Plugging Along

Driving by the St. Louis Arch.

No question that today was a better day than yesterday, but I am learning that EVERY day is going to be filled with some sort of challenge. This morning was lovely because the kids all slept in until 8:30 and we had pancakes and bacon outside on the picnic table and we actually had to wear sweatshirts because the weather was so amazingly cool. Some people on a golf cart stopped to let us know that Santa was about to make an appearance (we are in Santa Claus, Indiana and all) at the pavilion for some story time, to which my kids cheered and quickly grabbed their shoes.

After Santa wrapped up his gig and we packed up the RV, we set off to Jasper, Indiana, about 20 miles away, to pick up the ill-fated Tahoe. Just prior to getting there, we stopped to get gas, and I noticed a big store called ‘Rural King’ next door. It looked interesting and held the promise of being able to make a key so that we wouldn’t be locked out of the RV by our 2 year old in the near future. The Rural King was just what we needed. It was Costco meets Home Depot. I was able to get a key made, grab a pair of knock off crocs for Luke (we apparently only brought the left shoe) and grab a few other items we needed, and we were on our way to get the Tahoe. Unfortunately, our new buddy Terry at Bob Lugar Motors in Jasper, Indiana, was unable to secure us a 3rd row seat, but we know he tried. We will just have to worry about that later. Shawn got the Tahoe hooked up and off we ventured to St. Charles, Missouri.

Four Boyer family members enjoyed a lovely nap and 3 of us woke up just in time to see the St. Louis arch as we passed through the city. I grabbed the iPad and gave a little Wikipedia lesson to Macy & Luke and we all waved and discussed the great Western expansion. After about 4 hours, Jude woke up from what appeared to be a glorious nap, just in time to pull into our interesting little RV park here in St. Charles. I grabbed my new BFF, the electric skillet, and whipped up some chicken spaghetti (who knew??) and we grabbed a yummy bottle of red, only to have Shawn knock it over when reaching for some rolls. Thankfully we didn't spill much and Dr. Google came to the rescue with some stain removing remedies with things we actually had on hand in the RV.

For the most part, RV’ing has been super fun. There is something cozy about all being in this small space together, and I am thoroughly enjoying having it just be the 5 of us. Our little family unit. And the whole theory that mid-western people are the salt of the earth? It is totally true so far. We have met THE nicest people. They aren’t in a rush, they love to chat and they are quick to help. And they are quick to forgive. Like this evening, when our chatty, bubbly Luke was talking to Dick and Jane next door (truth) and he asked Mr. Dick why he had a big tummy and did he have a baby inside? Mr. Dick was very nice. And when I accidentally stepped on our hose and sprayed water all over Mrs. Jane? Why, she was very nice too. And when Shawn went to check out the Tahoe and see how it did on the drive here and it wouldn’t open and the key chain appeared to be dead? (which means the Tahoe is dead. again.) Well, we learned that regardless of what the car manual says, we cannot leave the key in it at all according to our new friend Less (about 3 spaces down) from Oklahoma (by way of Canada) who has a granddaughter named Macy, who is also pulling a Tahoe, on his way to a big family reunion in Minnesota. And finally, when Jude busted his nose and created a bloody explosion at the playground after dinner? Mr. David, a local whose softball team will be in the 4th of July parade at 10:10am down the street, ran to his bike and offered us some first aid supplies. I don’t think my kids have ever seen a parade so we are hoping we can make it prior to pulling out tomorrow and heading to Kansas City.

As crazy as all of this has been so far, I still wouldn’t change a thing. It’s crazy and nerve-wracking and frustrating for a good chunk of the time, but it’s fun.

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