We have returned from our first road trip in the big van. Besides for the fact that the CD player jammed only half a mile into the trip, the big van proved to be a great road trip vehicle.
Even without the entertainment of a DVD player or distraction from multiple CD's the kids were less whinny and less restless than they were on any of our previous road trips.
The problem was they roamed the van as if the the fasten seat belt light had been turned off. At one point during the drive I couldn't spot Peter and the boys reassured me he was just sleeping. But where? I asked. I had to climb over two benches to take the above photo of him all curled up with his elephant on the floor under the bench.
Maryanna wasn't as restful, she took the liberty of unbuckling herself as soon as she saw me doze off. I would wake just minutes later to a laughing and thumping as she perfected her flip over the benches (let's hope she doesn't attempt this this coming Sunday on the church benches).
The older boys were actually quite helpful with their seat belts unbuckled. They were able to pass out snacks, retrieve dropped toys and even buckle back in younger siblings.
It wasn't until the last 200 miles that I finally got through to them about the importance of staying buckled up. I don't know if I actually got through to them but each of them earned the Junior Mints that were promised to whoever stayed buckled. I suppose it may be hard to convince them especially after sharing all my childhood memories of traveling in a similar van.
peter just felt tired and went down there to sleep. :D
ReplyDeleteThe seat belt law was only for front passengers in Japan when I was growing up, so I am right with you. My little brother sat on my lap some times, too. That is a cute picture of Peter.
ReplyDeleteI have some fond memories of sleeping in "the crack" of the van seats - the area that is for your feet, but loaded with bags, and then padded with blankets.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to instill some fear in your kids about the seatbelt law - you can tell them that Aunt Becca has been in 2 bad accidents where my seatbelt really helped me and kept me safe.