Whoever said, "Getting there is half the fun!" is a big, fat liar

Getting there is not half the fun. It's not even a quarter of the fun. It's a gigantic pain in the ass lugging a toddler, three suitcases, a carseat, several carry-ons and two laptops across the country. But overall I can't complain. Although we hit a few bumps along the way, we were blessed with good traveling karma. The planes were on time and we survived the flights (I will admit to having a glass of chardonnay on the second, bumpier flight to calm my nerves but a playdate wasn't involved so it was totally OK.).

The hassles we encountered were minor: my car's window wouldn't roll back up in the long-term parking lot after we retrieved the parking ticket; Delaney's diaper had a monster leak on the first flight; and it took us 45 minutes to drive two miles on an Indianapolis freeway due to a wreck that was up ahead, turning what should have been an hour and a half drive to Grandma's into a nearly three-hour ordeal. Those problems certainly paled in comparison, though, to what a wonderful traveler Delaney was. She was cheerful the entire time, playing with the toys I'd packed and charming everyone around her. Her favorite "toy" was the saftey information card in the seat pocket in front of her. She is, after all, her mother's daughter although I'm pretty sure she wasn't using it to commit to memory all of the ways you can exit the aircraft during an emergency. I did my best to be brave in front of her and act as if flying was the most wonderful, exciting thing ever, even when I would have preferred to hoark into the barf bag out of sheer terror during takeoff. All of my high school drama classes finally paid off.

There's a ton of snow on the ground here and the temperature is, well, it's frigid. I never fully got the meaning of that word until I stood in a parking lot last night trying to find a sippie cup in a carry-on bag while my nipples froze. Holy mother was it cold. I'm not cut out for weather like this (and you are welcome to remind me I said that when I'm bitching about the Texas heat in July).

The long-awaited sibling reunion takes place later today when Big Sis and Big Brother get out of school. I can't wait to see Delaney with them again. Watching her with her brother and sister and with her Grandma makes this crazy winter wonderland trip worthwhile.

Comments

[MamaChristy]

I'm so glad you made it safe and that the trip wasn't completely crushing. I'm glad to hear that Delaney was a good little flyer and that she was all smiles. Good job to all of you and I hope that you have a lovely visit. ;)

[Angela]

Glad it went well. Sounds a lot like our trips to Chicago, which we no longer take in the winter if we can avoid it.

[Gabriel]

It's always interesting to learn the meaning of "frigid".

I was standing outside and after a few minutes, it hurt to speak because it caused movement in my face which was frozen.

Frigid!

Gabriel

[TC]

Hi, I really like your blog. Delaney is adorable and I'm glad she's traveling well. My Samantha reminds me of her, she talks alot, about 30 words but is not yet walking at 13 months, it's frustrating me but I'm trying to concentrate on how much she's talking. I'm glad Delaney traveled well we're going to Mexico with Sam in 2 days. Wish us luck too! Safe trip home...

[Cathy Frye]

Ah, the joy of air travel. I don't fear flying, just hate all the hassles.

Glad to hear Delaney did well.

Let us know how the reunion goes! (My stepkids are here right now. Amanda's in heaven. But poor stepdaughter, who is almost 15, has had to play Beauty and the Beast all morning long.)

[Julie]

Glad to hear the flight went so well! We leave Monday - on screwed up JetBlue Airways. I hope they have their act together by then! : )

[ShayShay]

oh, sweetie, getting there is only half the fun if you're one of the kids. but delaney seems like a wonderful traveling companion. i bet if you wear an extra layer and fed-ex your luggage ahead of you, you'll have a fabulous time next time.