Worn Out

This was the first trip we have taken where Dexter has started to ask, early and often, "are we there yet?" He was complaining, "I want to be home," and I started singing his complaints. Then, he had the idea to sing a song with me being his "helper". He sang verses about wanting to be home, riding in the car, wondering how long it would be until we got home, lamenting that it would be seven more hours until we got home, etc., etc., etc. At the end of each song, we all would clap and Dex would say, "Mommy, do you want to be my helper on another song?" At one point I suggested that Daddy could be he his helper but he refused. Eventually Dex tired of creating songs and got quiet. When I looked in the back seat, I saw Dexy and My Bologna "resting".

Grandma and Gunker sure wore out these dudes during their Mississippi vacation. I'm willing to bet that these dudes also wore out Grandma and Gunker!

Boomland Rest Stop

As usual, we stopped at Boomland to fill up on gas, let My Bologna get outside for a bit, go to the bathroom, and pick up snacks for the rest of the ride. Also, as usual, Dex wanted to "ride a ride". He chose the black horse on the carousel.

Lesson in Skipping Stones

Gunker tried to teach Dex how to skip stones.

Not sure any stones actually "skipped" but Dex did manage to chuck a few more stones into the Mississippi River.

Nature Boys on the Mississippi River Walk

Dex, Gunker, and Daddy found some trails by the Mississippi River Museum and took a long nature hike.

Dexy found and brought home a beautiful piece of driftwood. He also brought home a sycamore tree seed and did a trick for Mommy and Grandma turning the seed into fuzz by smashing it on the ground!

Gunker was impressed with the way Dex read the names of trees off the information plaques. Gunker also helped Dex identify animal tracks (and Dex left some of his own tracks to "discover" on the walk back).

Out of Control Remote Controlling

Grandma and Gunker brought out a remote controlled car for Dex to play with.

He wasn't very coordinated with the controller but he sure found it exciting!