Expect the Unexpected

We all packed up our things after finishing on such an early breakfast, and left off to Arizona. The travel to Arizona took about 6 hours, not including stops to restrooms or fast foods. But unfortunately, I don’t think my family could handle without taking any rest breaks. We left at twelve o’clock and have been driving for only thirty-minutes. Just then, Katie said, “I want to potty badly.” Really Katie? Is this really the time to go for a potty break, right after thirty-minutes we left from home? Seriously?

“Ok honey, we’ll be stopping over a gas station; your daddy also needs some gas.” Mom said. Okay, gas, but not another type of gas. I told you so;my family always had to go stop at some place, then we end up arriving at our destination really late.

Dad exited the highway and tried to find the gas station. There wasn’t any in this deserted place! “Mommy!” yelled Katie, “I need to pee now!”

“Be patient honey,” soothed Mom. Katie couldn’t hold it, so she did it. Katie did it in the car, on her child seat, and in her pants.  If you tell a toddler to hold it, he/she’s not going to listen. 

Though I hope it’s not spreading through the car seats. Unexpectedly, I felt something wet on my seat. I touched it and wafted the odors to my nose. “Ah!” I shrieked, “Dad, please find a gas station soon. Katie’s going to spread more!”

“Alright, I’m searching for one.” Dad said. We went through the entire town and not a single gas station is found. What in the world; how can there not be a gas station here?! Finally, my dad gave up and went to the highway again.

Dad found another exit and decided to look for a gas station there. There it was, right in front of the car, with the bright red and yellow lights staring at us. “Great, we’ve found Loves! Let’s stop there and use the bathroom.” I said sarcastically.

We drove straight to Loves and did our things. While Dad bought gas, everyone else went to use the bathroom. It took everyone about twenty minutes to get back to the car and hit the road. Just as we entered the highway, James said, “Dad, I’m hungry.” Great, that’s another excuse to arrive at the Grand Canyon late.

Dad ordered, “Eat your PB and J sandwich Mom packed for you. If anyone else is hungry, join him.” James got his PB and J and ate it. Katie wanted some too, so I gave one to her. As they were chomping on their sandwiches, I decided I need some relaxation time. I turned on my IPod and listened to some random songs. Some were “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz, “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato, and “Moves like Jagger” by Maroon 5.

It’s been four hours driving to Grand Canyon and my siblings were sound asleep. My mom kept talking to Dad about random things to keep him up. I, on the other hand, was reading a book I brought from home. It was titled “Scat” by the author of Carl Hiaasen. It’s mostly about two friends trying to solve a mystery in the woods, but there were also other events. Anyways, I read the whole book in two hours. By the time I was finished, we arrived at Holiday Inn Express.

“Mom, I thought you said we were going to the Grand Canyon today?” I asked.

“Oops, I guess I forgot to tell you that we were going to go tomorrow.” Mom said awkwardly, “Could you please wake up the little ones?” After two hours of reading a really interesting book, I hadn't noticed that it was already nine o'clock. This must be the reason why Mom changed our schedule.

So I woke them up and we all checked in the hotel. We went up to our hotel room, unpacked, and went into a deep sleep. I wonder what other surprises will pop up for me during this whole "unexpected" birthday trip. Sigh, I guess I'll have to wait and see.