When I was little, I loved road trips. All of my grandparents lived several hours away, so visiting them required an interstate journey in our humongous Ford Econoline van. That van was fantastic. The seats reclined way, way back. The very back seat flattened out into a bed and, in the somewhat less safety-conscious 1980s, my sisters and I would sprawl out back there, unhindered by pesky seat belts. We would play house back there and do all sorts of things as our family sped down the highway. It was heaven.
I always loved to sleep in the car on those trips. Some of my strongest childhood memories come from those late-night rides in the darkness. The low hum of my parents’ conversation in the front seat would fade into my dreams as I slept, and I would awake to music and more conversation, along with the strong smell of Mom and Dad’s coffee wafting from the carafe between their seats. Even today, the smell of coffee can take me back to those times. Those are sweet memories.
Last week on our family trip, I couldn’t help but think of that as I watched the beginnings of my own daughter’s childhood memories in the back seat.
If I can give her sweet and simple memories to fall back on when her life becomes somewhat more complicated, I’ll be satisfied.
My sisters and me, circa 1986 or so.
5 of your thoughts:
So sweet, and so cute! I love how, no matter how deeply she's sleeping, she's got a firm grip on that spoon! haha!
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Such peaceful photos. I used to love roadtrips when I was little too... and I still do! Although, we were always required to be buckled up in our seats at all times, we had plenty to do and loved seeing new places :)
I miss the days when no one thought anything of letting their kids ride in the "way back." that was my FAVORITE place to ride--and a wonderful place to sleep on long car rides--though I never was able to sleep much on long car rides unless it was dark out. I remember trying to pass the time playing games like "Liscense plate" and by reading (I always adored reading) until I was so carsick I begged my dad to pull over so I could walk a bit.
My friend, Peter, his mom had a station wagon with seats that popped up in the wayback. They popped up and faced backwards. Those were some coveted seats, let me tell you! Anytime I went anywhere with Mrs. VanDuyn (his mom) I always had to ride in those awesome seats!
Must be nice to be able to see your baby when you drive! I know it's more dangerous but I can't wait to turn the car seat forward so I can see her! I only just recently got a mirror because the Honda allow for one, and I thought I'd be able to see her little face through it when driving...but I can't :-(
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