Visiting His Hometown Texas

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       It's 5:30 in the morning.  We wake up, excited.  We have a huge smile on our faces, and we jump out of bed.  "It's finally the day we get to go to my hometown Texas!  And you can finally meet my best friend Ashley in Person!  And she gets to meet the babies!"  Conan says, his voice was all bubbly with excitement.  "I know!  I'm so excited!  It'll be a great time!  And it'll be the babies first vacation anywhere!  And I look forward to meeting Ashley in person.  I also am excited to see the Buckley's Beaver and it's convenience store!  And to get the babies Buckley's merch!  And I'll get myself something, and you can too."   "Yeah!  That's I think of one of the things I've looked forward to most.  I can picture our daughter in a Buckley's Baseball Hat when she's older.  Like 4 or 5, maybe 7, etc.  for now she can't.  But we can certainly buy them hats and clothes for when they are older.  Because sometimes they don't get back in stock once it's gone.  Most of the time they do.  But still.   Actually they always restock.  It's an endless restock.  All the time.  But I'm just so excited to have Buckley's merch for the kids!  Buckley is basically the mascot of Texas!  He's very well loved by everyone in Texas!  I can't wait for our kids to love Buckley!  Of course they're too young to remember by next year or 3 years from now.  But when they get to be about 2 or 3, they Will build memory.  I want to go to Texas every year with the kids.  Once a year.  Maybe twice.  It will be our annual thing."  Conan says.  "I picture our daughter in like a Jersey tank and the baseball Hat.  And babe you're the cutest!  I look forward to it too, and I think once or twice yearly trips are a great idea!  I'd love that!  I'm honestly most excited about watching the kids grow up, and seeing where you grew up spending most of your years as a kid, into adulthood.   It'll be very sentimental."  I say, sharing the same feeling.  "Yes it will be!  Too bad we forgot to pack last night!  I just wanna go, hit the road buck!  Because I can not contain my excitement!  And I love being on the road.  But I suppose we should not wake the kids this soon.  So let's just back.  Hopefully we'll be out of here by 7.  That's a more reasonable time anyways.  Maybe we'll grab some breakfast on the way."  Conan says.  "I know babe.  I think we were just so tired last night, and you had a bad day yesterday and we made love and went to sleep.   But I'm like you.  I love being on the road.  Especially when it's dark out.  I don't understand why, I just do.  But yeah, 7:00 or 7:3o, it'll be light blue sky, very pretty, and still pretty early."  I say.  So we start grabbing our suit cases.   We pack all the clothes We want.  We plan on staying for 2 weeks.  Because he wants to show me just some of Texas.  Yes.  Two weeks can get me to see just a small fraction of Texas.  He used to drive around for 5 hours each day, and he still has not seen everything.  Incredible.  It's Gonna be a fun 2 weeks.  And we'll be spending it with Ashley as well.  It will allow me to Spend some quality time getting to know her.   It's important to Conan, and from what Conan has told me, she seems like a wonderful person, who I can get along well with.  And I better.  She's gonna be our babies aunt.  It's gonna be a fun, joyful experience all around.  We need 2 full suitcases each, 4 all together, to fit 2 weeks worth of clothes.  14 pairs of Underwear each, 14 pairs of socks, 20 shirts and shorts each.  Because you always need back up clothes, like long pants for it it's chilly, etc.   Then we go in the bathroom to brush our teeth and hair.  So that way we could pack that.  We grabbed ZipLock bags for that stuff.   We put our toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, Floss, Dixie cups to rinse with, and all that stuff.  Then we packed our hairbrushes, and Shower stuff.  Such as our own Loofahs, Shampoo and conditioner bottles, Body Soap, and all that.   Of course shavers and shaving gel.  We cleared out everything in the bathroom pretty much.  But not of everything.  Almost though.  Then we went to pack the babies clothes.  And omg!  The amount of clothes you have to pack for a baby.  We had to pack more than double.  Because as hectic as it sounds, babies puke or spill food on their clothes or poop through their diaper multiple times a day.   And if we're gonna be gone for 14 days, We had to pack at least 45 shirts and pants sets, and pajama outfits for both.  It felt like we were taking the whole dang wardrobe.  But you'd be surprised at how many clothes we have for them from the Baby Shower, and shopping for them to spoil them.  Especially when I was emotionally shopping for the babies when I had those pregnancy body confidence issues.  And we had a good 130 people at the baby shower.  And every single one of them bought clothes, in multiple sets, along with the other things they bought us.  "Okay, I think that Is definitely enough clothes."  I say.  "Lol, yeah, I think so.  But it's a good thing we packed so much.  In fact it's a good thing to over pack.  It's better to have too many clothes than needed, than too little.  Maybe we can pack 10 more shirts each."  Conan says.  "Alright.  Well we didn't pack the ladybug outfit.  Or the toy story outfits.  So let's get those packed."  I say.  "That sounds good, I cannot believe we forgot that!  Or  the Texas Cowboys outfits! Hello!  That should have been one of the first outfit I chose for Conan Jr.". Conan says.  I laugh.  "Yeah, And I love the Ladybug Onesie.  So I'm shocked I didn't choose or think of that first.  I'd also like to pack the mini Quilt with the cardinal feathers stuffed inside.  And also the ladybug security blanket.  We'll take that in the car.  And of course the navy blue cowboys security blanket for Conan Jr.  and we shall pack the Disney outfits that my best friend Katie bought for the kids."  I say.  I also packed Luna's Ladybug headband, and ladybug rattle.  I will take the rattle in the car, so I can give it to her if she needs it.   We finish up packing the clothes, and I pack the diaper bag, with Diapers of course, baby powder, Anti rash cream, Baby Wipes, and all the other essential diaper changing items.   It's currently 6:45.  Looks like we may be done by 7:30.   Because we already packed our suitcases and bathroom essentials, and the babies suitcases and The Diaper bag.   Now time to pack a Backpack for other things, that will go in the car with us.  "Alright, we need some baby bottles, and Rattles, some toys for the babies to play with, definitely some soft snacks since they don't quite have teeth yet.  Although they're growing in.  Maybe some apple sauce, and cold Water bottles for us, and we can even pour it in the baby bottles to make sure they stay hydrated.  What other snacks are soft, that they don't have to chew?"  I ask.  "Well, let's see.  We could mash up some bananas, Yogurt, smoothies, and mashed Potatoes."  Conan says.  "Okay!  So I'll start by mashing some Bananas, and I'll put it in a container.  Just one.  They can both eat from the same container."  So I slice the bananas, and then mash them with a fork.  I fill the container up half way.  Then I pour some AppleSauce In another container.  Conan grabs some Yogurts from the fridge.  We got a special Kind of Yogurt, with only natural ingredients.  Not a bunch of sugar or anything like that.  Babies can't have super sugary foods.   Normal yogurt has 28 grams of sugar.  This brand we got has only 2 grams of sugar, because it doesn't have added sugar.   So we finish up grabbing snacky foods for the babies.  We also grab snacks for ourselves.  I grabbed a handful of Granola Bars, crunchy ones, and soft ones.  We already discussed getting something on the road.  So I didn't pack much for us.  We'll probably get some breakfast some place When we get on the road.  And then we'll probably grab plenty of snacks at a Gas station.  We go back and grab some other things for the backpack, for the babies.   "Okay!  I think we're ready to go!"  I say, enthusiastically.  "I think we are!  First we have to pack the car though, with the 4 suitcases, and backpack."  Conan says.  "Oh yeah, let's go do that right now.  We had the suitcases all gathered in the living room, for convenience.  We grabbed the 2 big ones first.  We opened the trunk and put those in.  Then we went back to grab the babies suitcases.  I have my backpack on my back, so I can put it in the front.  "Oh yeah, we should put a pillow or for the ride, and a blanket in case you get cold, darling."  Conan says.  "Oh yeah, that's a great idea!"  I say, and I run to our room to get it.  I put that into the front seat, and we go and grab the Babies.  "I feel bad.  We're gonna wake them up from their sleep."  I say.  "They'll be okay.  Yeah I feel bad too, but the car ride should put them right back to sleep in no time.  Remember last time?"  Conan points out.  "Oh yeah, that's true.  And it's about their feeding time anyways."  I say.  "Exactly.  They usually cry when they wake up, for food.  Because if they're asleep, they don't feel hunger.  But when they're awake they do.  I think they just needed some extra sleep.  They've never been asleep this long without getting food.  And we have to change their diapers.  And probably change their outfits."  Conan says.  "Yeah I can guess they'll need a clothing change."  I say.  We go into the nursery room, and pick up the babies.  "Yep, Luna's butt is soaked through the pajamas.  Poor baby."  I say.  She starts crying.  And then so does Conan Jr. because Luna's cry woke him up.  Conan picks up Conan Jr. and sees his bottoms are also soaked.  "Okay.  Let's go give them a quick wash in the tub, and put fresh Diapers on them."  Conan suggests.  "That Sounds like a Great idea."  I say.  We take them to the bathroom, and bring the diaper bag with us.  I undress Luna, and Conan Undresses Conan Jr.  we get them in the tub, and just wash their bodies.  We washed their hair yesterday.  It takes 5 minutes to wash and rinse.  I have a towel prepared, and wrap Luna in it.  I dry her off real good on the diaper changing station.  I then sprinkle some baby powder on her baby butt.  Conan does the same.  I pass the powder to him.  We get them all clean and changed swiftly.  "Okay, it's 7:25.  We are now all ready to go, right?"  Conan asks.  "I think so.  We should double check though for sure." I say.  "Yes.  That is a good idea.  Let's do that."  Conan says.  So we grab the babies and we go through all of the rooms.  "Yep.  We got everything! Oh wait! The Baby stroller." I say.  "Alright awesome!  Let's Go!  I'm gonna text Ashley to let her know we're on our way.  "Hey, Ashley!  Katie and I are headed over with the babies.  We are both so excited!  It's gonna be a fun 2 weeks!  It's been forever since I've seen you.  We should be there by somewhere around 2-4.  Anywhere between there I think."  Conan sends the text.   She responds immediately.  "I'm so excited to see you!  I agree, it'll be a blast!  And I can't wait to meet the little darlings.  I'm honored that I'm gonna be their aunt!  And drive safe! 😊👍🏻🥰"  "You're welcome!  You're basically my sister.  So of course I want you to be their Aunt.  And I will drive safe, I promise."  Conan says.   He then puts his phone down, and we get our babies in their car seats.  And On the road we go! "Do you wanna stop in a restaurant for breakfast or get fast food from a Drive through?" Conan asks. "Well, we could call and order food, at Bob Evans. I would like to be on the road. And I for some reason really am feeling in the mood for Bob Evans." I say. "Okay, I agree. I also want to be on the road. However I can't eat a full meal when I'm driving.. could you Feed me?" Conan requests. "Of course I Can!" I say. "Okay, so order. There's one about 35 minutes from our house." Conan says. "Okay. I know what I want. Do you know what you want?" I ask. "What do they have for breakfast again?" He asks. "They have the Whole Hog, which is 2 Sausage links and 2 sausage Patties, 2 Bacon strips, A big slice of ham, Potatoes, and 2 eggs. Then they have The Original Farmer's Choice, which has bacon or sausage, your choice, 2 eggs, Hashbrowns, and a crepe, Pancakes, or 2 slices of Brioche French Toast. Then they have The Homestead Farmer, which is just eggs, potatoes, and sausage or bacon. Double Meat Farmer, which includes bacon and sausage, crepes, French toast, or pancakes, potatoes, and 2 eggs. Then they have the Everything breakfast. Which has scrambled eggs, topped with tomatoes, smoked, diced ham, smoked, hickory diced bacon, cheddar cheese, and Hollandaise Sauce, atop Hashbrowns, and comes with a Biscuit. They have the Rise And Shine breakfast. Which is just basic eggs, Sausage or bacon, and Potatoes. There's the Big Egg Breakfast. Which includes 3 eggs, bacon or sausage, and Hashbrowns. They have a Country Fried Steak and Farm Fresh Eggs. And that comes with Potatoes. And then a grilled steak with the same thing. Then there's Pot Roast Hash. Which is pot roast, with Hashbrowns and Eggs on top. And then, lastly, Ham Biscuit Benedict. Which has Ham, and Hollandaise sauce, eggs cooked to order, and comes with Hashbrowns. They have Pancakes. They have Blueberry Pancakes, Cinnamon Delight Pancakes, Double Chocolate pancakes, Brioche French Toast, and Regular Pancakes. Then, they have a make your own omelette." I say. "I am feeling the Ham Biscuit Benedict." Conan says. "Okay. I would like the Everything Breakfast. I will order it right now." I say. I see the phone number right online, so I press the call button. It rings a few times, and a lady picks up. "Hi, thank you for calling bob Evans! What can I do for you?" She asks. "Hi, I'd like to place an order for pick up please." "Okay, whenever you're ready." She says. "I'd like The Everything Breakfast. And a Ham Biscuit Benedict please." I say. "Okay, is that all for you?" "Actually, can I also get a Chocolate milk please? And, hold on, Babe, do you want anything to drink?" I ask. "Is coffee available to go?" Conan asks. So I pass the question to the lady taking our order. "Yeah, We give out to go cups for coffee! I'll have everything ready for you in about 15 minutes." She says. "Okay, thank you! Also, pickup name is under Katie." I say. "Okay, I'll see you soon." The lady says, hanging up. "Okay, it'll be ready in about 15 minutes." I tell Conan. "Okay great! That's perfect! We should be there by about 20 minutes from now." Conan says. "Perfect!" I say. I tear up from excitement. "What's wrong?" Conan asks. "Nothing. I'm just so excited to be seeing your hometown Texas! Although I know you were not born there, you spent 10 years there. So it's a big part of your life. And I've never been to Texas as I've said." "I'm glad you're not crying from Sadness. That's fine. Because it would break my heart if you were crying because you were sad. I'm so glad you are so excited! This means a lot to me! And you mean a lot to me! And Ashley means a lot to me, and you'll get to meet her!" Conan says.  We continue talking about how excited we are for this trip, and we soon arrive at Bob Evans.   Conan decided to go in to pay for the food.  While he did that, the babies started crying.  Since they were in the back seat, I had to wait until Conan came back with the food A minute later.  I ask him to take them out of their seats.  So He did.  He handed Conan Jr.  to me first.  And he got Luna out of her car seat, and held her while I fed Conan Jr.  a few minutes Later, and he is full.  So he takes Conan Jr. and holds on to him now, as he handed Luna over to me.  I fed her, and then we got them settled back into their car seats.  And back on the road we go.  We open the to go boxes, and put our drinks in the cup holders.  I took a bite of my food, then I Gave him a bite of his.  "Mm, thank you babe.  This was a good idea!  This hits the spot!"  Conan says.  How's yours babe?"  Conan asks.   "Mine is very delicious, and also hits the Spot.  Thanks for buying!"  I say, smiling.  "You're welcome babe!  I'm happy to!"  Conan says.  He asks for another bite.  So I give him another bite, as he drives.  Then I take 3 bites of my food.  "Give me a big bite babe.  BIG bite."  He says.  "Okay, as you request."  I say, giving him a BIG bite.  Filled up the whole fork.  "Mmm!  So good!  Thank you babe!"  Conan says.  You're welcome baby!"  I say. 
     About an hour goes by of driving.  We've been on the highway for at least 35 minutes.  Conan and I have finished our meals, and The babies are currently sleeping.  They've been asleep since 10 minutes after eating.  Conan and I have enjoyed a nice peaceful car ride, as we listened to music, from his Spotify playlists.   Of course I requested him to play his songs.  So we go through all his songs, and that passes another 2 hours.  The babies wake up, and cry again.  For a diaper change, so Conan and I pull into a Driveway for the nearest Fast food place.  He goes with Conan Jr. into the Men's Restroom and I Luna to the Women's bathroom.  And then we take turns holding both of them, so we could also go pee.  I held them while Conan went Pee.  Then he comes out and takes them, so I could pee.  We get back to the car and they are still crying.  They must need food.  "Here, let's sit here for a few minutes to feed them."  I say.  "Okay.  Should we give them yogurt And Mashed Bananas?"  Conan asks.  "I think so."  I say.  I get out the container of Bananas, and The Yogurt.  We spoon feed them.  Conan Wanted to help.  That way we can get back on the road soon, and also, so I don't get overwhelmed.  So we dig the 2 spoons in the bananas container.  And some Yogurt.  We sit there for a good 15 minutes feeding them.  They are full now again.   So we buckle them all securely in their car seats.  Back on the road we go.   We heard the song "Fernando" the cover from Cher!  "Cher did a fantastic job covering this song!  I feel that she really did it justice!"  Conan says.  "OH YeAh!  For sure!  Wanna play it on repeat for a bit?"  Conan asks.  Cause he is really jamming to it.  "Sure!  You're not gonna hear a complaint from me about that."  I say. "Okay good. Glad we're on the same page." Conan says.   Of course we're on the same page!"  I Say.  I type in the passcode to get into his phone, so he can drive safely, undistracted.  And I hit the repeat button.  "There we go.  Now it will repeat the whole time, for as long as we want."  I Say, smiling.  "Thank you for doing that for me."  Conan says.  "You're welcome!  You promised Ashley to drive safely, and that's gonna stay a promise.  That's not gonna be broken."  "Yeah, especially with you, and the babies.  That would be really bad if we got in a car wreck.  I couldn't imagine what would happen to the babies.  And you.  Oh my god, if you got so severely hurt, and I lost you, I'd never forgive myself.  And I'd never heal from it.  I can't live without you.  Now that I met you, you're literally the reason I am living.  And now the babies."  Conan says, in tears.  "Babe, It's Okay.  Do not think about that.  That's just not gonna be good for you."  "Yeah, I'm gonna stop thinking about it.  I hate it when I think about stuff like that.  I guess it's just because It happens to so many people.  And I kinda put myself in their shoes.  I know how I would feel if it happened to my family.  I'd be absolutely devastated."  Conan says.  "I know you would.  And yeah, I know what you're saying.  It happens to me too.  It's like, why?  It's gonna make me bawl my eyes out, and it's not even happening."  I Say.  I rub his shoulder blade as he calms down.  "It's really horrible.  I imagine it to the point I actually cry, because it feels real."  Conan says.  "I know, I've been through it.  It's awful."  I Say.  I decide to video tape the road trip, through the whole ride there.  Like, in increments.  I started by recording the babies, sleeping, and I kind of narrated it.  I said "So, we're on the way to Texas!  This is the babies first ever Trip.  And our first trip to Texas.  Conan grew up there, and he wants us to be included in one of the biggest part of his life."   I continue recording with the music playing, and record the road and highway signs.  I of course record clips of Conan. 
    A few more hours go by and it is now 1:30 in the afternoon.  Conan and I have eaten some Granola Bars, then he asks "Do you wanna stop and get snacks or would you rather get a pizza or something?  Like personal Pizza's?"  Conan asks.  "I don't know what I want. So you choose. I don't care, I'm not feeling picky. But it's probably a good idea to get real food, rather than snacks. Ooh, what about something from Whataburger? I know you talk very highly of their food. And I know it's a Texan thing." I say. "Sure! That sounds good! Look at you! My Girl! Listening to the restaurants I like, and wanting to try it! EEEH! I'm SO EXCITED AND HAPPY!" Conan squeals, getting so excited. "Well of course I listen! I always listen. But I do listen a little more closely when it's a topic that you are passionate about/ means a lot to you." He heads to the nearest Whataburger. He drives with a Huge smile on my face. "I'm so happy you want to try Whataburger! The fast food restaurant in the home of Texas! I can't explain how excited I am!" His big smile makes me smile wide too. "I'm very excited too! I'm excited about EVERYTHING! Just being here! And the fact our babies with grow up here for vacations. This will be our go to vacation spot! I know how much this means to you. And I know it's probably more meaningful to you, for the kids to know this place, because you lived here, I didn't. But it means a lot to me that you want us to experience this huge part of your heart. I love Texas already just because of that." I say. He smiles at me. "I'm glad you're sharing the same feeling, and meaningfulness as me! And ohhhh my god it feels SO good to be home! Now it's a lot More like home to me. Because of course, wherever you are, is home. And then of course we have the babies! And wherever they are, is also home. Because you guys are my world!" "Aww, well honey, you're our world! And yeah, I love sharing the same feeling as you!" I say lovingly. 10 minutes later, we arrived at Whataburger. I pull out my camera, to record again. Just the building. I wasn't sure the person taking our order would not appreciate that. So before we Went in, I recorded the building and narrated again. "Here we are. In the home of Texas, at Whataburger. I'm so excited! Texas was the place Conan spent most of his years. So it means a lot to him, and he also speaks very Highly of this place. So I'm gonna try it, as this is the very first trip to Texas." I put the camera back in the backpack, and we head inside, with the babies. We decided to go inside, because since I don't know the menu, we do not want to be at the speaker, with the menu, and take forever to order. It would hold up the line and it would be awkward. And it would probably be annoying to the person taking our order. At least if we go inside, we can stand back until we're ready to order. Conan says "I'm definitely going to get the Buffalo ranch chicken Strip sandwich." Conan says to me. "Hmm, I'm thinking of two things. But I'll get 1 thing this time, and another next time, either tomorrow or some time within the next 2 weeks." "Okay, yeah we can do that!" Conan says smiling. "I think I will get the chophouse Cheddar Burger for now." I say. "Okay, I'll order that. Also, let me call Ashley. See if she wants me to get her anything." Conan says. "Yeah go ahead. That's very considerate and thoughtful." I say. "Hey Ashley, we're at Whataburger, do you want anything?" Conan asks. "Uh Yeah, thank you! I'd like the Monterey Burger. I'm feeling it today." Ashley says. "Also, the fact that you're in Whataburger, tells me that you're around! I'm SO excited to see you! OMG! And I am so excited to meet Katie, and the babies! I can't believe I'm their Aunt!" Ashley says. "I'm excited to see you too! And for you and Katie to meet. And I'm so happy you're their aunt! You're gonna be an incredible aunt! And I know the babies will love you! And they're not old enough to build memories. But as they get older, they'll love creating memories and bonding with you. I Know that! Also, I gotta order everything. I have to go. Although i'd love to continue talking. But we will see you really soon." Conan says. "Okay, I look forward to seeing you! I love you!" Ashley says. "I love you too." Conan says back to her and they hang up. So we get up to the counter to order. "Hi, welcome to Whataburger! How can I help you?" A cheerful young lady says behind the counter. "Hi, I'd like the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip sandwich." Conan says and pauses, so she can put that onto the screen. "Okay, and anything else?" She asks. "Yes, I'll also have the Chophouse Cheddar burger. And also a Monterey Burger. And also 3 medium fries please." Okay, and anything to drink?" She asks. "Yes, babe what would you like?" He asks. "I'd like a Chocolate Shake." I say. "Okay, 2 chocolate shakes, and 1 strawberry shake please." "Okay, and will that be all?" She asks. "Yes." "Okay. Your total comes to $33.76" the lady says. He gets out his wallet. He paid with cash. He hands the cash to her, and she gets our food ready. "Alright, and the Name?" She asks. "Conan." He says. "Okay, we'll call you to get your food in about 5 minutes." She says. "Okay great, thanks!" Conan and I say. Then we walk to sit down while we wait. A few minutes goes by. "Order for Conan." The lady says, holding the bag. We took it to go, so we could get the food to Ashley's house, before it gets cold. "Ready? We're 20 minutes away from Ashley's house." "I'm so ready! Also, it is so hard traveling with babies. It's been peaceful. They've slept most of the time. But like, when we have to go to the bathroom, we can't while the babies are on the changing table. We have to change their diapers, meet each other out of the bathrooms, and have each other hold both babies, while we go to the bathroom. Then we switch. It's complicated. Why didn't we think about getting out their strollers every time we stopped to pee? So I could take both with me, in the stall?" I ask. "I don't know why we didn't think of that. I mean, I have like, 2 brain cells. So that might be why. You're supposed to be my brain." Conan teases. He always teases himself, saying he has 2 brain cells. Lol. "You have way more than 2 brain Cells." I say, giggling. We pull out of the parking lot of Whataburger.

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