The Big Move

The truck was packed and we were ready to make that trek across country! Saying goodbye to those beautiful mountains!Our roadside lunch break in the barren state of Wyoming.We got to Paxton, Nebraska the first day around 11:30 p.m. Jackson made it through the first long day of traveling.The second day: Ready for another long day in the car. We drove for hours and hours and finally stopped for dinner in Independence, Missouri. We were trying to decide how much further we should go; our destination was St. Louis. After pulling out of the gas station my Dad ran over a strap that had a huge clip in it with the truck. He pulled over and started to try to pull it out of the tire when he heard a gush of air coming out with it... a FLAT! So we called the budget company and they were going to send someone to come fix it. Jackson was SOOOO excited to get out of the car seat and run around an empty parking lot. That put us back about an hour and a half and we decided we weren't making it to St. Louis. Luckily we payed for the full coverage insurance on the rental truck and we were able to cancel our hotel in St. Louis with no cancellation fee. We actually figured it was a blessing in disguise because it was the most exercise Jackson had in days and it really still would have been a long way to St. Louis.It was so dang hot and humid there that everyone was just sweating to death. Poor Jackson turned beat red! He was a mess with his bright red face, matted down hair because of sweat, food all over him, dirt from the parking lot, and no bath in 2 days. We finally stripped him down clear to his diaper and let him have the time of his life... he looked so white trash! :)Awww!!! Grandma to the rescue with some ice cold water for us all! It was H-O-T-T!After the tire was fixed we went a little further and stayed in Columbia, Missouri. Here is Daddy letting Jackson drive as they were waiting for me to check into the hotel.The third day: Getting closer!! Memphis here we come!! (You cant really tell in this pic, but the sign on the left says Chicago and the sign on the right says Memphis)How did the baby do you ask?!? Basically AMAZING! Considering how long we were in the car, he was so good. Of course he had his times, and he really only slept about an hour each day during the traveling, he was so good. We were blessed! Here are some things that kept him entertained and content:
1- Mom sitting in the back with him and watching Baby Signing Times on the portable DVD player. I'm actually sleeping in the picture... (shouldn't it be the other way around, no he was perfectly content watching the DVD about 5 times in a row)
2-Taking naps (although not many)
3-FOOD, FOOD, FOOD!! I was handing him food and treats about any chance I could get. He was a messy boy, and so was the car seat.
4-Reading books and playing with toys. He got a new phone that lights up, talks, and plays music from Grandma. We busted that out a lot and he liked it. There we time though that I would try to give him things and he would just through them out. That is when I knew he just had enough!!
5- Taking quite a few breaks and letting him out for a few minutes.