Monday, June 23, 2008

Strapped In

There is something so comforting about driving when you have kids who are almost 2 and 4 years old. They are safe. They cannot reach each other. You have a task, mindlessly driving. You can listen to music and buzz along fielding questions from the back of the car. It's a wonderful, freeing feeling. Imposed immobility. Sometimes, I get lucky and one of them falls asleep. Once in a blue moon, both of them fall asleep (it has happened once in the last six months, I think).

Yesterday, I was driving with both kids and Patrick. We were trying to go to a restaurant which was under renovation (don't try and hit up the Sesame Seed in Danbury just now). I took back roads and the long way to the second choice restaurant. He was annoyed, "Why on earth are you going this way?" Because they are quiet, happy and strapped in. Therefore, I am happy. I think I could drive to Maine and be happy right now.

4 comments:

Acrimony said...

I *love* to just get in the car and drive. When I lived in Flagstaff I would just head off into the mountains and drive until I decided I had gone far enough and turn around and drive back towards home. I can't do that so much here in Indiana, nothing scenic or incredibly relaxing in my town. I miss that feeling so much.

Elisa said...

I've never thought about it, but you are right! They are definitely contained for those moments.

I hate driving though. I always find the shortest route to get places. :P

Counting_Blessings said...

Agreed (driving my four yr old and six week old), especially if I have an iced coffee with me and the new Counting Crows CD!!

Lorraine said...

Both of ours fell asleep on the way back from a fun family day on the 4th. Get this...the most amazing thing ever....when we got home we put them both in bed and they both stayed asleep! So what if they were in clothes! We sat there on the couch in shock at 8pm with both children asleep.....