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Thursday, April 19, 2012

Gone Flying, Must Bring Books

As I pack my family for another trip across the country, I can't help but think of the road trips I took each summer growing up. We'd head either out West to see our extended family or up the East Coast on camping adventures. And along the way Mom or one of my older siblings would read to us. Lots of Roald Dahl (isn't he wonderful?). I distinctly remember my mom reading Danny the Champion of the World and being so engrossed in the story that the car trip flew by as I was busy poaching pheasants and out smarting the town's nasty rich guy, what was his name? What a dream to live in a caravan with a father whose eyes smiled.


Tomorrow we'll be traveling by plane, 3 of them, in fact, and although I'm making sure we have enough underwear and matching shoes, I'm also packing my suitcase full of books (in addition to my Kindle). Big Nate and Pendragon for my 8-year-old, Fancy Nancy and Little Bear for my 6-year-old, the Berenstain Bears and Dora for my 4-year-old, and the Mercy Thompson Series for myself.  (Yes, I'm a little concerned about how the in-laws are going to feel about those darn covers.)

In some ways I wish my children could have the experience I did travelling together in a full-size van, laying across the seats or hanging out in a nest of pillows created on the bed in the back listening as I read like my older sister did, with accents and saying "chap--i-ter." . . .

But then I'd have to spend 6 days confined in a minivan. (Yikes!)

If you look up tomorrow and see a plane flying east, give it a wave. It might be me.

 I'll be loading up my Kindle for the trip home and I could always use a recommendation. What books do you take when you travel?

12 comments:

  1. It's too bad mini vans don't come with that little window that limos have. Mom and Dad could sit up front. You could zip up that window and you wouldn't hear/see any of the noise from the back. I'd buy one.

    A plane is a good choice.

    I just got back from a few day trip and brought along a romance that a friend leant me. I don't think I've ever read a real romance novel (not even Danielle Steel). I get a kick out of the flowery writing, but I haven't been converted to a romance junkie yet.

    Have a fun trip.

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    1. The Hubs and I have talked about that very thing-the "limo/mini van" Glad we're not the only ones wishing for a little more sanity and quiet on road trips. Thanks for visiting my blog!

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  2. Have a wonderful trip, Robin, with your family. You might want to write also picture books because you have a critique group right at home. Your four children can give you good feedback if other children will like them or not. And by the way, your picture on ilima's blog is better than what you have here. You might want to switch. Best wishes with all your novels.

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    1. I want to do picture books one day . . . can only juggle so many things at a time though:)

      And yup, I am super uncomfortable having my picture taken, I always look goofy and most all my pics have tons of other people in them. If it's just me I look all goofy!

      I'll put in her pic. Thanks for the idea. And thanks for visiting my blog!

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  3. Have fun on your trip, Robin! As you know, I have nine siblings. We did take long trips together (never more than two days though, mind you), but I think that was just too many kiddies (half of them with ADHD) for group reading like this. We did sing lots of songs together, though. Good times. I think long road trips and vacations are good cement for a family. Long plane rides count too. :-) *waves at the sky to you*

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    1. I'm sure my parents memories of these road trips is rather different than mine. We did sing, but not a ton-we were more likely to play the alphebet game or cards-nobody could beat me at Spit or Egyption Rat.
      Thanks for the wave, I think I felt it:)

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  4. I never seem to have time to read when i travel. Any books I take remain untouched. Maybe when I vacation with the hubs when all the kids are gone, it might be different. Hope you have a great time!

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    1. Thanks Ilima! So far it's been really fun and the kiddos did so much better than expected Flying out-thanks mainly to Stan's new Nook Tablet.

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  5. You made me want to go read some Roald Dahl. He IS wonderful!

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    1. The BFG, Matilda, and Danny are my long time favorites. He is SO wonderful!

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  6. I just bought an IPAD recently and have download several books, but haven't had the opportunity to read any of them. I need some travel time!

    Have a great trip!

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  7. This sounds like such a great vacation, Robin! I love my Kindle and always have that along. It's fabulous to be able to bring all the books I want for a long trip.

    However...my husband has come to love my (well, now it's "our") Kindle just as much and I do, so it seems we need to get a second e-reader. :)

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