You can read all about our journey from Texas to California, and back, in parts one, two, three, four, five and six! Thanks for being troopers y'all. I mean, it's almost October and I'm just now wrapping up our summer vacation. I think we call that LIFE. There are probably close to 400 photos of our day in Arizona, but I'm gonna have to cut my losses and just show you the gems. It's time for me to start packing for Europe. HA! On July 27, we woke up reeeeeally early and had the van loaded and kids eating breakfast before sunrise. It was criminal, but worth it. That morning also marked our "official" 20th wedding annivesary. How about that? It was just us, six kids, a van loaded … [Read more...]
Whitakers Head West 2016: Part Five
You can read all about our journey from Texas to California, and back, in parts one, two, three, four, five and six! Our time at the Tierney household was beyond fabulous. Our kids got along beautifully, we shared way too many ice-cold Dr Peppers (and cocktails) and we found kindred spirits. I loved that the morning we left, we had to pull all our kids away from a rousing game of Clue. Here's the gang, minus sweet Mary Jane who was napping. Kendra, a thousand thank you's for hosting our crew. You are a wonderful hostess and I can't wait to return the favor when y'all journey to Tejas (hint, hint). This day was supposed to be our "easy day." L.O.L. We had a relatively short … [Read more...]
Whitakers Head West 2016: Part Four
You can read all about our journey from Texas to California, and back, in parts one, two, three, four, five and six! When we set the alarm for 6am, we kept telling ourselves it was really 8am Texas time. Not sure the kids bought it. But, when they finally woke up and realized where we were headed, all smiles. LA traffic was kind to us and we ended up being the first batch of crazy people to arrive at the world's happiest place... DISNEYLAND! John Paul was clearly impressed. Staying with friends and family allowed us to make this day possible. They don't call it the mouse that eats money for no reason. Alas, we got our shirts gifted to us by one of my favorite companies … [Read more...]
Whitakers Head West 2016: Part Three
You can read all about our journey from Texas to California, and back, in parts one, two, three, four, five and six! Our time in the San Diego area was far too short, but we were really looking forward to our stint with the Tierney family and showing the kids "real LA" which, to be honest, is probably a lot like "real Austin." I had to chuckle on Sunday morning when we woke up and breakfast for 20 was being cooked and no one even batted an eye. There really should've been pictorial documentation of that morning, but the phone was dead and the conversation too good. Because we had celebrated Mass the night before, we met up with a friend in Santa Monica to explore while the Tierney's … [Read more...]
Whitakers Head West 2016: Part Two
You can read all about our journey from Texas to California, and back, in parts one, two, three, four, five and six! Believe it or not, the drive from El Paso to San Diego was only an hour longer than from Austin to El Paso. How's that for a visual? Oh, and we GAINED two hours on this drive which made for - wait for it - the longest day ever. But, God gifted us with the prettiest rest stop in Arizona. Just look at that view. As pretty as that rest stop was, the heat in Arizona a few hours down the road? Y'all, it was 111. When we got out of the van in Yuma for a pit stop, Luke was all, "MOM, MY EYEBALLS ARE MELTING." And, I was all, "Stop being dramatic." Then, I … [Read more...]
