Off and running!

We're finally on the road. We were a little behind schedule this morning -- as expected -- but everything is going marvelously well. Planning, planning and more planning has been the key. I would have liked to be more laid back about the whole thing, but then I don't think things would be going so well.

Paul and I packed the car last night. There was some trial and error, trying different types of packing containers in the back of the Element: Tucker totes, bags, suit cases, plastic bins. We ditched the big tote boxes, as they took up way too much room, and ended up with a combination of plastic bins, canvas bags and rolling carry-on style bags that fit perfectly under the new plywood shelf Paul built. This morning we only had to put in the toiletries, cooler, car toys and essentials that we didn't think of until the last minute. We rolled out at 9:30 instead of 8:00, not too bad compared to our usual tardiness.

As I hoped, we found a picnic spot near Lake Pleasant in the Adirondacks, about 3 hours into the ride. It was perfect timing: Zac had just woken up from a nap and everyone needed a stretch. It was a good spot, except for the black flies. They do like young flesh. Poor Zac has little bloody bites on his neck and forehead. The boys ran around with a ball -- thanks for that great tip about bringing a ball for the rest stops -- and they rolled in the grass.They started to get cranky after about a half hour --- I'm not sure why, perhaps it was too hot or the black flies were too annoying -- but it was time to go anyway.

We got to Syracuse at about 3:00, got lost trying to find downtown but made it to the Museum of Science and Technology at 3:30. That gave us an hour and half to play at the museum, which was just perfect. We found parking right across the street, for free because it was Sunday, and we practically bounded over the road and up the stairs of the historic building. The boys were delighted to be out of the car and we had a ball -- literally.

The "MOST" has a Science Playhouse area for little kids, which is basically a five-level maze made of colorful mats and filled with foam balls, with padded stairs , tunnels and slides with netting all around. The kids threw balls, climbed, ran, slid, jumped and burned up their frustrations. Adam loved the slides and shooting foam balls from the pneumatic trajectory device. Now I know what the heck that is! Zac was a little freaked out when I held him on my lap to slide down the curving tube slide. He definitely did not want to do that again. But we found a section of the Playhouse just for toddlers, with rubber balls to throw and giant Legg0-esque blocks, and this gave him a chance to acclimate. He also like climbing on a ladder made of colorful mats and throwing balls up in the air.
The kids took off their shoes as instructed, and I got busted for going inside without socks -- I could have purchased some socks for a buck fifty, but I borrowed Paul's instead, as he waited outside holding our bags and snapping photos.

Adam lliked the human body exhibit, especially the walk-through replica of a human heart that sounded like a heart beating. We didn't have time to see the other exhibits -- the walk through cave, toothpick city, Central New York natural history -- but Zac was all worn out and I think it was just the right amount of time and activity. It was completely worth the $14 it cost the four of us for admission.

The Econolodge was less than a mile away and exactly what I wanted -- two beds, space for a pack-n-play, a refrigerator and microwave and our parking spot right outside the door. I'm so glad we stayed downtown because we could easily walk the half-mile to Armory Square to find a good restaurant. We ate at Pastabilities -- and I didn't have pasta. I had a delightful ahi tuna encrusted with sesame seeds with a black bean salsa and cucumber salad. And a bass ale. Perfect. Paul had crab and boursin stuffed ravioli and a local microbrew. Adam savored his spaghetti and Zac threw his all over the floor. We enjoyed the sites on the walk to and fro -- especially the historic buildings and signage about the Erie Canal. We actually walked on the Erie Canal, now filled in with cement, and sang "15 Miles on the Erie Canal" over and over. Now the boys are in their beds and Paul is snoring.

Tomorrow, after a continental breakfast we'll fill our travel mugs with coffee and head toward Cleveland.