New Patch Blogger Angela Fisher On The Joys Of Holiday Travel with Kids

“I’m bored.”

“She hit me.”

“I’m ti-red.”

“HOW much longer until we get there?” Insert answer here. “Awwwwwww…”

“It’s MY turn to choose the movie.”

“Cheese squeeze! No, slug bug!!”

“She hit me AGAIN!”

I think to myself, “Why did I think this was a good idea?”

Five of us crammed into a vehicle (packed to the brim with holiday gifts, bags, furniture for storing at my parents’ house, and more), making the 7-hour trek to my parents for the holidays.

My husband has, of course, completely disengaged from the world around him thanks to his iPod and Bose sound-blocking headphones. Occasionally, he glances my way, smiles and sings a loud a few bars of whatever song has afforded him his break from reality.

He gets my shifty-eyed, cold stare/glare.

I know that I’m not the only one has had the pleasure of this experience. Traveling with kids (of all ages) is such a treat.

You’d think that with portable DVD players, iPod apps, iPads, DS players, books, washable markers, Happy Meal toys, and more, our kids would be ENTERTAINED! I mean, seriously, I remember traveling 8-plus hours to my grandparents with nothing but a couple of comic books and a game of “I-Spy” with my sister to distract me.

While the hubby drives, I play the role of food distributor, spill cleaner-upper, activity coordinator, referee, DVD changer, potty break runner and app downloader.

Only 2 more hours to go now… Hubby is still singing to himself in his happy place. Kids are quiet for the moment, thanks to our new "Tangled" DVD. Fingers crossed, we can hang in there just a bit longer.

Finally, we’ve arrived! There are balloons decorating the mailbox at the end of the driveway. There’s a sign welcoming us on the front door. Suddenly the door swings open to reveal two thrilled grandparents who are met by the squeals and hugs of three adoring grandchildren, one relieved son-in-law (who heads straight for the TV and Sports Center), and one loving daughter – who is so excited not to have to cook for the next few days.

It is in that moment that a Christmas miracle occurred; the seven hours leading up to this moment simply melt away. (Maybe my heart grew another size that day ... Who knows?) But whatever it took to get us here, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. And will again in four days when we have to go home, but for now, I have found my happy place.