Pt 2 of them (continued ver)

Chapter 239

The double road trip was a much-anticipated event, with both Colby and Malia's family and Sam and Katrina's family setting off together for a month-long stay at a massive water park resort. With everyone traveling in Colby and Malia's spacious family van, packing was no easy feat. They had to make sure everything was accounted for, from essentials to comfort items for the kids.

Packing Day

Colby and Malia's Packing

1. Carter's Essentials:
• Diapers, wipes, and a portable changing pad.
• Multiple bottles of milk formula and several of his favorite dinosaur-themed bottles.
• Snacks: applesauce pouches, crackers, and yogurt melts.
• Extra clothes: Several changes of outfits, including his favorite onesie with a roaring dinosaur.
• A teether for his constant nibbling.
• His plush dinosaur for comfort.
• Carter's stroller (the one facing Colby) and a portable booster seat for meals.
• Baby sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat for outdoor fun.
• Swim diapers and a tiny dinosaur-themed float for the water park.
2. Liam's Packing:
• Dinosaur-themed pajamas and a matching backpack.
• Snacks: dinosaur-shaped gummies, juice boxes, and granola bars.
• His stuffed tiger, which he couldn't leave behind.
• Swim trunks with a shark design and flip-flops.
• Toys to keep him occupied, including a new dinosaur sticker book.
3. Caitlyn and Colleen's Packing:
• Matching pink rolling suitcases filled with their swimsuits, dresses, and shoes.
• Swim goggles and matching unicorn floaties.
• Art supplies for the road trip: coloring books, crayons, and sticker pads.
• Snacks: goldfish crackers, fruit snacks, and water bottles with unicorn designs.
4. Colby and Malia's Packing:
• Comfortable clothes and swimsuits for themselves.
• Portable cooler with pre-packed sandwiches, drinks, and snacks for the road.
• A playlist for the long drive to keep everyone entertained.

Sam and Katrina's Packing

1. For Sofia and Sarah:
• Sofia packed her journal, tablet, and headphones to stay entertained during the drive.
• Sarah's bag included her favorite blanket, a stuffed bunny, and her pink water bottle.
• Swimsuits, floaties, and beach toys for the water park.
• Snacks: gummy bears, pretzels, and juice pouches.
2. For Sam and Katrina:
• Comfortable road trip outfits.
• Their ghost-hunting camera (just in case they stumbled upon any spooky places along the way).
• Travel pillows and blankets for the kids to nap during the ride.

Loading the Van

Colby and Sam coordinated packing the van like a Tetris puzzle. The back of the van was filled with luggage, while the essentials were stored in accessible spots for the drive. Carter's stroller was folded neatly next to the cooler, and the snack bag was placed within arm's reach.

Once the van was packed, Malia strapped Carter into his car seat, handing him his favorite bottle to keep him calm. Liam, as usual, was already squirming in his seat, begging to sit next to Carter. Caitlyn and Colleen were sitting quietly with their backpacks, ready to start coloring as soon as they hit the road.

Meanwhile, Sam helped Sofia and Sarah into their seats in the back. Sofia was excited, scrolling through a playlist on her phone, while Sarah was already munching on a handful of gummy bears.

The Drive Begins

The van set off early in the morning, with Colby driving and Sam riding shotgun. The moms sat in the middle row to keep an eye on the kids. Carter was babbling happily, nibbling on the edge of his bottle.

Things went smoothly for the first hour, but by mid-morning, Carter's energy kicked in. He started squirming in his seat, whining to be picked up. "Carter, buddy, we're almost there," Colby said over his shoulder.

Liam wasn't helping the situation. "Why does Carter get all the attention?" he pouted, kicking his legs. Caitlyn rolled her eyes. "Liam, stop being a baby."

To distract them, Malia handed out snacks and turned on a playlist filled with kids' songs. "This will keep them busy for a while," she whispered to Colby, who gave her a grateful smile.

Sofia chimed in from the back, offering to read a story to Sarah and Colleen. The girls eagerly listened, and for a while, peace was restored.

Pit Stops

The van made a few stops along the way for bathroom breaks and to let the kids stretch their legs. At one rest area, Carter was allowed out of his seat, immediately toddling toward Colby and reaching for him. "Alright, little man, let's get you moving," Colby said, scooping him up.

Meanwhile, Liam tried to convince Malia to buy him candy from the vending machine, but she shook her head. "You've had enough snacks, Liam. Let's save some room for lunch."

Arrival at the Water Park Resort

After a long drive, they finally arrived at the water park. The kids were bouncing with excitement, while the adults were just relieved to be out of the van.

As Colby carried Carter toward the check-in desk, Malia smiled. "Ready for a month of water slides and fun?" she asked.

"Definitely," Colby replied, adjusting Carter on his hip. "But first, let's get everyone settled. This is going to be one wild adventure."