What a difference 9 years makes

As promised in my post of pictures of a 2001 road trip, I offer these reflections of a changed vacation plan from 2001 to 2010.

1. Technology and the Internet
'01--We had to tote a small suitcase to transport maps and books from AAA in order to plan the trip; (still got lost MANY MANY MANY TIMES with emotional meltdowns in between) 5 pieces of paper contained typed important information as well as a calendar. The paper carried remnants of McDonald's ketchup at the end of the trip. We filed it away in Carson's scrapbook as he drew a pretty great drawing of a cat. 4 months in advance, we began negotiation to secure the "right" price for accomodations and recreation.

'10--I carried an I-POD Touch that fit in the palm of my hand. Phone numbers, addresses, email, calendar, WI FI access to helpful information--all at the touch of a finger. Activities to keep the kids entertained while waiting in line motivated me to ALWAYS have full battery power. (I would've stored virtual gum in there if I could!) We named our price on PRICELINE the day before we needed a hotel and arrived at our destination safely by listening intently to our friendly GARMIN GPS with the sexy voice. (never got lost)

Itinerary--Day 1 and 2: Mini-van loaded with "entertainment" accessories kept everyone sane during the 2-day trip to NewPort Beach, CA. We booked our first night sleep in Albuerque at a STARBUCKS (free WI FI) 200 miles out of town. We were led their by our GPS to the hotel.

Using EXPEDIA.com 3 days before we left, we committed to a CHEAP 3-day stay in Newport Beach 15 minutes from Disney, my sister, Chris and 5 minutes from the beach!!! Using the free WI FI in the hotel, we printed off 3-day passes to Disneyland and Universal Studios for 6 people. (we then transferred cash to make sure our account did not crash!)

The "UNABOMBER" (aka Brandon) decided to join us on our vacation and appears in many pictures. The "disguise" provided needed protection from the harming sun's rays. Strong acne medication makes your skin vulnerable to damage.

2. Keeping everyone PLUGGED up or PLUGGED in
'01 A pacifer, fruit snacks, lollipops, gum, jolly ranchers, duct tape, etc. was used throughout this trip to keep the young from screaming. As persistent young parents, we encouraged many educational activities during the long road-trip such as reading, puzzle solving, math facts. ONLY a 1/2 hour into the trip, the fighting began. A western Wyoming Walmart was a welcome site as we dumped the old uncomfortable car seat and "installed" a new one to keep the prince happy. We would've paid anything to make him stop SCREAMING. BEST IMPULSE purchase ever was the stand-alone DVD player. It may have sucked the brains out of the kids, but it kept them ALIVE!

'10 With the purchase of our 2007 Honda Odyssey mini-van (a CARMAX success story) keeping all 4 kids PLUGGED in was easy. (we never worry about sucking their brains out anymore, just our own SANITY) Jessie could listen to Disney show tunes with the wireless headphones while the teenagers could listen and watch HARRY POTTER movies on the DVD and rock out to Green Day. The splitter allowed all 4 kids to listen to the DVD movie hanging from the wall while the driver peacefully made his/her music selection.
3. An independent fashion consultant
'01 Wherever we traveled, Mom chose the wardrobe. Making sure all boys were matching was not only a fashion statement, but a safety factor. Traveling through all the parks with 3 boys made us crave caffeine and high doses of anxiety meds. These matching GAP shark shirts (found a deal) were tugged on many times, dragging the disobedient into the safety of the "gam."

'10  Lists of clothing items to take and the number of pairs of underwear and socks were given to each boy in hopes that the chosen wardrobe would make it into the suitcase. A close observation in the photos taken, one will notice the SAME shirt, pants, etc on the teens each day. (Of course, Jessie was dressed by Mom and willingly took suggestions of color choices). During a long line at Disney, I observed Carson wearing a pair of shorts that DID NOT even ZIP up. They were two sizes too small. An experienced Mom just made him pull his t-shirt down.

4. We go together like ramma lamma lamma ka dinga da dinga dong 
'01 We thought we had invented the genius idea of putting our cell phone number in Carson's fanny pack in case he got lost. During the 1 1/2 hours he WAS LOST, Carson never even thought to TALK TO A STRANGER and share our cell phone number. Because we only had one cell phone, we relied on WALKIE TALKIES to stick together. The problem was, so did every other of the 10,000 visitors to the park. Access to an open band was impossible. (we got lost MANY MANY MANY times)

'10 A much more creative approach to preventing child endangerment (besides a parent's approach to discipline) is BLACK PERMANENT MARKER. A SPRINT texting plan and 4 phones worked wonders at preventing the inevitable separation that takes place with 6 people on different entertainment agendas trying to maneuver the park to see ALL attractions and get your $300 a day worth of FUN!

5. Creative ways to pack food and supplies to carry into the park so we could still pay our mortgage AFTER our vacation

'01 As mom's of multiple children know, a stroller can pack a load of crap for any outing. Diapers, wipes, bottles, diaper creme, blanket, extra clothing, video camera, camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottles, cooler, mini fridge, portable TV, rope, legal drugs, camel back filled with diet coke, etc...That is how we survived the theme parks with these 3 boys.

'10 One VERY HEAVY pack carried by mom carried all the supplies we needed. Boost, water bottles, medicine, cell phones, camera, video camera, passes to the parks, etc. 


PRICELINE works like magic for finding an affordable and available hotel and one can find a Walmart for food and supplies anywhere in the USA---except Orange and Los Angeles, County. 

(I also noticed that ALL the mini-vans on the California freeway had OUT OF STATE LICENSE PLATES!!!!!)

 A balcony breakfast from a luxurious resort overlooking a golf course was our BEST FIND! 

 Somehow, Dolly Madison donuts from Smiths, felt dummy downed for the occasion!

6.  The "possibility" of meeting family/friends and the "reality" of making it happen
'01  Participating in my brother, Greg and Tori's, wedding was the catalyst for this 3-week road trip.  Arrangements for this gathering took place a year in advance.

'01 Several months before hitting the road to California, we also contacted friends we lived next to when in Provo, Utah--Patty and Marion Hammond--and asked if we could visit them in Las Vegas while passing through. After several phone calls, the date was set and specific directions were given to their home. We got lost, AGAIN!

Pictured below are their children Jared, Trent, and Diana and our 3 boys!

'10  The FIRST day of our trip, while on a western Kansas highway, I accessed my FACEBOOK account and left a message for two Arizona friends.  Minutes later, I read my "in-box" messages on FB and began to make arrangements to meet. While waiting in line at Disney and Universal Studios, I logged-in again and like "magic" we secured the plans--when, where, how to meet in Arizon! Using our handy, dandy GPS, we NEVER got lost.

L-R:  Jana and Nathan Cherrington

Stephanie and Brad Bishop

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.  ~From the television show The Wonder Years

----John, Emily, Allison and Kate Cherrington---Bishop Kids

1998-2002 PHOTOS of the Cherrington family living in Kansas can be found here

Visting with Jennie, Andrew, 

Ben, Isacc, Zoe and Madeline Rounseville

The Rounsevilles relocated from the midwest to Arizona in 2005. Making their home in Prescott, AZ is a dream come true for the family who would choose to live in a tent if it had central cooling. Andy often dumps his SUV for a bike and heads to work in the ER.  Jennie  and I served together in Cub Scouts and Primary. Andy experienced life in one of the most busy downtown ER's in the midwest as he completed medical residency at Truman Medical Center. Jennie and I share a lot of similar experiences of single motherhood and surviving residency. 

We are forever bonded and had a short, yet memorable time catching up at their home in Prescott, AZ, a town Northwest of Phoenix in the mountains.

2001-2005 PHOTOS of the Rounseville family living in Overland Park, KS

If you wish to see ALL the photos during our 10-day trip, this is the PLACE for smilebox albums.

We only part to meet again.  ~John Gay

Look forward to a post in 

2020 listing the travel changes--

"Portable self-contained Urinals "

Imagine the Possibilities

5 Browns and Carson's weekend!!

This weekend, the 5 Browns, siblings who all play grand pianos simultaneously, performed 2 pieces on 5 Grand Steinways at Schmidt Music near our house. Carson and I attended the concert at the store advertised to us by email.

Carson got to meet the 5 amazing siblings. Carson shared with, Ryan, the oldest, that Carson struggles with tourettes and he still plays the piano and loves it. He also conversed with Desirae, the youngest Julliard graduate, who has lost her sight in one eye and is learning to live with this disibility. Desirae continues to excel at playing and memorizing very challenging music. Carson was so honored to meet such amazing musicians and MORMONS! We expressed our amazement at this young girl's strength through her disibility.

Sunday night we attended a special presentation at our Lenexa Stake Center Church and heard each of the 5 Browns play a solo piece as well as share inspiring stories and testimony of their faith.

Desirae, the last presenter, began her talk sharing the story of Carson and I meeting her at Schmidt. (did not use our names--unknown to her) She talked about disabilities and how everyone struggles with some weakness or challenge. Relying on the Lord for strength and faith can "make weak things strong."

What a powerful testimony of enduring trials and learning and growing from them. I am so thankful Carson was acknowledged. (about 500 people were in attendance) He was so happy and pleased that she mentioned him. I am grateful for his sweet spirit. It was certainly a "STARSTRUCK" moment for him!

What a powerful week it has been for Carson!

Beginning of Festival Season

Those who have a child in a school music program understand how much is involved in SPRING FESTIVAL season.  Brandon and Hunter are preparing for their ratings on April 14 and with the help of their dedicated directors, they are well rehearsed and prepared to deliver a moving performance.  
The following are the performances that professional music educators will rate them on for the 2010 season.

Doc Roberts has directed Brandon for FOUR years. Brandon will miss him.

The proud grandparents attend the concert

This is the LAST picture of Hunter with his BRACES. His friend Jake Hirschi did a quick change.

Brandon and Kristi Koncak have been dating since February.

100 Scriptures Memorized....future missionary in the making

Brandon's Saturday night event was a culmination of four years of study of the scriptures. He recited, from memory,  

100 verses of various lengths,

passages that he has been memorizing while attending high school. He is blessed with great memorization skills and bundled with hard work, he completed this goal--only achieved by a few students!!!   We are thrilled he chose to set this as a goal and earn such an honor.

Brandon and fellow seminary student, Danica Gille pose with Brandon's t-shirt that he earned

Carson's BIG DAY

Today is a big day for Carson and before he headed out the door, we made sure to invite the spirit into his heart and those of his 100 5th grade classmates.

Carson has tourettes and his more recent TIC has been extremely noticeable. Several classmates have inquired (some in more teasing and demeaning ways) as to why he does not stop his behaviors because it is annoying to them. He will stand in front of those students and explain to them all about his "syndrome" and educate them as to why he can't control his tics.

The Tourettes Syndrome Association and our psychiatrist provided us with a thorough presentation that is kid friendly.

Carson says he is RELIEVED to be telling his peers and not nervous.

Prayers for CARSON please!!!   (and MOM too)


PS  Carson ROCKED the presentation. We are so proud of him.

What is a young mother to do?

No--I am not a young mother

(my oldest will be going off to college in the fall!!!!)

 Just young at heart!

We recently returned from our LAST full family Spring Break! Most likely, Brandon will be serving a mission for the LDS church next year at this time!! SIGH SIGH!  As I reflected on our first time safely attempting the theme parks with 3 young, energetic boys, I recall some major differences from our 2001 Disneyland adventures compared to 2010!

I'll be posting some smilebox albums recording our most recent travels to and from California so before I finish--enjoy a look back in time. Will you be able to spot the differences?

(not the OBVIOUS hair loss, hair color change, size change!)

Jessica's Princess Party

Before we left for Spring Break, I sent out evites for this Princess Party and then put it out of my mind.

Simply maneuvering the days of a vacation and meeting 5 people's needs without losing one's mind, money, momentum and memory is a major accomplishment. After doing this for 11 days, I was ready to relax.

On the way home from California, Brad dropped Jessie and I off at my sister Tanya's house in Windsor Co and he proceeded to travel home with the boys to return to school and work. We shopped for 3 days, watched movies and went out to lunch. Jessie and Lauren, of course, came along wherever we went. What a beautiful relationship for our daughters.

I planned to help Tanya with her kids drive to KC for her Spring Break. Her and my parents would then travel to Greg's home in Georgia to welcome their 3rd girl, Sara. Due to a late Winter Colorado snow storm, we ended up leaving one day after we planned and it just so happened that Jessie came down with a fever and threw up the night before we left. Typical for a road trip---some kid gets sick!!!

After arriving home late Thursday night, I needed to complete a long list of tasks EVEN BEFORE thinking about the party. Of course after EVERY vacation, I get bad headaches, mostly caused by let-down and withdrawal from caffeine, which I use medicinally to survive vacations.I fought a headache for 3 days, but managed to get ready for Jessie's princess party.

Lauren is the ultimate PRINCESS and wears a disney dress almost everyday so how appropriate for her to be at this party. Tanya dug out our wedding dress that 3 of us Evans girls wore and practically forced me to put it on!  Since I have no PRIDE, I did and had a blast being a grown-up princess.
 Oh the joys of having a daughter.