Later this summer we're going to Wyoming for two weeks. The question is, how will we get there? Curtis is set on driving, but I have options. Here they are:
A) Two days of driving to Wyoming with the whole family and the dog. (We'd drive 12 hours each day.)
B) Flying to Wyoming alone with both kids. (We would have one two-hour layover each way. The ticket prices are not too bad right now and Annabeth is free.)
C) Flying to Denver with the kids and Curtis would pick us up there. (It would be 8 hours in the car from Denver to JHWY. We'd get the best and the worst of both options.)
When we flew home from Orlando I said, "Curtis, I swear to you that as long as I live I will never fly alone with the kids." But I cannot imagine two days of driving.
We will stay in Wyoming for two weeks. We won't have to pay for lodging or a car and we don't have to take vacation days. Curtis and I will both work from there.
What would you do? Would you rather be very bored for two days or very stressed for one day?
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truthfully, I would fly. but, family memories are made on trips. I know Annabeth won't ever remember this trip but Jackson will. And in order to make other trips as a family you need practice.
Now that is a tricky one- flying with 2 kids would be stressful but you get it done. How long is the flight?
Driving- the advantage is that you have no one else to stare you down when your kids scream or act up. :)
We are driving to Germany in 3 weeks and it's going to take us 2 days. That was my husbands decision to drive, I just told him to please not hate us all before we even get there! ;) I will try my hardest not to remind him it was his decision to drive for 2 days.
FLY!!! For sure! You can do it. I just flew alone with my 3 boys (5,3, and 1)from Seattle to Houston and it went surprisingly well. (Nonstop though). I downloaded some kid movies to the Ipod and that was a total lifesaver (& easier than carrying a heavy laptop). I also had lots of snacks, new sticker books, crayons, etc. And each boy carried there own stuff in their little backpack. Bathroom trips were interesting but we survived. I did have some Benadryl on hand (for my child who has allergies, of course).
Also, we have traveled all over the country with the kids and believe me a 12 hour road trip is not 12 hours when you have kids. I think the best we've managed is a 6 hour trip ends up taking about 8 hours. I've also had the nightmare of driving from Detroit to Dallas--straight--with a 4 month old and 2 yr. old! Never again. Never again. I think by about the 8 hour mark the poor little ones just cannot stand being in a car seat any longer. At least on a plane you can hold them, entertain them, and know it will all be over soon. Good luck with whatever you decide. My vote is definitely taking a plane all the way.
Charity, I'd have to try really hard not to do that, too! If only he would see the light and fly with us!
I shall pray for the light to shine down! :)
I have to say I think I'd drive... or rather, maybe I'd fly to Denver... there is something to be said about time in the car (although 24 hrs is a bit much) but 8 would probably be great... not great but the stuff memories are made of.... :o) Option 4 for me...
Why won't Curtis fly with you? I have had this discussion with myself several times and we always decide to drive. My almost 3 year old is EXACTLY like you describe Jackson on here...EXACTLY. And I have a 12 month old boy. They are terrible car riders. 1 hour is all each will stand....so driving trips are killer for us. 4 hours has been our max so far. I say fly. It won't be easy, but nothing with 2 small children is and you are a super strong woman and can do it!
Sarah, it's a "wild at heart" thing that I cannot possibly understand. He also wants to bring the dog and have his own truck.
I've never flown with my kids so I can't really say how stressful that would be. My issue would be having enough luggage for all our stuff. That's one reason I love traveling in the Suburban. You've got plenty of room to carry all you need.
Ultimately it would depend on how you think yours will do in the car for all that time. If it will take you two more days to get over the potentially awful first two, I'd fly. :)
Sounds like a great trip by the way!
i don't have kids but i would definitely fly...
I cannot imagine driving for 24 hours with two small kids and a BIG dog. The dog breath alone would kill me.... Aside - when we moved to TN from AZ, my sweet hubby and his close friend drove the Penske truck with all three of our cats, one of whom refused to swallow her 'cat-knock-out' pill and consequently yowled for the entire 27 hour trip....
So I vote for flying, but if the thought of managing the kids with the layover is too much, at least fly to Denver and have Curt meet you there. Or maybe you can persuade Bibby to fly with you and help you with the kids??
Hugs,
Adrienne
Hi Amanda! I read your blog often, but don't take time to comment. (Rude, I know!) Anyway, your entry today has brought me out of hiding. We drive from California to Montana every other year to visit my Dad. It has been awesome, even with the melt downs, car sickness, etc.! We do have a strict melt-down prevention schedule, however. My boys are 7, 5, 3 and 3 months. If you decide to drive, I will send some of our tips your way. Either way, consider buying Jackson a Leapster. It really helps my energetic little ones not get bored.
I would say that if you fly you should just fly all the way. I would lean more towards that because the stress wouldn't last as long as a 24 hour drive.
Good Luck!
What if Jackson rode with Curtis that way Jackson would be able to see all the wonderful sights between Houston and JHWY and you flew with Annabeth? That may not be an option, but it would allow Annabeth to not have to endure the car ride, it would be easier for you to fly and Jackson and Curtis could have a great rode trip together! Just an idea...if not...I would DEFINITELY FLY!!!
-Angela
very stressed for one day of flying...hands down!
I recently flew by myself with my almost two year old and it was awful!! She was on a lap pass and I wish I had just bought her a seat. On the other hand it would have been just as (or more) miserable to drive.
Our rule of thumb is to drive if our destination is within one day of driving. Anything over (unless we are moving) one day of driving is a flying trip for sure.
Good luck with your decision.
I've never posted, but I love reading your blog! Can Jackson ride with Curt, and you and Annabeth can fly?
I've never commented, but I love reading your blog! Can Jackson ride with Curt, and you can fly with Annabeth?
Well coming from a person that really hates to fly ...I would drive BUT..then again..hehe. We just got back from a trip to Florida. It was about a 13 hour drive with 4 teenagers and one 9 year old. My two oldest brought a friend each so that made it a bit snug so we had to take two cars. all in all it was a nice trip but my husband said next trip will be ours alone. Im all for that! May the Lord lead your way...one way or another...smiles~
As a mom of 4, ages 6, 4, almost 2, and 8 mos, I would never, never, never in million years fly by myself.
I would drive with my husband, a dvd player (with headphones), lots of snacks, and a good book. If the dog has to go, he/she goes in the crate. If hubs has to take the truck, dog and crate go in the back (with access to water, of course).
Boring is bliss in my opinion.
Stress? That is every day and I don't need it on a plane.
We drove to Georgia for Christmas one year when my older two were 3 and 1. It's a 12 hour trip at best. We left at 9pm, drove all night, taking turns every 3-4 hours to sleep, and arrived in time for breakfast with two happy kids. We were tired, but they had slept great.
On the way back, we did the night trip again, but we were better rested before leaving so we both were able to drive or sleep 6 hours straight.
We also just did the 24 hour road trip to Orlando with all 4 kids, but on the way we stopped to visit family/friends and spent at least one night at each place. On the way back we only stopped for one night. This was during the day time, so we had stacks of books, travel games, art supplies, and movies, and lots of snacks.
One thing that helps is to not eat meals in the car. Take the time to get out and go into a sit-down restaurant. It'll go a long way in making the trip more pleasant.
Why would just YOU fly and not Curtis?? I'd ALL fly, but if Curtis is driving no matter what, I'd send Curtis and Jackson in the car and you and Annabeth fly.
I think the flying to Denver idea is the worst one...
My husband is the same way - he hates to fly and loves to drive, regardless of how long the trip! However, we don't have kids yet. I realize that changes everything, so maybe this doesn't apply, but I actually love car trips with my husband, and am looking forward to taking them with my kids someday (is that wishful thinking? :-P)! We love to listen sermon podcasts in the car (which makes the time fly), and we always end up having great conversations. It's truly quality time for me. And even though it's probably different with kids to entertain and keep happy, they have to sleep at some point, right? So don't overlook the potential to have sweet quality time with your husband if you choose to drive.
As much as I wouldn't want to fly by myself with my kids either, it sounds like a better option than 2 days of 12 hours of driving!
Fly. Fly. Fly. Rent a truck and a dog when you get there. :)
I'd have to join the fly camp. For us, time is money, so we almost always opt to rip off the Band-Aid and get it over with.
But if you have all the time in the world?
Nah. Still not enough to make me drive.
hi amanda! i'm a long time reader, first time commenter. : ) i think jackson might benefit from some "wild at heart" time with daddy. you and annabeth can take the flight to jackson hole and have a spa day while waiting for the boys to arrive!!
i have two boys (2 and 8 mos.). we just got back from a 10 hour road trip, which we broke up into two days. frankly, if i was facing a 24 hour trip, i would break it into 3 days...with LOTS of swimming at the hotel each evening (or other fun activities along the route each day)!
blessings to you!! : )
Girl, I have flown with both girls many, many times. It is pretty stressful, but it beats the heck out of being in the car for 12 hours 2 days in a row! Benadryl is a great gift to you!
if you have a little money to spare, i would pay a young college friend or single girl who needs money to fly with you to help with kids...
use airline miles (if you have them) for her ticket.
she would get an "adventure" and a little spending money this summer.
and you would get to keep your sanity!
:)
then drive back home with curtis if he plans on bringing the car up anyway?
little bit of flying, little bit of driving:)
unless you can work out a similar deal for a flight back home.
i wish you the best!
traveling with little ones can be tough if they start getting tired of being in their carseats:(
either way, pack a backpack for jackson with snacks, coloring stuff, mini ipod/headphones, cd's, dvd's, his favorite small toys, silly putty, bubbles, etc...
you know the drill:)
stressed for one. definitely. i just flew with a 3 year old and an infant. worth the money not to keep them in a car seat for that long.
and by the way, if you fly you need two things.
1. the pacifier clip. and clip it to YOUR shirt!
2. a beaded necklace. find the biggest beads you can and only put them on when you are on the plane. it will keep Annabeth occupied for a long time, and she can't drop them because they are around your neck!
Fly to Denver. And if I still lived there, I'd have you over for tea, THEN you could drive to WY.
But since I'm in Phoenix now, I can't!
But I'd fly to Denver anyway...
Joanne
I would fly. Or at least fly to Denver. We have driven 9+ hours with our two and I promise that flying is much much easier!
I say fly! We don't do a lot of traveling, but the little we have done have always been hard on us when we're in the car for long distances. My kids are close to the same ages as yours. If it makes you feel any better, I have a friend from India who flew to India by herself with her 2 very young children. She said they did pretty well and they were on the plane for SEVERAL hours. I'm sure you'll be able to handle a couple of hours! Just bribe Jackson with candy or give him some Benadryl! lol
I would fly without thinking twice about it. I couldn't imagine driving for 2 days and I only have one child...a 2 year old. That would stress me out way more than one day of flying!
For me the thought of trying to get thru security with a small infant and a high sprited 3 year would be enough to be me in a car. We are a road trip kind of family though. We drove to Colorado this May with a 7 months old and a newly potty trained 3 year old. 6 hour road trips do turn into 8 hour trips but we don't mind.
Is there a why you can get there at least part way on a train....but is that just as boring for you? A little less confining on Jackson maybe.
Hmmm...that is a tough decision. I've never flown with my children, so I can't weigh in on that option. My boys do really well in the car, though, so I would probably drive. In fact, we are preparing to leave for a week at Disney on Saturday - which is about an 8-10 hour drive for us, depending on how many stops we make. I wanted to thank you SO much for your Disney posts - they have been extremely helpful in my planning for the trip!
We had plans to go to NM this summer - it would have been a 14 hours drive for us. Our plan was to leave at 7 when it's the baby's bedtime and drive through the night. Maybe an option for at least a little bit of the stretch to not have to stop so often to feed/potty the kids.
Of the two options I would fly. Hands down. Four days of stress/boredom vs. two days of stress. That's an easy one. I understand Curtis' desire for a roadtrip though - that's my husband through and through.
Fly girl. You will be over your stress from flying before you know it. If you drive, then you will need days upon days to recover from the trauma! And nursing on long road trips is NOT fun!
Rebecca
OK, my first thought was have Curtis fly with you, but I see now that is not an option for Wild at Heart reasons.
I just came back from a 10 hour road trip to the beach that took more like 15 hours with 2 kids. NO kidding, it was awful!!
On the other hand, we went to CA a few years ago and 2 movies later, Voila, we were there! It will be a piece of cake if Curtis has all the luggage (and then some) loaded down in a truck. And then he picks you up at the airport without even having to go to baggage claim!
Just bring tons of snacks, new toys, a couple of movies.
Flying to Denver and then driving 8hours is really asking for the WORST of both.
So I guess my vote is FLY. I've done it many times and it's not that bad.
Praying for a safe trip so matter what your decision.
Blessings,
Traci
Totally depends on how your kids do in the car. My kids are happy in the car so I'd lean toward car at least half of the way. But I don't like flying with the kids! Either way it'll be over within two days...focus on that!
we're a road trip family... I say, drive, and make the memories (good or bad) together.
and I agree with Lisa... LOVE traveling in our suburban with all the room (we're a family of 5 with 2 dogs -- do THAT math!) :)
and this way too, you're doing what Curtis likes. Pick your battle this time, and then maybe another time you may get what you want!
(We're leaving tomorrow from ATL to go to: Virginia for 5 days, then to Orlando for 14 days, then to Tallahassee for 2 days, then back to ATL -- all in that blessed suburban!) Have I started packing yet?
Nope. Better go get started...
i say fly to denver -- then you get the best of both worlds (driving for memories, flying for your sanity). . .i would take one day of stress over two days of extreme boredom any day!
mind you, this is coming from a gal who drove from waco, tx to wilson, nc about a month ago. that long of a drive is some sort of inhumane misery as a 22 year old gal and her 50 something dad. i couldn't imagine it with two little ones!!! good luck!
Oh sweet, sister, take to the sky! Of course, we've only ever flown with our children and I've never done it alone, so I really have no authority to weigh in other than a huge aversion to driving with my monkeys. Our longest road trip is four hours to see grandparents and it's long enough with the dvd player. Is Jackson into "school work", yet? Our last flight, we took workbooks along on the plane for the kids and that helped...some. It's just a shorter amount of time that needs to be managed. Either way, I'll pray for you!
~Heather
I have three kids 9, 6 and 3. They are pretty good travelers for about 6 hours (going to Granny's house!) We just did 13 hour drive trip in two days. This was a new website to me that has lots of great ideas www.momsminivan.com My kids love books on tape--a Texas favorite is "Hank the Cowdog." The kids enjoy it and it is pretty funny for adults too! Someone commented to take time to go in to eat... I have found that we use stop time to play. Eat in the car and stop at places where the kids can run and play. Otherwise you spend the whole meal saying "Sit down and eat" when they are sitting in the car anyway. Those are my driving tips, but my vote would probably be to fly. Just take a change of clothes for you too. I flew with my 10 month old once and he was in my baby bjorn and he had a major diaper accident that got all over me too--I just tried not to think about it!
FLY! You say your boy has a ton of energy, a car for two whole days would be torture for the little guy. My ideas for the flight are: suckers, new coloring books. Good luck. My hub and I are driving to CO at the end of the month from So Cal. as we're moving out there, with a dog and cat, eeek!
Hi Amanda,
The timing of your post is quite ironic. We're about to get in the car and drive from Idaho to Kansas with my 5yo, 3yo and 5mon old, so I know where you're coming from. We have done this trip twice already. The last time the 3yo was 3 mons and screamed in her carseat. We have made the trip straight through the both times, once leaving first thing in the morning and the other time leaving around 5 p.m. It was my husband's idea to leave in the evening thinking we'd get as far as we could and stay somewhere if we needed to. It actually worked better because the majority of the driving was at night and they slept. We got our oldest (almost 3 at the time) her first Leap Pad and that was a lifesaver. It kept her entertained. I have also flown with the older two, when they were a toddler and a baby. This year we thought about flying, but would have had to pay for four tickets! Plus, we liked the idea of being able to pack what we needed and leave when we wanted instead of being confined to a flight schedule. Either way you'll be fine-family memories will be created either way. If you do fly on your own, just check the carseats and strollers and put Annabeth in a sling on you. Also carry a backpack as a carry on. Those are my tips for flying with kiddos. Good luck and have a great trip!
My first instinct was to say FLY!! But then I remembered what would do with our kids when they were little...we would do the majority of our driving at night. Since they're asleep most of the time, no need to entertain them!! Plus, it allows for great conversations to keep the driver awake!
I have done both and they were both challenging...but flying was easier. I flew with a 7 month old alone and everyone in the airport was very helpful and the plane ride was pretty easy. I drove 24 hours when she was 3 weeks, 4 months and 9 months and the older she got, the harder the trip was. It was manageable, but I spent alot of time in the backseat while my husband drove feeding her puffs, watching praise baby and reading. It was very stressful and tiring...but it is probably alot cheaper if your husband is already driving. Good Luck!!
I would fly.
I would DRIVE! But then, I love a road trip and my kids are easy in the car.
You can stop along the way to strech Jackson's legs and nurse Annabeth, get some chow, etc.
Sounds like more fun and less stress.
FLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.
:-)
I flew several months ago with my two year old and 3 month old. It was crazy, and by the end of the second flight we were all in full meltdown mode! I am so thankful that I will never have to see the people sitting around me again- although they were very nice about it! I felt very proud of myself for doing it all alone. It can be done! Go for it!
Make the memories that will come with the drive. It makes it more of a "family vacation". Good Luck with whichever you choose.
I love driving. Some of our best conversations have been in the car while the kids had headphones on. We once drove to NY (from north TX) with our two year old twins and I was pregnant! We left at like 3:00 AM, so the kids slept for the first part. Then we planned on stopping about every two and half hours. Even a 10 min stop was good for them. Make Jackson a map that he can check off. Get a bag full of dollar store toys that he gets to pick from at each stop. (don't let him see in the bag while picking). You can make it a really fun trip with the right attitude ;)
one day is waaaay better than two! Fly!
FLY!!! Fly fast as you can!!!! HA!! :)`
Very stressed for one day! I've driven to Colorado with Ella and it wasn't bad because we had movies and lots of entertainment, but it was still beating. I say fly friend! :-)
Road trips make lifetime memories. We never pass them up. We drove from Arkansas to the East Coast (S. Carolina) with our 6 mnth old, 4 yr old, and my in-laws, which were not in very good health. (that's been 10 years ago and my in-laws have since passed away) Now when we go, we don't even think twice. We drive. We have made more memories and taken more pictures than I can count because of those road trips. If you aren't pressed for time...then slow down and enjoy!
HI- Shery's friend Kim again! I just said many, many prayers and hoped on a plane from Denver to Dallas by myself with all 3 of my girls, ages 4, 2 and 3 months!
Grace be to God, he gave me the sweet understanding ticket agent, kind flight attendents and well-behaved kids I asked for.
We made it just fine and Daddy met up with us later.
You can do it!!!
As someone who hates to fly (meaning, I usually have to be medicated) I would FLY -- FLY like the wind all the way to Wyoming! We have a 3-year-old son and a 2-month old son. I'd take my chances on the plane with a little Benadryl and a portable DVD player.
Our older son is a pretty good traveler, but I don't know if he could handle 12 hours a day. That's asking an awful lot of such a little fellow.
I get the "wild at heart" thing, and I love driving adventures. I just don't know that I'd do it with children this young.
Good luck in whatever your final decision is!
I think I have to vote for flying! Can Curtis take Jackson in the truck and have some father-son bonding time? I'm sure Beckham would love having the boys to himself! You and Annabeth would have a great time and get there much more relaxed!
Two days in the car may be hard on Jackson, but if he has books and a DVD/CD player when he got tired of talking he could 'chill' as my granddaughter says!
Two weeks in JHWY would be awesome any way you travel! Just relax and enjoy!
I would drive. But I like driving and viewing God's scenery. When our kids were little they slept most of the way wherever we went. The key is taking your time. Relax. Play at the reststops. A big plus is Curtis will be there to help with the kids.
Flying would be like a bandaid on a hairy arm. You know its gonna hurt to take it off but one suffers the pain for just a little while and then its over and done with. Quick.
Would you rather die a short, painful death or drag it out for days? The same principle applies to traveling. I'd say FLY and be done with it!
Flying with two kids would be stressful, but the time involved is MUCH LESS than time in a car. I'm a big fan of flying to save time :)
Amanda, I just read that Curtis wants to bring the dog AND his own truck? Does that mean he wants you to drive the car and he follow in the truck? Things are getting a little deeper here!
That is a great question! Hmmmm. When my kids were younger I loathed traveling because it was always so much work! Either way has the potential to be a challenge! I think I would fly--you won't really have to worry about much luggage because Curtis can take it in the truck with him, so basically you wold just need a carry-on and a well stocked diaper bag! Jackson can carry his own backpack and you can even carry on a small stroller for right when you come off the plane! You can do it Amanda--you got it going on. :)
Fly. Fly. Fly. I would so much rather be stressed for one day.
Driving for two days would, for me, be boring and stressful because my kids are not good travelers in the car.
HOWEVER, my kids also have never flown, so I don't know how stressful that is with them in tow. I love to fly though. I love airports and the people watching that goes along with that. :)
I vote send Jackson with Curtis and you fly with Annabeth :) That's what I would want to do with my son and daughter! ha :)
I am about to fly to Africa with both my kids, (and my husband!), 19 hours in the air. It's miserable and I wish I wasn't doing it- but being there is worth it! Either way you go will be kinda long and stressful but totally worth it to be in a beautiful place with your family!
If you have to fly - take heart. I am married to a pro golfer and we have driven all over this country with a baby in a car seat, then a toddler, then a boy, then a teenager - and most of our favorite family memories are from those car trips. Now, there were some unpleasant moments along the way, but overall, even when it was difficult, it was sweet. I only wish we had taken pictures of all the funny signs we read over the years - coffee table book idea of the century - and we have nothing but hilarious memories. So actually, we got what we needed. But a book would have been cool!
one more thing, if I had to choose, I would drive if it meant both kids and my husband. Flying alone with both kids would be too much for me. Having the husband there makes the drive worth it!
I don't really know, I'm thinkin...hmm...I'm having flashbacks to riding in the car with my little sisters to MI...12 hrs is a loong time, um, I think flying is good. I don't know if you do this sorta thing, but getting a "kid leash" for Jackson may not be a bad idea! It would be somewhat less stressful because he's like, strapped to you, so you don't have to worry about losing him:) Semi-kidding:) I really don't know how I feel about kid leashes, but I'd be willing to use one in an airport where there's lots of stangers and I was alone with more than one kid!! Sigh, am I going to be super over protective parent?!:)
((HUGS)), blessings, love in HIM,
katiegfromtennessee
Definitely Fly!!! We just came home from Colorado (we drove from TX) it was about a 14 hour trip...too long to be in the car especially with young children.
You know somebody has to tell you the "story" right? :) I flew by myself with my son (who is Jackson's long-lost twin). It was supposed to be a non stop flight from Dallas to Indianapolis, I had everything I could possibly need to entertain him. About halfway into the flight, we smelled smoke, the plane had to make an emergency landing in Memphis due to an electrical fire. We were there for 7 hours! before we finally flew on to Indy. That remaining leg of the flight was a nightmare because I had already gone through everything in my bag of tricks atleast twice. Then the flight home was horrendous. I guess he thought it was going to be the same ordeal as going there. So if you do fly, pray hard that everything goes exactly as scheduled. :)
Either...because you "can do all things through Christ." And I don't mean that to sound like plastic. I've done both and it can be done without pulling your (or the kids') hair out. You can pick flight times that work best with Jackson's schedule and just have a some fun treats in a backpack for him (even a portable DVD). Nurse Annabeth as elevation drops and her ears will be fine. My husband is a pilot and says that crying is the best to clear the ears if need be- she seems like a doll and I bet she'd do fine. Layovers go much faster than you realize. Just pack for the plane ride because Curtis will have everything else.
We drove from coast to coast with a 2.5 m nursing baby. We stopped at rest stops for feeding times and while I sat in the van nursing the baby, he made lunches for the other two, ran around with them, we had potty breaks, and we were off. I ate once we got started again. And we didn't even pull the DVDs out until the 3rd day of traveling (it was a treat at that point!).
Well it depends on how long the flight is. If it is reasonable, I would say fly. Even though you might want to pull your hair out for a few hours, you'd be DONE. If driving ends up being a disaster your trapped! Or beg a friend to fly with you and help. :)
I think flying into Denver sounds like a good plan. For me, the hardest part of flying with little ones isn't actually the flight... it's getting everyone on and off the plane; so I always try to get non-stop, if I can. Then driving only 8 hours is totally manageable with two adults in the car. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you can do it! Be bold!
Fly! Get it over with...like pulling a band aid off...painful for quick!
There are beautiful things to see between you and Wyoming. However, there is no Starbuck's in the desert and the locals will laugh when you ask where the nearest one is...I speak from experience. Also, Texas is a big state...you might not make it out on the first day!
Yes, driving might make good memories, but Jackson is probably even still to young to remember much of the drive. Plus if you are only taking two days, there will be no sight-seeing.
I say fly as a family...drive when the kids are a little older. But if you must drive...pack a portable DVD player and ipod for the driver! :-)
I've just been reading over your comments. Hmmm...I LOVE the idea of Jackson riding with Curtis and you flying with Annabeth. What do you think about that? :-)
I've flown before with two children solo. While I was stressed getting on the plane; it really went well. They were great and the benefit at the back end of the trip was that when we were ready to go home-it didn't take 2 more days to get there.
Going might be more stressful, but I'm sure that coming back home the flight will be wonderful.
FLY. I have done it with 3 and it's not too bad. Truthfully, the airplane staff helped and the Lord put a nice lady next to us and she was super nice and helped as well. The boys did great with the help of a portable DVD player and the baby girl slept most of the flight ... People will help you. I wouldn't put the kids through 12 hours in a car for 2 days let alone you and curtis!
I think I would be bored for two days because I would not be alone... choices, choices!
I would fly the whole way and bring electronics. We took our laptop and an elmo video plus snacks on our last flight and it was heaven!
I also like stops, it allows the boys to walk around some!
I vote fly by yourself. The two hour layover will be nothing once you deplane, go to the potty, and start boarding once again. The constantly changing scenery will be way better for the mister than hours on end in the car.
I would drive. I would just want to do that, especially with a two hour layover ALONE no way
Either way, it's going to be a long trip. But more memories are to be made if you all travel together as a family. I say, go with your man. But maybe try to talk him into flying. :)
I would suck it up and fly. I have heard plenty of people say that flying was not nearly as bad as they thought it would be. I think Benadryl was mentioned.
Two days in a car with kids - oh, shoot me.
I say fly but you are going to have to have a BIG suprise waiting on Jackson for good behavior, you know, the one you will be holding over his head the whole way there!!!!
my daughter has been taking looong road trips with us - and with just me since she was very little. THe one way trip to my parents house is 8 hours - and I began the journey alone with she was 10 weeks' old. She loves the drive to my folks'. We also did a 12 hour when she was 3-1/2. She did fine. I scheduled lots of stops where we hit a park, a McD's, stretched, etc. It really was a breeze. DVD players, etc. I say DRIVE! Especially if your husband is asking you to.
I like driving. I like road trips. But 2 full days in a car with 2 little ones would be a challenge. I would fly. I flew alone with a 4 mo old and 2 year old, and changed flights in ATL during the '96 Olympics! Yikes but it wasn't that bad. My 2 year old had a backpack full of new and wonderful goodies and the baby, well he nursed and slept. A challenge, yes, but I'd say fly!
Drive when they are both a little older and get some good Adventures in Odessey audio and enjoy!
I just flew alone with my 3 kids
(5,3 and 11 months) with stand by tickets. It was rough but then it was over and we were happily to our vacation. I would NEVER ride in the car for that long. It's a no-brainer.
I have flown and drove the Denver-Houston stretch.
We start driving about an hour before bedtime. It gives us at least 8 hours while the kids are sleeping. Then we wake the kids up/ have breakfast and then they watch movies while we drive. The next stop is lunch, then they nap the last bit. It's not that bad.
Flying with 2 alone isn't that bad either. (Mine are the same age difference as your two.). I carry on as little as possible, and fly frontier. They have directv, and if you time your flight right, disney and nick cartoons will be on for J. Sit in the front or the back of the plane so you are close to the bathrooms and can stand up with AB if she completely freaks.
If you want to stop in Colorado Springs, you can stay with us and we'll feed you at my husbands restaurant. ;)
Good luck with your decision.
What a dilemma for you! My first thought was to drive, we've done a few 12 hour trips as a family with a 2 1/2 year old and a 6 month old and we had a great time just focusing on our family...BUT then I thought about how I NEEDED the next 6 days to recover from getting in the car again, and you would have to do two 12 hour drives in a row. I would fly and see if you can get your mom or a friend to fly out with you to test it out, then you can be prepared for flying back by yourself with the kids OR you could send Jackson home with Curt if it seems impossible to fly alone with both of them.
Good luck!!
fly. i just did it with a four year old and an eleven month old and i almost died but at least it was over in one day. looking forward to TWO long days in a car would ruin your entire vacation. seriously. fly.
Oh, Amanda. I have no idea. We've been driving 9-13 hours a day 4 of the last 5 days (I think--I've lost track of what day it is!). We're used to it by now, but we don't have a baby. Or a dog!
But 2 kids on a plane by yourself?? You would be my HERO! I say go for it! I think.
We just got back from Jackson (I grew up there) and we flew from Seattle. I find driving WAY more stressful than flying as my kiddo screams for long car rides. We always end up stopping to get him calmed down. At least with flying you know you will get there in one piece and can have an extra day of sanity!
Fly. Hands down. Jacks will think flying is way cooler than driving for 2 days. Although, our kids do great with either.
Fly Fly Fly girly!
I am actually getting ready to go on a road trip with my parents to pick up my invalid grandfather who I do not know at all in an RV all the way from Ca to Tx....aughhhh, don't know what will be worse, spending the whole week with the folks or the few days in the RV with a man I don't even know!
God is good though and He will bless us through this experience :)
I definitely vote to fly! I do love memories from family vacations when driving together - however, Jackson and Annabeth are both too young to remember the memories from this trip so save them for when they get older! Fly!!!!
Mammy
Fly....Fly....Fly......
it is so much easier on everyone...
um. no contest. fly.
Absolutely fly. Two years from now, absolutely drive.
Drive, baby! I have no kids so obviously I don't know what I'm talking about...but having been one, I have such rich memories of our road trips as a family. Even all the little stops for candy and bathrooms along the way live on in my mind. And doesn't that boy of yours love David Crowder? Play it while he's awake and take naps when he's asleep.
Two years ago I took life's ultimate road trip with my mom through her dad's home country of Spain. We drove from one coast to the other and even in my mid-20s I think she wanted to pull over at a few points and give me what-for. But just like our road trips when I was a little girl, I will NEVER forget the sights, music, and laughter of that drive together.
Also? If Curtis has this deep desire...why not honor it? You can always fly next time if it's a major flop.
Travelling in a car for 2 days with 2 kids? Fly!
Pam
ROAD TRIP for sure!!! I have a 7, 5 and 2 year old. I know it can be crazy with long trips in the car. DVD's, games, songs, snacks, stories will all get you through it. I read another reader post about getting a Leapster, that sounds like a great idae. I will have to invest in one of those for our next trip. There is nothing like the memory of a family car trip. And enjoy it! :)
I don't find car trips boring at all ... I either read aloud a good family book or we listen to audio books. The kids have a DVD player and watch movies, and Hubs and I get a chance to have some uninterrupted conversation. The possibilities are endless ... but then I don't have an infant either! Personally, I think flying alone with two little ones would be VERY stressfull.
Fly into Denver with the kids. . . Do the 8 hour drive. I've done that myself many times and it is very easy. Have a blast!! This east coast gal LOVES CO/WY!
I am going against the grain, and I know it is probably foolish... but I would ride with my hubby and submit to the toll and tears.
I think it could be fun, and a bonding experience. I would want my dogs to come, too. So I guess I seem like I am on Curtis' side, but I don't mean to be. We will enjoy hearing about it either way!
I would suck it up and fly alone with both of them. I'd keep Annabeth in either a sling or something ON ME so that I could have hands free for the little man. I might even get a double stroller (or borrow one from a friend) that way you could actually go to the bathroom with them both. My mother bought a cool Jeep stroller for my 3 year old. It has great wheels and a steering wheel! He loves it because he can sit down and sit up when he wants to.
Bless your heart......FLY!!!!
Thanks for removing the music. It would scare me every stinkin time!!!
I would say fly.... but we tried to drive with Caroline to Port Aransas and she melted SEVERAL times in the car, but NONE on the flight to San Diego 2 weeks ago. So ironically our family of 3 trip to Destin, got switched to New Orleans, and then condensed to Port A again because I can't bear to hear my child cry for 8 to 10 hours. Breaks my heart!
How would Jackson and Annabeth do in the car, because 24 hours of driving is a LOT of time to be contained! You can do the flying.... it's just one day! :)
I'd say drive, because that's where memories are made! But you know your kids and what would suit them, and ultimately in the end, you have to go with that!
Wow! You are an incredibly great wife and brave momma either way!! :) I am curious as to what does Curtis think you should do? In these decisions it seems like my man always has the right answer.
WIth Jackson being as full of life as he is ( that is how we say it about my totally fun 4 year old who is SO excited about life!!) the car could be really hard and yet sitting in a very small place with two kiddos would be tough! My heart is racing at the thought!! ;)
SO.... I asked my hubs! He thinks driving with your Wild at Heart man. "What better way to have a Wild at Heart experience than with the whole crew." He says there is a scripture in Genesis where Jacob says, "He will travel behind at the pace of cattle and small children." Gen 33;13. :)
Fly! After 2 weeks in Wyoming you aren't going to want to get back in the car to drive for 2 days!
I have not read all of the comments so I am not sure if someone mentioned this already? What if Curtis took Jackson for some male bonding and you flew with Annabeth? When my children were almost the exact same age as yours I flew alone with them and it was a DISASTER! Before my second came along, I had a few successful trips with just me and one baby.
No doubt about it...I'd rather fly and be stressed for one day, and then have a nice vacation.
I fly to Wyo (I'm originally from there-Casper) all the time with twins. It is stressful, but usually a nice motherly type lady will help me. People will just need to chill and not rush you, and give yourself plenty of time. Ask for help-pray for patience-remember, YOU WILL NEVER SEE THOSE PEOPLE AGAIN in your life if it goes bad. :)
Drive.
I have flown 6 times with my baby girl (now 10 months old). BUT I always had my hubby to help. Ginny hates going through security and she frets and struggles almost the whole time on the plane.
also it is inevitable: the pilot or someone will feel it is essential to make a BING announcement BING just as Ginny drifts off to sleep. thus waking her up.
I hate flying with her, I feel like we are torturing her. But every trip so far has been a weekend trip where we have no choice in the timing.
We much prefer to drive. There has been one road trip with her so far (I think she was 6 months at the time). We drove all night. Ginny got lots of sleep and arrived at our destination happy and ready for a good day.
And the best part? there were no BING announcements BING ! to wake her. ;-)
drive. or worst case, you and Annabeth fly to Denver and let Curt and Jackson have a father son drive to pick up you. Memories are made on road trips.
Deirdre
Okay, let's think about this.
If you drive, it will really be Curt who is driving and you will be trying to keep two little ones satisfied...while they MUST stay strapped into car seats, except of course when you stop to eat, bathroom break, snack stop, etc...at which time you will have to wrestle them both out and back in. TWO DAYS OF THAT. As for memories...well, honestly I have few memories of when I was three, but none of them were in the car...those came when I was older. There is time for those memories when they are older.
On the other hand, you could fly. You will wrestle two kids and car seats, except for one thing...people get paid to help you. Ask for help. And what I am going to pray for, should you decide this, is that another mom who is traveling wihtout her children will be your extra set of hands and be blessed and be a blessing at the same time. You will likely endure some stares, especially at cry time, from people who either have no children or have forgotten what it's like when they are little. But even that is okay, because those folks likely need a reminder. Oh, and you really wouldn't have to wrangle all your luggage. Curt can bring it. You take just what you need on the plane with you.
Whatever you choose, don't regret the choice and enjoy it.
Fly!!! If you haven't spent 24 hrs in a car with a rambunctious 3 yr old and a wee one, it could be equally as stressful as flying! Just bring lots of distractions for the mister and for the sister, too.
I love a good road trip. We have 4 grown children and we have been on the road with them since our first child was born. Countless trips between Nebraska and Minnesota and then when we moved to NC, we drove back and forth to MN, and a whole host of other states. And we did this all before dvd players were available in cars. Our youngest was a senior in high school when we got a new Tahoe that had a built in dvd player. We used it exactly one time! Our grown children are all road warriors as well. Great memories...lots of laughs as we recall some challenging situations, but with 4 kids, we didn't often have the luxury of flying. When you have options, it is tough to decide. Good Luck and Happy Trails!
Stressed for one day, no question. Play a movie on your laptop for Jackson and take lots of snacks and toys. (Or Benadryl.) ;)
I would fly. I just flew from Dallas to Chicago with a very, very active 11 month old who just happened to be cutting a tooth at the same time. It was hard but I would take a 2-3 hour flight over a 17 hour drive (we did this in December) any day.
FLY. Without a doubt.
Oh I say fly! It might be a stressful day but you can rest when you get there and enjoy the rest of your trip! Driving would definitely leave me feeling exhausted by the time we get to our destination. Bring movies and puffs!
Drive--
Our older children's best memories are from car trip traditions, as much as the trips themselves.
Plus it is a great time of sharing for you and Curtis--to 'just be.' Our world is too fast-paced already, and with coolers with lots of snacks, dvd players, books on cd, and a bag full of dollar store 'toys' that can be doled out over the course of the trip, I think you will find it is worth it.
Fly....fly.....fly!
(that is if Curtis is going all the way to help. I would be very apprehensive to fly with two little ones by myself)
Those car trips can be great, but loooong and stressful)
Which mode are you more comfortable in doing?
Lots to consider with either method of transportation: how long is the flight, when does the flight leave, would the layover be over a mealtime, once you arrive in Wyoming will you have to wait for a ride to Jacksonhole, which does Jackson prefer--is he a good mommy helper?
12 hours of driving are you including all the stops along the way?
Are you leaving early early in the morning or late afternoon so the kids would ride for awhile then they would sleep while driving the majority of the way?
Either way it will be a good learning experience for future trips.
What does Beth recommend? She knows you and the kids best to have good advice for what may work best.
I'm anxious to hear how the trip goes whatever you decide.
Fly, I think. It's less time. I have a 2 year old, and if I was faced with both options, I don't think I'd have a bit of sanity left after such a long drive. And, convince your husband to fly with you. There'll be other opportunities to take a long drive, when your kids aren't so young and would enjoy the stops. My friends keep reminding me this time in our lives doesn't last long...and then we'll have all the time in the world to explore on our own.
Okay, I just saw some other comments, and now I think you and A should fly and let the guys enjoy their time together!
I think driving for two days would be SO stressful with a toddler and baby! Are you still nursing? Would you have to stop to nurse every couple of hours?
I would pray that Curtis changes his mind and flies with you! : )
Beckham could go play with Star and Geli!
I vote for fly!
Any chance this could be a "wild at heart" guy bonding time for Curtis and Jackson? They could drive together with the dog, and you could fly with Annabeth? The flights would be easier with just one child to entertain.
In my mind it's kind of like asking if you'd rather cut your foot off in one whack with an ax or saw it off slowly with a butter knife....I'm just sayin
I've traveled short and long trips by plane and car with my three kids and the younger they are the more likely I'd choose to fly!!
If you could break up the driving time and spread it out over another day or so and allow yourself some flexibility to stop off and see "The World's Biggest Frying Pan" or whatever else might be on your route then the road trip might be the way to go but if you've got to do it in two LONG 12 hr days ...I say FLY!!!
Road trips do help build a lot of fun memories but there's just not much fun going on in a car with two children for 12 hrs a day.
I'd fly - my 4 and 5 yr old boys did ok on a 2-day drive this summer, but they would much rather have had the flying experience, and I would have much rather done without the 72 questions about how much further are we/when are we gonna get there/it's an emergency, can we stop for the bathroom again?
My 8 month old did ok, but hated being in her seat that long. Even though I stayed on top of keeping her diaper changed and dry, she got her 1st diaper rash on the last stretch of the drive, just from sitting so long.
I'm sure whatever you choose will have it's perks! :)
Because I am clearly not nearly as great of a wife as you, I would drive and remind him we could have made family memories flying :)
LOL!
Driving that far can be stressfull but even on the WORST of road trips (from FL to OH) they are some of our most laughable family memories now. I flew ONE TIME by myself with my 6 year old and 6 month old and I will NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER do that again.
Cara
How interesting skimming your comments- can't wait to hear what you decide to do!
I mis-wrote in my comment - we always discuss driving but always end up flying. so that is my recommendation(my reasoning pointed to flying but my fingers typed drive)
Okay here's the plan...you and curt will drive and make a tiny detour to missouri to visit aunt lindsay and baby cael (who's harldy a baby at all anymore) :) Miss you guys! Have an awesome trip.
I would rather be stressed for 1 day. We went to Jackson hole last year with our 5 year old and 1 year old and it really was not that bad a trip (from Dallas so we had no layover) Lots of families on the plane and a movie. We are going again in August.
Something has to give or the stress of the trip seems to be landing all on you. Ask Curtis to reconsider bringing the dog (your parents can take care of him, or a friend??), and then you all fly together (one adult per child, so much easier!!) and then rent something to drive (how critical is it, really, to have his own truck). I guess what I am saying is, humbly ask Curtis to consider compromising some things for the sake of YOUR sanity so that all of you enjoy this trip equally. Maybe he hasn't thought of it that way, so it's worth asking as long as you have a submissive attitude going in to the conversation. Can't wait to see what your final plans are!
Well there's nothing like a road trip for me. But two women and one "moose" on the road to San Antonio in August is a wee bit different than two small children. The selfish me says, drop by my place and I'll drive you the rest of the way to Jackson myself.
Melana in Wonderful Wyoming
My kids have always been great fliers. We have driven and flown long distances with them from the time they were babies. I say fly to Denver, then ride the rest of the way with Curt. You get the best of both worlds! That cuts the drive time and no layover.
We are planning to go to Wyoming next summer. We are taking kayak lessons now so we can kayak down the river and see the sights. Any suggestions for other activities or where to stay? I am sooo pumped and look at the temperature everyday from my phone to see how cool it is there. (It is 105 here so the coolness is so enticing.) Enjoy Wyoming! Let us know what you decide.
Stressed out for one!! The kids just might surprise you and be complete angels. :) And if Annabeth cries, you can take care of her, vs having to pull over and get her out, in the car. Plus all the in and outs every time you stop in the car. I believe flying would be much easier all things considered.
Fly!!!!!!!!!!!!
FLY! I have two kids (age 23 months and age 3.5). Just flew in May and drove 17 hours w/ them previous to that! Trust me, flying is way easier!!!! Good luck no matter what you decide, there will be stories to share!
Marriage tip...don't separate from your husband for convenience for your children or ease of circumstances. It will always be EASIER and more convenient for you to take one child here while he takes the other child there...but in the mean time you are forfeiting time together...and that leads to some nasty stuff down the road!
I think you should ask Curtis what he thinks is the best thing to do (without an agenda of your own) and then do what he says TOGETHER...trusting God--He absolutely will provide the grace that IS sufficient for the task...the question is will we grab hold? Either way the trip will provide opportunities to respond in the Spirit with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Or react in the flesh...it is always a choice...but fear not child of God you have the Holy Spirit living in you enabling you to choose LIFE.
I would drive! you can play videos for the little man and Annabeth should be fine. I would look up things to do on the way there. We traveled to yellowstone from the midwest and it took us two days as well. We broke the trip up and stopped at interesting places along the way. Independence rock is AWESOME! we choose a hotel to stay at with a pool and waterslides. We stopped at roadside places that were interesting and photo ops.
We left very early in the am so that the kids would sleep some. We also made sure to stop for at least an hour for lunch and ran off some energy. We also have a bag of toys, some new, some old, some favorites. Only one toys leaves the bag at a time and is placed in a new bag...so that the same thing is not played with all the time. have fun!! our child is very active as well....you can do it and will love it.
For me, I'd fly in a heartbeat just to get it over with. (IF I could afford it.) Driving for that long with kids that young--well, you know as well as I do, you won't really be "bored." You'll be exhausted from all the stopping and starting and getting things to appease them and stopping some more (for nursing and bathroom stops and whatever else). At least, that's the way it goes down for US. Y'all have fun, whatever you do!
We live in Ft Worth and ALL our family lives in Casper, WY (which is where we are from too). My little Jackson made his 1st trip in a car and I learned my lesson well! Flying is the only way to go and now we fly every 2 to 3 months to see all the fam. The Denver airport has the underground train you can ride for awhile to keep Jackson entertained while you wait for your connecting flight.
Another great reason to fly: Kids have to be strapped into car seats for hours upon hours so the only other option is to let their brains rot starring at a DVD player. It's not like when we were little, when we could make a little bed/play area in the back seat and have all our pillows and blankets to make it all so cozy!
Trust me on this one.....there ain't nothing pretty on the drive from Ft Worth to Denver and then once you get thru Denver, you have to hit the armpit of Wyoming once again for another 6 hours, which ain't nottin to call home about. Also I'm not sure which way you plan to go from Denver but I will GARAUNTEE that it will take much longer than 8 hours from Denver to JH. Mountain passes take a while to go through especially during peak tourist season. Oh and they are doing summer construction on Towgatee Pass...which means you wait in the car, with it turned off, upwards of 40 mins for the pilot car to direct the one way traffic thru the construction zone. We did it in June & it was no fun! Fly, girl, fly!!!
Oh and my husband has only flown with our wild Jackson and me 2 out of the 7 times we've gone back in the last 16 months. It does get a little trickier the older he gets, but so worth it to just get there!
BTW, enjoy JH....I miss Wyoming so much and the great outdoors!
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