We survived!

The road trip was a smashing success. Well, except for the pit stop to clean up a bit of barf thanks to the winding, mountain road we took.

Fortunately for us, it was not from one of our passengers. And, more fortunately for Kristen, her daughter had fabulous aim and timing and the clean-up only had to be done on the outside of the vehicle.

The pediatrician had to cancel at the last minute so it was just the priest in our van.

My kids were very well-behaved. I didn't have to threaten to throw them out of the vehicle once.

Kristen's kids are always well behaved.

When we made our way to the restaurant for lunch the men sitting at a table in the only outdoor section that would accommodate us all had what can only be described as a look of sheer terror on their faces.

The waitress' look was worse. I am sure she thought she about to get a taste of "Ugly Americans."

Within minutes it was clear they were not going to be an unruly bunch. Our fellow diners relaxed and the waitress was in awe over the "so polite children." Though she was a bit shocked at "just you two little mommas and all those children!!?"

Kristen only has about two inches on me, so I guess our tiny frames turning out nine well-behaved children total appears as some super-human feat.

I think the pleasant lunch may have had just a little bit to so with the fact that we had strategically placed all the children in line-of sight of Father Kaim.

I mean really, who is going to act like a jackass when your parish priest is present?

And, on the topic of him, what an amazing man he is. We are truly blessed to have him here.