The Journey of a Thousand Miles Must Begin With a Single Step

Another quote, I know...... but appropriate because many people are traveling (or attempting to travel) for Christmas.

My dad and I woke up bright and early this morning and headed out on the road at 5:44 a.m. Our destination? The Show-Me state, specifically St. Louis. My sister, her husband, and their daughter (my niece/goddaughter) live there and we decided to visit them for Christmas since they couldn't make it up to Minnesnowta.

P called me Tuesday morning, freaking out about the weather everyone in MN is beginning to enjoy right about now. She was convinced our dad and I needed to leave right then and there.....except I had to work Tuesday night until 10. So we just stuck to our regular plan of leaving early Wednesday morning and thankfully, it worked out fine. We did decide to skip over Iowa because of reports of icy roads and instead took this route. This is the 5th or 6th time I've made the drive but the first time that I've gone through WI and IL.

The drive was rough at some areas due to rain/sleet at near freezing temps so we were nervous about ice but didn't encounter any (which we were very happy about). My papa also pointed out a coyote to me near Tomah WI, which I was excited about because I've never seen one in their natural habitat. Ha, that sounds odd but I like things like that!

We arrived at Pbo and DL's place around 4 and have just been taking it easy all night. DL made cheesy potato soup for supper which we followed up with a few episodes of an excellent show "The Big Bang Theory".
My dad and I haven't seen AJ for a few months and it's crazy how much she has grown! She's 13 months now and was 9 months when we last saw her - a big difference! My favorite phrase that she says is "Uh-oh!" and she likes to elongate the "-ohhhhh" part of it; so cute! It's going to be so nice to just relax and not have to worry about anything as we don't leave until Sunday. Yay for holidays!

I hope everyone has a safe travel to wherever their destination may be and to enjoy and cherish time you are able to spend with your loved ones.
That also means that if you are snowed in due to the 15+ inches expected (ahem, MN) try to cherish being with the family members who are snowed in with you :)