Pennsylvania

We left New York City at seven pm on Tuesday, December 21. I can not even begin to describe the trip! Every inch of the van was full. There was stuff under everyone's feet and on our laps. We took things out of boxes in order to get them to fit.

Right away we made two wrong turns and had to turn around. The second time we got off the interstate and to our dismay had to drive a while to find a town to turn around in. On the way we passed lots of houses with Christmas lights and decorations so we joked that we had made the detour to admire the lights.

We stopped for the night around 11pm and slept in the van at a rest area. When it got cold we turned the van on and ran the heat for a while. Left again early the next morning around 3.

The next morning we drove through Pennsylvania, a beautiful state. See the mountain above. The kids were fabulous ravelers again. Especially since the conditions were so uncomfortable. The dogs were at the girls feet and we had to remind the girls to not bury the dogs in things they had dropped. The cats are also great travelers and each found a niche. No throwing up (yet) or crying this trip, thank goodness. It took Alyss and Tiger a while to settle in last time we made the trip.

Tiger

We stopped here and Kevin suggested we all get out and get breakfast. There was a Burger King inside and everyone for a breakfast sandwich. It didn't cost much and was a nice break from the cramped van. A young couple with very young baby twins came in and as we all watched them unpack and prepare formula bottles for two crying babies I was reminded again how much easier nursing is. We didn't have to pack a suitcase just for bottle supplies and the Lilly did not have to wait while we mixed formula.

The weather forcast in Pennsylvania was lots of snow. We drove through some light flurries but that was it.



We finally got to see some snow on the ground.

Maddie assumed the position on co-pilot most of the trip.

We saw some gorgeous skies on this trip.




The valley among the mountains.

The first cows we have seen since August!





Faithful co-pilot again or is she the backseat driver this time?!

Snow covered mountains.

I was wrong. Now is when we stopped for breakfast. The previous picture was the nice rest stop where we were on the trip out when I talked about standing in the field crying.

Katie and I switched seats so I could care for the dogs and Lilly in the backseat.

I have an all new appreciation for bridges after getting to see the George Washington Bridge in the city. Here was one in Pennsylvania.

Nilla

Alyss

Maddie takes a break from "driving" for a nap.

Lilly after some snacks. She and Kevin had the best seats in the house. You just can't cram to much stuff around the driver.