Why aren't we flying? Because getting there is half the fun. You know that.

Clark: I'm just trying to treat my family to a little fun.
Ellen Griswold: Oh spare me, Clark, I know your brand of family fun. Tomorrow you'll probably kill the desk clerk, hold up a McDonalds, and drive us 1000 miles out of the way to see the world's largest pile of mud!

As previously mentioned, I didn't plan a trip this year. Because you know...I HAVE A LOT OF SHIT GOING ON IN MY LIFE.

But my mother has 6 days off this upcoming week. And she needs to get out of town, even if it's not to a beach (we might visit the beach with family at the end of this month...more on that at a later date.)

So I'm scrambling to decide where to go. Current top options as referenced in this handy map visualization I made for you, my lovely blog readers. It's super fancy. Be impressed.



Pineville: where my grandparents are buried. My mom hasn't visited in a couple of years and is making strong suggestions that she'd like to stop there on the way to somewhere else.

Gatlinburg: I've never been. None of us have.

Asheville: this place has been on my list for years now. So I'd really like to go.



But as with any trip, there are obstacles.

Issue #1...my father.

You see, he technically doesn't know at this point that she wants to go somewhere for a few days next week. Which sounds like a big deal, but this is pretty much how it's always done...albeit with typically a little more notice than a few days.



Then we have the dogs. No two ways about it, the lab has to be boarded. Which means my butt will be hauling his behind to the vet this afternoon for his vaccinations (which are due this month conveniently.)

But my mom won't travel without her chihuahua. And the chihuahua loves to travel. Like, a lot. I'm pretty sure she'd kill herself if we left her.

But I won't lie...it annoys me. We can't just pop into a hotel, it has to be pet friendly.

WHICH MEANS THE WORLD ISN'T MY OYSTER.

But anyways. Figured I'd update with the latest. I'll share more as the details come together...or fall apart (it's anyone's guess as to which way it will go at this point.)