As many of you know, we had planned to fly to Bozeman, Montana to visit Marco's parents for Christmas. Due to a combination of poor planning, weird midday traffic, and extra security measures we arrived at the check-in counter 20 minutes before the plane was scheduled to take off. Did you know that if you don't arrive 30 minutes before the plane takes off they won't let you check-in?
We didn't, but now we do.
There were no more flights that would get us to Bozeman that night and the woman at the counter said all the flights for Christmas Eve were booked. We were a little shell-shocked, I think. We've never not spent Christmas with one of our extended families. We are not the type of people to miss planes. We are the type of people who always arrive two hours early. At least we used to be.
After determining that we could use our tickets at a later date the three of us climbed back in the car and decided to drive the rest of the way to Bozeman. We didn't stop at home. We just drove. We made the drive with Annabella last summer, so we weren't that worried. And, in fact, we arrived less than 24 hours later than we would have had we flown. Considering how much fun we had on our last flight, I didn't mind so much.
The holiday in Bozeman was perfect and we even had the luxury of staying a few extra days. We spent New Year's Eve in a hotel room in Elko, Nevada where we all had to go to sleep at Annabella's bedtime of 7pm, but we didn't have any complaints.
In fact the trip was smooth, just as smooth as the snow and ice we hit in Lake Tahoe on New Year's Day. Roads were closed and a 9 hour drive slowly turned into a 16 hour drive. In fact, we were stuck in nearly stopped traffic for 6 of those hours. That's when I learned how to change diapers in my lap and Annabella learned how to drive.
Let's just say we're glad to be back.
baby you can drive my car
Posted by: ben | January 07, 2004 at 03:30 PM
Glad you had a good, although it sounds a bit strained at first, holiday season. Maybe you can teach her how to drive all the way next time and you and Marco can sleep on the way to Montana. Thanks for the posts!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 07, 2004 at 04:09 PM
Those are the best pictures!! :) I'm glad you had a nice Christmas. Happy New Year! :)
Posted by: Lisa | January 07, 2004 at 04:51 PM
Way to go, A. And I see you check your mirrors regularly too!
Posted by: Sarah | January 07, 2004 at 05:04 PM
Happy 2004 Megan! Glad you made it ok. Bet you keep extra supplies in the car now huh..
Posted by: Doug | January 07, 2004 at 05:45 PM
Oh my goodness..with a baby that cute, how can you ever put the camera down!!
Posted by: Kacy | January 07, 2004 at 07:11 PM
Sounds like it could be a partII to Planes, trains and automobiles!
Posted by: Barbee | January 07, 2004 at 07:24 PM
Hmm snow... if that happened here in South Alabama, it would shut down every business, school, and road. A 10 minute trip would last 2 hours plus. I'm glad that you could enjoy the trip.
Harrakis
http://harrakis.sytes.net
Posted by: Harrakis | January 07, 2004 at 07:46 PM
Eyes on the road, A!!!
Posted by: Brett | January 08, 2004 at 03:00 AM
We miss you on TSS...
Posted by: eun | January 08, 2004 at 08:26 AM
Yea we do miss u.
Those pics r great.
Posted by: inazuma002 | January 08, 2004 at 10:44 AM
Wow, what a trip back that must have been. At least you have a great story to tell!
Posted by: Al | January 08, 2004 at 01:07 PM
Glad you got out of Montana when you did on Tuesday it was 35 below.....but the sky was so blue...cars are better than flying if you can do the time!! Too many rules now....later.
Posted by: Montana Randi | January 08, 2004 at 02:58 PM
Let the baby drive! Why didn't I think of that? She certainly looks like she knows what she's doing. A little preview of what you'll be dealing with in 16 years, hmm?
Personally, I'd prefer to drive than fly any day. I'll bet Annabella agrees with me.
So glad you had a nice holiday and are home safe and sound.
Posted by: Liz | January 08, 2004 at 04:15 PM
Love the pics Megan, you have a cute kid. I just stummbled upon your site today actually... I hope that your family is having a super new year, and enjoying every day of it to the fullest!
Posted by: Jason | January 08, 2004 at 08:33 PM
Annabella probably drives as well as most people I run into on the road.
Posted by: Vern Anderson | January 08, 2004 at 09:05 PM
Factor in airport delays and the time the plane actually left the runway, you were probably right on time. Sorry it didn't work out as you originally planned. I'm glad you made a go for it and that you arrived back safe and sound.
My gosh, she is in her element in those pictures. Keep that up, and Annabella will be asking for an onboard GPS system for the next road trip.
Posted by: Dale | January 09, 2004 at 06:32 AM
Road trips are great. So much more flexibility and adventure.
Posted by: Richard | January 09, 2004 at 02:39 PM
Small world. I live in Bozeman and am a big fan of TSS. I used to watch Megan and Co. everyday when i had DirecTV. I'm thinking about getting it again so I can watch those geeks, lol. Sorry to hear you missed your flight, I used to work for TSA here in Bozeman I know you need to give yourself a little extra time so they can rummage through your underwear, lol.
Posted by: John | January 25, 2004 at 01:26 PM
OMG this is such a funny website meghan is so cute i love looking at these pictures they always make me laugh...
Posted by: Kristie | February 05, 2004 at 09:44 PM