Monday, December 13, 2010

Off We Go!

We recently went on a trip to Ohio to visit Emmy's Yaya. We made this trip by car. It wasn't our first time to travel thirteen hours by car, but with this trip came more of an awareness of time. "Are we there yet?" was uttered often by Emmy especially when going through Pennsylvania where we heard "Are we still in Pennsylvania?" at least three times an hour (and PA takes up most of the trip).

Emmy has always been a great traveler - the only hitch is she rarely sleeps in the car so that makes for a long ride. On this trip, Emmy watched her favorite movies and even used headphones. This gave the adults a chance to listen to their own music! For Emmy, car trips mean adventures and meeting interesting people. She loves to talk and socialize. It is the only time we visit McDonald's and she definitely lets us know when she sees the golden arches. It's also a time to explore rest areas, truck stops and gas stations. There really is so much to see, do and learn. Emmy now knows what a vending machine is and that some people shower at the store (truck stop). Emmy and I read the signs together and cheer when we cross a state border. We keep track of our travels on a placemat map. We LOVE to cross bridges and see the hustle and bustle of a city. I'm looking forward to Emmy getting older and keeping a travel journal full of drawings, words and mementos. Her favorite purchase from our car ride is a set of magnets in the shapes of the states that we drove through. I know that driving long distance with your children can seem daunting, but the pros really do outweigh the cons!!!!

If you are planning a trip to grandma's house, then Emmy and I would like to recommend the book Off We Go! by Jane Yolen with illustrations by Laurel Molk.

Join Little Mouse, Little Frog, Little Mole, and other baby critters as they make their way to their respective Grandma's houses.

"Tip-toe, tippity toe
Hip-hop, hippity hop

Dig-deep, diggity deep

Slither-slee, slithery slee

Scritch-scratch, scritchity scratch

Creep-crawl, creepity crawl


Wherever Grandma's house is found -

In hole, in tree, or underground,

In web, or bog, or in a nest -

Why, Grandma's house is always best."


This book is a delightful journey through beautiful watercolor scenes and rhythmic verse.

Emmy's anticipation throughout the long drive to her Grandma's house is rewarded as we pull into the driveway, watch the front door open and see Yaya's smiling face.

Click here to read our previous post about a wonderful book about grandmothers.

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