Before I Forget. . .

While washing dishes this evening, I realized that I had forgotten to share two memorable stories from our trip. Since this blog serves mostly as my journal/scrapbook, I must share them now. I would hate to forget them.

The first story happened on the way there. It was not at all funny at the time. Well I'm still not laughing, but shaking my head. It is one that I need to remember though. One to share with Nolan when he is a parent and complains that his children make him crazy.

One of our numerous stops along the way was at a little gas station. As with many of our stops it was a little chaotic trying to get six kids and four adults through the bathrooms, fill up with gas, and get any other needed items taken care of. As we were getting ready to leave the store, I noticed Nolan was not with me. He was not with Tim. He was not with my parents. He was not with any of the older kids.

I called him several times. There was no response. I went outside. I didn't see him. I looked in our car. Nope not there either. The panic was about to set in. I started toward my parents van when my dad informs me that their vehicle is locked. Where is he? I don't know whether to be angry or scared. I was a little of both.

Suddenly Nolan appears, seemingly out of nowhere. He has a huge grin on his face. (Not for long.) He had crawled into the hatch of our car. It was filled to the top with sleeping bags and duffel bags. He was hiding up there. I didn't see him at first glance because he was covered in luggage.

This is my life with Nolan. Always interesting, often challenging, and sometimes scary. In fact, I have a whole post brewing in my head about this kid, but that is for another time.

The second story I can't really tell. Sorry, but the main character wants to be anonymous. Let's remember it as a lesson learned. The lesson: while camping never wait to go to the bathroom. If you wait something funny might happen that would cause you to choke on your meal. Choking may cause you to cough uncontrollably. The coughing may cause you to lose control of your very full bladder. You may need to change your pants. You've been warned.