5 Grumpy Spirits

So we've been on the road now for 23 days and while its nice to post all the amazing places we've seen I don't want to sugar-coat this for anyone as there definitely are some challenging days as well and I've chosen to post about it today. We never thought (or expected) every day to be easy while lugging three kids all under 7 around on a massive road trip. We anticipated some tough days and I can finally say that today was a VERY challenging day with the kids on this journey. For some reason, from the moment we woke in San Antonio and were preparing to head to our next destination the kids fought with each other like never before. Everyone has had those days when the kids just don't listen or they whine and argue all day...but when they decide to do this while you're packing up your things, driving a huge trailer, not knowing exactly where you are going, trying to back it into a small space in our campsite...it really takes its toll on you (in this case me)!! To top things off I bottomed out our trailer pulling out of the gas station today and smashed one of stabilizer jacks arghhh!! Not the end of the world but still a pisser! Also, am I allowed to strike my kids? Because today was one of 'those' days where a little smack could go a long way (please sense the sarcasm in that statement and don't call social services on us). The way things worked out today, we needed to close up our RV and depart our campground in San Antonio, squeeze in a Walmart trip, fill up the truck with gas and refill propane for the RV AND drive an hour to our next destination Guadalupe River State Park in the Texas Hill Country. Each day we learn a little more about what our kids can and cannot tolerate and hopefully we learned our lesson for the future because today was a rough one :). Many people that have done this sort of trip before with a young family have told us that the best advice they can give is to go slow...and don't try to rush in all the sites and destinations. Boy did the kids remind us of that advice today! We've been barreling along since Florida never really staying anywhere longer than 3 nights trying to make our way to Arizona and California as soon as we can. Louisiana, Houston, San Antonio all were quick stays and unfortunately I think the kids finally had enough today and they let us have it!

The Light At the End of The Tunnel
For all the bad days, and all the moments where the kids have really worn you out, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Constant reminders of why we are doing this which tends to wash away the shittier moments when the kids were fighting or whatever. In this case, after a rough day today, the light at the end of my tunnel was reaching the state park and heading to the river to see what all the fuss was about. Wow what a beautiful sight it was! A gorgeous flowing river with a massive cliff as a backdrop and it was ours to enjoy with virtually nobody else here! The kids jumped in their inner-tube and we moseyed into the river to cool off after a long, hot and trying day. It was the best answer to a tough day and I absolutely loved relaxing with the kids in the water while everyone got along and just enjoyed the natural beauty of this park. We've decided to stay here 5 nights which still is a little short, but certainly longer than our previous stays so fingers crossed that the kids behave a bit better tomorrow...the river and natural beauty of this park should help! 

Until we chat again...please take a look at the pics and video below,
​Alex

Dipping our toes into the refreshing river

Our new secluded campsite

Getting ready for the rapids!