The Morning Drive

Most mornings are a mad dash out the back door, into the car, dropping off the boys at each of their schools, and skidding into the parking lot at work (as long as all 17,000+ students and 3,000+ faculty/staff haven't beat me to the last parking spot left on campus!).  We have more successful mornings of making this happen - and then there is the majority of what seems to be a paradox of time that skips thirty minutes to an hour of life! 

It just doesn't seem to matter if I get up 30 minutes early or later than the time my alarm is set for - we always seem to be sprinting out of the house at the same time every morning.  And by the way, that demanding alarm clock always makes me think of Disney's Cinderella when she comments about Big Ben (that even "he bosses me around").

I was thinking about our ride in the car every morning, and how most days no matter how "hurry, scurry" we are (as I so loving tell Andrew over and over again) it sets a wonderful tone for the day.  How can anyone start off on a bad day with this little guy in the car?

Just like Daddy... Lovin' those Hawkeyes!

The hat was on the bedroom floor.  As Ryan walked by it, he grinned from ear to ear and let out a happy giggle and exclaimed "Daddy!"  He immediately picked up the hat and placed it on his head.  He wouldn't take it off as we walked out the door.  Once we reached the daycare, he wouldn't let me take it off so I carried him in with the hat on his head.  Too precious!

Now, for the majority of what fills our car ride in the morning.  Let me give you just a glimpse of the very zany and silly life of a four year-old on his way to "Big School".  (And yes, for those of you who will be concerned that we are in a moving vehicle, my hands were on the wheel and eyes on the road!)

Don't you love the spontaneity of the song lyrics.  This is just a very small glimpse at the never ending curiosity, insightfulness, brotherly love and just plain talkin' that goes on in the back seat of the ole' Saturn Vue!

I wouldn't give up my morning drives for anything!


P.S.  Please keep the Kastl family in your thoughts and prayers.  Our very close family friend has just lost her mother to cancer and her service is tomorrow.  We all know she is singing and praising God with the Heavenly Host in Heaven, but she will certainly be missed here on Earth until we are all there with her.  She was such a truly beautiful woman.  I only hope that I live out my life to be like Jesus Christ as much as she demonstrated her walk with Him in her life.