Spring Vacation 2012 Part 1: Driving down

  On Memorial day we left with our Grandparents to their house in Mena, Arkansas. It was a long day driving down there. It was close to 8 hours. We had lots of fun though. We left at 8ish in the morning, and got there aroun 5-6pm. Joel and Grandma rode in the back, Grandpa drove, and I rode in the front passenger seat. We stopped a few times on the way down there to go potty, and stretch our legs. We decided to take snacks for in the car so we didn't have to buy snacks anywhere. Joel mostly colored, played with toys, and watched movies. We stopped in Bella Vista, Arkansas and had a short picnic lunch at the little road stop right when you get in town. Joel loved it because he watched the geese across the street play. Then we were off again on the road.
   On the way Joel tried to be our little navigator. He was hilarious as he tried to read a map. I think the map was as big as he was. I wanted to laugh so hard. He had fun though trying to tell us where to go. Good thing Grandpa knew exactly where he was going because he travels it all the time to and from Iowa. Grandma showed him on the map where we were, and where we were going. At one time said, "Man it is a long way, time to get a plane." Wonderful words that come out of the mouth of babes.

  There are so many things to see on the way down to our grandparents house. One of the places that we see all the time on the road is the Bobby Hopper Tunnel. It is a tunnel that goes through a mountain. I usually end up closing my eyes in the tunnel because for some odd reason with the lights and driving makes me get motion sick. It is the only place that does that to me. Joel thinks the tunnel is very cool. On the way back to Iowa I kept my eyes open through the tunnel. Needless to say I felt horrible. The only other time that I ever kept my eyes open was when I had to drive through it a couple of years ago in my old car.