Today is kind of a big deal at our house. We’re packing up and driving to Charlotte for the weekend.

And yeah, I know, Charlotte is a measly 150 miles from us, so it’s really not that big a deal. Normally I’d agree with you. But this is the first time I’ve undertaken a road trip with both a 5 year-old and a 1 year-old. In fact, it’s Lucy’s first road trip ever. She’s never gone more than about 15 miles in a car.

So, yeah, I’m nervous, is what I’m saying.

The reason we’re going is because both of my siblings live in Charlotte, and I haven’t been there to visit them since before I got pregnant with Lucy. My brother actually bought a house since the last time I was there. It’s been too long.

Also, my sister has hired a baby-sitter for Lucy and bought tickets for us to take Catie to see Beauty and the Beast on stage. She is so excited. (Ok, I am too.)

My parents are coming with us, we’re all driving over together in my mom’s mini-van. Hopefully the fact that I’ll have a higher adult-to-child ratio will make the road trip part easier to manage.

Yeah, I know they look all sweet, but I’m still nervous.

Catie will most likely be fine. She woke up today so excited, yelling, “It’s Tracy day!!!” (She adores my sister.) The only thing that worries me is that she tends to get carsick, but I have some chewable children’s Dramamine, which will hopefully keep that under control.

And we’re carefully timing our departure to coincide with Lucy’s naptime, so hopefully that will work to our advantage. Cross your fingers for us.

But other than worrying about the drive over (and oh lord, please let Lucy sleep ok in the pack & play), I’m really excited to go. It’s been ages since I’ve gone out of town for a weekend. I think a change of scenery will be good for all of us.