I spend HOURS of my life planning our trips. Especially with Mack needing his own seat now, I analyze the best and most economical way to travel wherever we go.  This particular trip, we were able to get some great deals on mileage tickets and airfare.  Once plane tickets are figured out then I move on to hotels, rental cars, babysitters, transportation to and from airports, and so on.  This post pretty much sums up my crazy life!  I know so many people can relate!

This trip started from home on a Friday.  All 4 of us flew to Spokane and spent two nights at a hotel. My dad and his girlfriend flew out to watch the boys while Mike and I attended our friend’s wedding.  Sunday we all went to the airport.  Mike flew to Idaho while the rest of us flew to Seattle.  The boys and I spent two nights. Tuesday Andy and I flew to Buffalo.  Mack stayed with the grandparents in Seattle to go on a sailing trip.  Andy and I arrived in Buffalo Wednesday morning after a crazy night of travel and zero sleep for me (see side story below).  Wednesday late morning, we went back to the airport to pick up my mother in law who flew in from West Virginia.  We stayed on base 2 nights, moved off base 2 nights, moved back on base. This Wednesday my MIL flies home and Andy I head to Seattle.  We spend a night there then drive up north, catch a ferry to Friday Harbor and spend the night.  Friday we head back to Seattle with Mack via the ferry.  Saturday the 3 of us fly back to Minneapolis.  Meanwhile, Mike is fighting fire all over the place!  Aaaaand breathe.

What are some of your craziest trips?

Planes, trains, and automobiles – Seattle to Buffalo:

Last week I got to travel with just Andy.  I made the mistake of saying how easy it is to travel with just one child, especially the baby!  We arrived at the airport with plenty of time to check bags, get through security, and hang out at the gate.  I checked the car seat and the suitcase since we had a short layover.  Everything was a breeze!  I wore Andy in the carrier and had the backpack/diaper bag.  Just as we walked up to our gate the flight became delayed.  It was long enough that we would miss our connection in Minneapolis.   The next flight out to get me to Buffalo was at 11:30pm.  Since it was only 1:00 pm I decided I would rather spend the next 9 hours back at my mom’s instead of the airport.  Instead of tracking down my car seat, the Delta baggage rep gave me a loaner car seat.  I had no ride options in a reasonable amount of time so I decided to try the train to Downtown Seattle.  The half mile hike to the platform is easy without a baby in the front, a backpack on and a heavy, clunky carseat to carry.  Luckily we didn’t have to wait long.  After the 35 min train ride we went above ground and caught a bus to my mom’s.  Instead of napping, I took advantage of some extra time with Mack.  Our friend drove Andy and me back to the airport where I dropped off the loaner car seat.  While in the baggage claim office I discovered my suitcase and carseat were stuck in Minneapolis.  Good thing I always pack lots of diapers in the backpack!  I took advantage of the USO at Sea Tac Airport.  It had a great family room to take a quick 20 min nap in.  We unfortunately had a bumpy ride to Detroit which Andy slept right through but I didn’t.  We eventually made it to Buffalo and went immediately to the new Starbucks across the street from the airport.  A quick nap and coffee gave me the boost I needed to get through the day with a smile on my face!