We’re on our third weekend of running like “striped apes” (as my grandmother used to say; striped was pronounced as stripe-ed). Each weekend has consisted of 1-2 trips that were over 50 miles each way, and then a bunch of local running around. On Saturday we went to see my thirteen year old brother. We missed a turn, and so what should have been a 40 mile trip out turned into an 70 mile trip out, and then backtracking about 30 miles. Yeah, that really sucked. Damn PA and its horrible road and highway signage. 
Today (Sunday) we’re going to see my ten year old brother. As luck would have it he is close to 60 miles away. We’re picking up my grandfather on the way, and I’m thinking about bringing Leah along for my brother and grandfather to see. Obviously my mom will be with me, so I won’t be juggling Alyssa, Ryan and Leah all by myself. 
Next weekend is going to be the brutal one. Instead of doing a trip to see one brother on Saturday and the other on Sunday, we’re going to do both trips, same day. As luck would have it, both are in the opposite direction, with us being smack in the middle. So in the morning we’ll drive sixty-some miles west to see my ten year old brother, then come back, stop somewhere for lunch, and then drive forty-some miles east to visit with my thirteen year old brother. Then we’ll come dragging back and go collapse somewhere. But having the marathon driving in one day is worth it to me, rather than stretch out the tedious driving and packing and kid lugging over the entire weekend.
Thank god Alyssa and Ryan are so great with going out. They LOVE to going out. They definitely got it from me. Alyssa is quite used to it; I took her to Philly for my dad to see her when she was only three or so weeks old. And I worked full-time until she was a year and a half old, so she was used to going to my mother’s at least five days a week. Ryan quickly got used to going out too, though he hasn’t been dragged around as much as Alyssa used to be. But he LOVES to go out. As long as the car is in motion, he’s happy and quiet. It’s when we’re at red lights, stop lights or stuck in traffic that he’ll begin to carry on and rock. The boy is lucky we live in the country and can go for miles, literally dozens of them, before encountering a single traffic light. 
And between here and most local destinations, like my mother’s house, the grocery store and Target, there are maybe two or three stop signs and one traffic light (none between here and my mom’s house!).
I should get to bed ASAP, because we’ll no sooner be getting in from visiting with my brother and taking my grandfather back home then it’ll be time to go out again. Dan wants to go to the bar again. We’re meeting his brother and Jason there. I’m really looking forward to going out! It’s so nice to have a few kid-free hours. I’m not too big on the alcohol, though I will drink whatever Dan’s brother whips up for me and I can take a shot or two; I’m there for the socializing and to watch Dan, his brother and whoever else comes along play pool. I suck at pool, but I enjoy watching it being played by others.
8 Responses to “Manic weekends”
Wow, I can imagine that going to visit your brothers is something you love and want to do, but I know traveling isn’t always the most fun experience. I’m glad Alyssa and Ryan like to go out, though. That definitely makes the experience a lot better, I’m sure!
I remember when my brother was in foster care it took us almost an hour to get to where he was living.
How are your brothers doing? I can’t imagine being in that situation. I hope they are holding up well.
Never heard of the expression ’striped apes’, but it’s a good thing that Alyssa and Ryan are good with going out on day trips and such, certainly makes your life a bit easier if they like somewhat long car rides.
I hope your brothers are doing okay, I bet they’re both really looking forward to seeing you and your mom.
Shame it’s not Monday, you could use the phrase, “Just another manic monday…”
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I suck at playing pool also, but it is a lot of fun to watch!
I hope all of the hectic-ness dies down for you (and your mom) soon. Do you have a better idea of when your brothers will be coming home?
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Our weekend was quite maniac too.. the boys are well..?
Im so sorry Jenn. This is just crazy. I hope everything will turn out good. I am praying for you guys. Hang in there. By the way, I changed domains if you could update my link when you get a free min thanks
Your theme is hott!!
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Hi! I'm Jenn. I'm 24 years old, married to 
Oh man, I am the QUEEN of pool. It’s the one thing I can consistently beat my dad at. (I have only won like one chess game out of 4583746 against him.)