We stumbled through our morning routine on Tuesday. After getting everything done, we kept looking for signs of life outside, by the house. But it was all quiet. Any other morning, this would have been great…except we had another long drive ahead of us (and a 5:30 deadline) so we were anxious to get on the road.
Joe texted our hosts a few times, but got no answer. We continued to piddle around the RV… But finally, we reached the point where we had to leave. Joe went to knock on their front door, to try to say hi one last time, but still no answer.
We felt TERRIBLE leaving, without ever meeting them or getting to say thank you in person. Joe sent one more text, explaining such, and we got on the road. Not five minutes later, he got a sweet text from the host explaining that she had already left for the store and missed seeing us too! She was so gracious in her response and welcomed us back anytime. We never got to talk and never got a picture, but they were still so kind! Wow!
As we continued on in Indiana, we passed a travel center where we could get out and stretch our legs! I was diggin’ it!
Now that we had a map, Brady enjoyed following the route…and even navigating for Joe from time to time.
We kept singing and driving and before long, we made it to Ohio! 4 states in less than 2 days – whew! But we were determined to get to our destination before the deadline. It was a lot of driving and we still had a long way to go. But this was our one chance! There was traffic, EZ Pass issues, and road construction…but Joe Raab could not be stopped!
As I mentioned before, Joe and I love to research things. When we have an idea, we do lots of research. You can imagine what my Pinterest board looked like before this trip! One thing we never thought about was that the overhang on a Class C RV interferes with the camera getting the signal for the EZ Pass.
(We also never knew HOW MANY TOLLS there are in Ohio!!!)
I’m sure someone, somewhere has found a solution to this. But there was no time to research now! I wanted to hang a sign on the back of Rigby saying, “If you’re in a hurry, don’t get behind us!” At every single toll, we would try it (at every single position) and it never worked. We’d get all ready, I would lean as far over as I possibly could to the bottom of the windshield (which in a Class C – is pretty far!) and Joe would pull up slowly… Nothing. Then we’d press the button, sit on hold for awhile (or wait for an attendant to come) and have to read off our number. Sometimes, they would even try it again…having us back up and wave it out the window or they would stand in the middle of the lane, themselves, and wave it all around. It was quiet a scene… And you know how I love making a scene. [cringe emoji]
All of this to say, it’s what we went through at EVERY toll. It was eating away at our time and we were starting to get stressed. We pulled into one of their travel centers (just as nice as Indiana’s!) and grabbed a quick lunch to eat in the RV on the way. And after a few more hours…we finally pulled into Cleveland!
It was 4:25.
This was not nearly enough time for what we wanted to do but…adapt, proceed, overcome – right?
We zoomed around looking for parking. The attendant had mercy on us after hearing our story. For what should have been $35, he only charged us $10! So nice!!!! We jumped out of the RV, ran through the parking lot, up the hill, down the long pathway…and finally made it:
The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame!
We rushed inside to find the ticketing. It was disappointing to have such little time, since they recommend 3-5 hours to get through the whole museum. But this was our only shot. We had to get back on the road and headed closer to home that evening. It was now 4:35. After talking to the ticket agent, he offered to give us a reduced entry fee. Rock on! We got our wrist bands and hurried through the first set of doors. We were in!
It. Was. Awesome.
I could spend a whole day there…or two! There is so much to take in. The boys were LOVING it. Obviously, music is a big part of our family. But I also felt so thankful that they’ve been exposed to many different kinds of music (particularly through Grumpa ❤ )! They recognized so many of the faces and songs they were hearing. I’m glad they have learned that few things can unite people like music can…
The variety and breadth of the displays is unbelievable! It was hard not to take a picture of every single thing! Plus, these pictures don’t capture the whole experience because there was music and old videos playing in every room! It was another feast for the senses!
They even had an arcade!! When you scan your wrist band, you get two free tokens. Sweet! We were in a hurry, but we just HAD to let the boys play. What a cool idea?!
After this, we spent a lot time in the next section… 😉
There is so much rich history there, but they even had displays for us 80’s kids! 😉
It was neat for the boys to see how music has had a lot of influence on society, over time. These were often movements…that brought about change…or healing.
And finally, the 2018 inductees!
We agree!!
It went by fast, but we made it through the whole museum! And it was TOTALLY worth the stop! Thanks for pressing on, Honey!
Our goal was to get back on the road for awhile, before stopping for dinner, and then make it over the border to Pennsylvania to camp. We wanted to set ourselves up for a shorter drive on Wednesday to get home. Plus, we knew we would have a LOT of unpacking to do…
After driving awhile – and starting to get hungry – we began looking for food signs on the side of the highway. Suddenly, we saw this sign in the distance!
How could we not stop here?!?!
There was a shopping center, right off the exit, with several different types of restaurants. One thing we love, but hadn’t had yet, was IRISH food!
The pierogi appetizer was speaking to this polish girl’s heart. (I’m guessing this was on the menu for the locals 😉 ) But I can tell you, after growing up making them with my grandmother, these were very good!
Brady tried Shepherd Pie’s for the first time…and loved it!
Joe and I ended up splitting the fish and chips (and eating some of Aiden’s grilled cheese). And we couldn’t leave without a “Cleveland Brownie.”
Thank you, Mavis, we had a great time! This is posted next to the front door and it just warmed by heart. We have DEFINITELY felt this – all across this beautiful country!
As we were leaving, we looked for the little town square so I could get a picture with the boys. We passed this banner! AAAAH! I can’t believe the timing was so close! We will definitely come back sometime!
Found it! ❤
These two…man… I couldn’t be prouder. ❤ They’ve been through a lot (that’s a story for another time). But they continue to amaze us with their kind and loving spirits. I can’t believe my babies are about to start middle school!! Through all the stress of this trip, they’ve kept us grounded. They have been strong, cooperative, and resilient. We have loved sharing this adventure with them…and they often made me laugh, when I wanted to cry. We always say, “When you have a good family, there’s nothing better. And for those that don’t…we can be their family.”
I didn’t know what having boys (or twins!) would be like. It’s been a wild ride, for sure…but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s true, they share a special bond and Joe and I feel privileged to witness it. These boys have changed me in every way, for the better. And there’s nothing I love more – in the world – than being a wife to Joe…and their mom.
(Quick shout out to the other twins in our family: Gramma (my mom) and Aunt Sherry, and Pop Pop (Joe’s dad) and Uncle Eddie!)
When we got back on the road, I started calling campgrounds. We found one in the area of Western PA that we were shooting for…but we still had about 2 hours of driving to get there. The owner said he would be there until ten. We were cutting it very close (and I called him around 9:30 to check in) but we pulled in at 10:00 on the dot. Great driving, for the second time that day, Joe! 😉
It felt a little different than the other sites, but it was late and we were tired. We pulled in, hooked up, and fell asleep.
It had now been 5 states in 2 days. But those days were well-spent…and we will remember them for a long time.
| Funny how a melody sounds like a memory |
– Eric Church
The Raab Four 
Wow!! I’m exhausted 😄Great driving, Joe!! Almost home…….
LikeLike