Christmas Break Trip #1 - Day 5-7 (MN to CO)

*** Post Edit: 

I forgot to mention that my mom calculated that we traveled 1922 miles total. Wowza! And she drove most of those miles while she was forced to listen to the boys' DVDs instead of her usual books on tape (CD). The entire Day 7, Reid insisted that they watch Caillou, which I don't mind listening to, but I can see how it could drive you a little crazy after a while. Aiden did overrule Reid one time when they chose to watch the Cars DVD.

Wednesday, Day 5:

Playing Eva's new xylophone made by her very talented grandpa:

On the road again... heading to Jackson, MN:

The Jolly Green Giant statue near Blue Earth:

Tinsel on the tree in McDonald's in Mankato:

Hello, Me!

We had dinner at my aunt and uncle's farm. All of my Grandma's family (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. spouses) were in town for her memorial service. It was so nice to see everyone.

Thursday, Day 6:

Breakfast time at the hotel/ chasing around with cousins:

Eric and Aiden heading out to the van on our way to the memorial service. It was very cold:

Aiden and Grayson:

One of my favorite moments was when all of the great grandchildren rang bells for Great Grandma at the grave sight. She had a wonderful life, indeed.

All ten great-grandchildren (plus me). Reid was inconsolable while we were trying to take the picture. I finally figured out that he was upset that he didn't have a booster seat to sit in. I wish I could have figured that out sooner.

The four great-grandsons who were born in the first half of 2010:

From Marita:

The four siblings:

 The nine grandchildren:

 The entire family:

 My Uncle Tom's family:

 My Uncle Kent's family:

 My mom's family:

 My Aunt Marita's family:

 The nine grandchildren were the pall-bearers:

    
The two displays Marita and Julie put together for the memorial service:

Friday, Day 7:

Time to head home. Gas station finds:

 Jockeying for control of the ice scraper/ snow brush:

 The Great Platte River Road Archway:

A few hundred laps at the Runza in Kearney:

Are we home yet?

Hard to read, but this sign in Colorado read "Merry Christmas EAT BEEF".