Planes, Buses and Automobiles

As you read this (thankfully written in advance) post, I'll probably be struggling to come out of a travel-induced coma of epic proportions.  Yes, brilliant as I am, I decided it would be a good idea to travel - by myself - with Anna to visit my family after the holidays.

The only crazier decision would have been to do this before the holidays, when airport crowds were even worse.

Photo from vincegolangco.com

At press time, I'm just getting ready to set off on this journey.  Anna's day care is closed, so I am off for the week with her and decided to take advantage of the opportunity to visit my parents for a few days. We haven't been since last year.

But last year, there were two big differences:  Heidi was with us, and Anna wasn't 3.


Unfortunately, this year Heidi couldn't come because of her work schedule, and Anna is definitely more vocal and active, with a lot more attitude. So we'll see how this goes.

First, we drive to a bus station. From there, we will board a bus for a two-hour journey to the airport.  We will then have about two hours to check in, go through security, with our myriad of stuffed animals and changes of clothes, and board a plane for a two-hour flight.  The best part? Three days later, we get to do it all over again!

Good times.

I will say this, we have made this journey (all 3 of us, though) for the last two years in a row. Each time it went pretty smoothly, and Anna liked being in an airplane. Although, on last year's bus ride back from the airport, it was really hard for her to stay seated even though they play a movie for you. And that's natural, of course.

Photo from flyertalk.com

But at least we could tag-team the situation when it got rough, and take turns holding her and attempting to entertain her.  Now I'm flying solo....with definite trepidation.

So, wish me luck! I'll fill you in on how we fared when we're back home. I hope the travel gods smile kindly on all of you who are also traveling long distances with your little ones!