Goodbye Red Ford Focus

The story in a nutshell...24 hour drive home from WY. Half way there (just out of Des Moines, IA), 1:30 am middle of the night hit a deer. All of us were asleep besides Brian (driving). None of us were hurt at all--that was a huge huge huge blessing! The car worked long enough to pull off to the side of the road. Called insurance, arranged for a tow truck. Slept (not very much) in our car at the auto body shop we got towed to. Turns out after 6 hours of waiting they were not able to make such major repairs.

Towed to a second place, about 50 minutes away (in Des Moines).

The kids were pretty excited they got to ride in a big tow truck.

Spent the next 5 hours in the auto body shop. Brian was on the phone making arrangements with insurance, arranging for a hotel, possibly a rental car, checking into possibly totaling the car and buying a new one here, etc. Which meant I had 3 boys to myself. They were already sick of watching movies on our little DVD player. Tired of snacks. What else do you do in a little 10x10 waiting room that won't drive the receptionist and other employees crazy?? Let's just say we were so excited to be outa there and on our way to a hotel (even though the hotel ended up being pretty nasty...much better than sleeping (or trying to sleep) in our little car. A LONG 2 DAYS!!
To top the day off, I looked at Jacob's ankle and noticed it was red, warm, and indurated. Wondered how he could have gotten cellulitis. Showed it to Brian when he got a chance. He noticed a splinter in his foot. Was so lucky (blessed) to be able to remove it with a needle on the first try.

The only picture I snapped of the waiting room:

MEMORIES!

That evening we took the kids out for a walk. Brian ran around with Jacob and Tyler while I sat with Blake and BREATHED! Tyler came back with these:

I needed those today. So sweet!!!

The next morning we got a rental car (spent into the night last night looking for the cheapest deal on unlimited miles on a rental car. Found this one for 78 bucks. took it!) Have never been gladder to be on the road again and to be, once again, on our way home to Cleveland!