, so I'll have to add more photos to this post tomorrow....
Added photos!

Welcome to MN

Today we went from Tracy MN to New Ulm, MN. We saw a lot of corn and more soybeans! We also stopped at Laura Ingalls Wilder museum (although we only made it to the gift shop!).

The riders started their day with egg bake- thanks to Todd.  And, they packed sandwiches for their ride so we could go grocery shop. We are having fun getting to know them and have become quick friends with many.  The people here have been very welcoming,  in fact,  the church we're at tonight had a sign and balloons outside when we arrived.  We were also greeted with juice and lemonade,  and several people from the congregation came to serve us dinner.

We found a bmx bike track nearby which the boys had an opportunity to ride, since they made a friend with a church member's grandson.

This one should be in my neighborhood! Very blessed to have great neighbors!!

I will add more pics tomorrow.....

First day on the job!

Today was our first official day. Actually, I guess we started last night.  Soon after we arrived at the hotel,  Todd went with the support staff straight to return the rental car and rent a vehicle for her to drive to the airport.  Upon arriving back,  we had a meeting with her to get a crash course in supporting the riders (what they like/ don't like to eat was to on the agenda). Immediately after that,  we were shuttled from the hotel to a church where we had a potluck dinner! Following dinner was our daily group meeting, and then to bed (it was after 10pm)! Our bodies we still functioning an hour ahead and we were exhausted after the long day of travel!!
We praise God that the support person was able to the grocery store and stocked the trailer for the next few days. She was wonderful!

This morning started off at 6am, when we ate breakfast and loaded bags into the "garage" section of the trailer. We got our directions on where to set up lunch and we drove to Tracy, MN.

All but 2 out of the 16 riders stopped for lunch.  Elliot had to run to flag down a few others who missed the turn! We set up at a beautiful park,  and Todd did a stellar job backing the trailer up. The boys began working on their sketch books during some down time.

The scenery today was very flat and very beautiful.  Lots of soybeans and corn!

We found a super fun pool in town and enjoyed a late afternoon swim before another church potluck dinner.

It has been fun visiting with the riders,  and we look forward to getting to know them all better!

And we're off...

Yesterday, we packed the car and headed out. Well, we tried to leave. It was a three ring circus trying to get everyone into the car with everything we needed,  including the keys.  We made it to the hotel near the airport with plenty of time to relax.  Thanks to Laura and Eva for getting us there safely! As we were getting our belongings,  a thought occurred, "Wait,  let's make sure the hotel is clean, and that we are actually checked in before you leave us." As we checked in and inspected the suite (Todd and I had our own room!),  the boys kept wondering, "Does this place have a pool?" We opened the curtain,  and there it was!

Eva and Laura said goodbye and left us feeling blessed and very glad to have such good friends.

Pics will be added later...

Today was an amazing day! We started our day in Connecticut at 5am, took an 8am flight to Minneapolis,  and had a three hour layover before flying to Suiox Falls.  Both flights were great with no difficulties!

Greyson was happy to have seconds on complimentary cookies and soda, flying through the clouds was pretty spectacular, and even though it was raining before we departed Minneapolis,  it cleared into a beautiful sunny day again. Once we collected our luggage (which we watched them put on our second flight), we rented a car and drove the 80 mph speed limit to our destination for the night.

We look forward to spending time with the riders tonight!

Packing complete

We are packed and ready to go! My friend Tracy helped pack our carry on bags with snacks that won't smush, melt,  or turn to crumbs.  Yay for sugar rush items like Fruit Snacks and Gummy worms, and of course Beef Jerky to meet the need for protein.

The boys collected all the clothing they needed,  organized into piles and "neatly put it in the duffle bags." That was an adhd nightmare with so many directions, interruptions, and questions!

I felt like my brain was going to explode! But, My bag is also completely full, and I managed to squeeze in my down comforter and my pillow!

Vehicle picture

Several people have asked about the vehicle we'll be driving,  so here is a photo! 

One week!

One more week! Yay! I confirmed our transportation plans to get us to the hotel near the airport Tuesday next week-  thanks Laura :) We take off Wednesday!  Still praying for safe traveling,  and good health! Stay tuned for pictures...

Boyscout camp

The two older boys have left for their last camp of the summer.  Greyson will be at camp in the mornings this week,  and we will soon begin to pack! We are meeting with our house sitters to go over details, confirm dates and make lists of responsibilities (feed fish!) and important information. Todd has some kids lined up to mow lawns, and weedwack, and I have already made the guest bed for the housesitters to move on in!

2 weeks!

In just 2 weeks we will be flying to Suiox Falls, South Dakota to begin our adventure! Along with the excitement we are all feeling,  the nervousness is beginning to set in for me. I am praying for our safety in flying,  and for all the transitions to be smooth for each of us.  I also pray that we will breeze through security, enjoy our flight,  meet nice people, and that all our belongings will arrive where we need them to.
We have looked through several recipes and are planning some yummy things to serve for lunches, and have heard some favorite dishes for the riders include easy fixings like yogurt, fruit,  and pasta salads. We're also planning some trips to museums,  and have already purchased tickets to tour Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Waters during our time in Pittsburg!
More to come...

Rainy day

Today is another rainy day here in VT,  and I heard the riders are experiencing rain as well in Great Falls, MT.
We celebrated Elliot's 14th birthday yesterday. He got a bigger duffle bag and is looking forward to packing it.  We also plan to pack his smaller one so we can bring back souvenirs! He and tenrick leave for boy scout camp in just one week,  and when they return we only have 3 days until departure! Whohoo!

Travel info

Today my brain is on information overload.  I have looked over all our travel plans, including picking seats for our flights!  I've read everything there is to read about TSA, and flying with kids, and confirmed our reservations....
My mom has gone back home to Pennsylvania,  and the two oldest boys will have one more camp to go...

Count down

25 days until we leave! 

The two older boys are almost finished with their second camp of the summer,  and have one more still to go.  

My mom and I went to Connecticut for a few days,  and are looking forward to seeing fireworks on July 4th. Todd has spent some quality time with Greyson,  and they have had their fill of roller coasters!

We have begun to think about the things we will need to pack, and have a backpack ready with games for the flight, including story cubes, mad libs, and travel bingo. The boys are excited to fly!