The best trip ever

 Between the week of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, my daughter and I drove to Texas to visit my sister Alicia and my brother-in-law in Dallas. IT was one of those weeks I didn’t really have off, but my daughter did and I needed to figure out a time to work around her needs. 

I figured, let’s go to Dallas. I got a lot of work done and was able to visit family. 

I remember on Christmas Eve, I think it was Ann who asked me what time my flight left on the 26th. I was like, no, no, we’re driving! 

First of all, I don’t like to fly - I do it when I have to. 

Second, there are no rules or adhering to other people’s schedules when we drive. We stop when we want, we go we want - we get there when we get there. 

My daughter and I started these drives when she was about 3. It was one of those non-snowy winters and we really wanted to go sledding. I have family in Minneapolis and I know the snow sticks around, even if it hasn’t snowed for weeks. So, we made quick plans drove to Minneapolis. In the middle of our drive, it started snowing like crazy so we stopped at a hotel in Ames, Iowa and we had the best time. The place had a hot tub and we brought our suits - cuz you never know - and it is probably one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had. 

I often tell people, it was the weekend when I fell even more in love with my child. We were away from our hectic schedules and just spent time together.