This past weekend I spent 15 hours in the car. See, I had this great idea that all six of us should attend my niece’s wedding. This niece is on Travis’ side of the family, so they don’t have one or two weddings a year, like my side does. That makes the wedding seem more important to attend. Besides, let’s face it, my side is usually trying to trim numbers, so they don’t get too upset when a family of six can’t make it. In fact, I am expecting more destination weddings on my side to trim attendance.

The problem with ideas is that the person with the idea is usually left with the task of accomplishing the idea. And so, Friday after I got off work at 1:30, I drove three hours to Ball State to pick up Trent for the wedding. I thought Trent might drive the three hours back home, but it turns out he had a paper that needed to be turned in by midnight (procrastinate much?), so he worked on that. Three more hours of driving, but this time without the radio, because Trent needed to concentrate. Six hours down

The next day, after Tessa finished her tennis tournament in Portage, we shoved off for Illinois (a 1 1/2 hour drive). Of course, tennis was running late, so we were then running late too. Fortunately, the whole wedding was running on Haldeman time, so we walked in just as the wedding party walked down the Aisle (a half hour late). We stood in the back in an unsuccessful attempt to not draw attention to ourselves. I was just happy we got to see Joslyn and Sean exchange vows. I can only hope that they were happy we were there. Because there we were.

I will say this: There is nothing as enjoyable as watching your kids have fun together with family young and old. And who knew that Merle and Peg could line dance? And I didn’t see Merle dance like the gopher from Caddy Shack even once. I was actually a little disappointed about that. It’s his trademark dance.

In any case, a good time was had by all. And I wasn’t footing the bill, which was nice, and made the whole evening even more enjoyable. I suspect my time for those bills is coming. And Trent was there as a witness for his cousin, with whom he has shared many past shenanigans.

After a restless hotel stay (seriously, the MOST important part about a hotel is the bed…can’t they figure that out?), we commenced on the 1 1/2 hour drive home. For Trent and me, that was followed by three more hours to Ball State. Then I enjoyed three more hours driving solo to get back home. The next time I have an idea, I’m going to try to make Travis think it’s his idea, that way he gets to spend his weekend in the car. I’m actually disappointed in myself that I didn’t find a way to make Travis take responsibility for the driving.  Worth it? Absolutely. But my bed never felt so good.