Boarding the dogs will cost $341 for 11 nights. They are also both due for kennel cough, distemper, and fecal checks. I wasn't going to pay for the fecal and distemper until I had them groomed in a couple months. The good thing is that they will each get a free bath before they come back home. These dogs are filthy, and sooooo need a bath! It's about a 15 hour drive, so that will most likely mean a stop in a hotel each way. The halfway point is around DC. My bestfriend lives in DC, but she is also in NC visiting her parents, and getting a new dog. I might save the money and stay at her place on the way back up because she is going home before me.

I'm still undecided about this trip. It would mean all that way with 4 kids, and none of them are old enough to stay alone in the car. At least I don't think so. My oldest will be 9 tomorrow, so I think by law, she is too young to be with the other 3 even long enough for me to go in somewhere and pee. I have gone to a Quick Stop to get milk and left them all in the car, parked right out front where I can see, with the doors locked, and car running. They all know to stay in their seats and always do. The little guys haven't figured out how to unbuckle their carseats yet. I've called and reserved the kennel space. Now I have a ton of laundry, and packing to do. Plus the van to clean that has been neglected all winter because it's been too damn cold to vacuum it. I think I'm insane for considering this, and if I do this road trip I'll be insane at least by the time I return to NY. The good thing is that I plan to stock my mother's house with at least $300 of groceries, and toiletries while I'm there. She has no spare money, and practically can't pay all her bills since my Dad died. My 46 year old brother does nothing to help her out. His idea of a job is selling his plasma twice a week!!! That's a whole other post which I decided to spare you, and write about my possible trip instead. I'll post if I decide to go. Then if you don't hear from me again you'll know it's because I've been locked in a padded cell!