From Sunshine to Snow: Our Family Road Trip Plot Twist
The scene when we arrived at our condo
You know those trips where you plan everything just right? The bags are packed, the snacks are organized, and the weather forecast swears it’s going to be in the 60s with a light breeze - basically the perfect backdrop for a cute, outdoorsy family adventure. Well, this is not that story.
We planned on visiting trails and hiking. Instead, it looked like we were driving through Narnia.
The weather app changed its mind at the last minute.
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The Plan
We set out with every intention of spending the weekend in the great outdoors. I had visions of us hiking scenic trails, being surrounded by trees overlooking water, and maybe even sitting around a campfire with hot cocoa like a family from a Norman Rockwell picture.
At the very last minute, we threw jackets, hats, gloves and boots on top of our suitcases in the back of the car. Since the weather couldn’t make up its mind, we at least needed proper attire, just in case.
Surprise! Nature Chose Chaos
About halfway there, the temperature started dropping with each blink I took. At one point I kept rubbing my eyes to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating. I kept refreshing the weather app like that would magically change Mother Nature’s mind.
Then, as if on cue, the snowflakes started.
Not the cute Hallmark kind.
The blowing sideways kind.
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Within minutes, we were suddenly starring in our own winter survival episode. The kids were thrilled. SNOW!!! While I was frantically trying to find places that were still open for dinner despite the winter weather.
Did I mention that once we finally reached our destination, sitting at the gate, our AirBnb host wasn’t answering their calls or texts? Yeah, not stressful at all.
After about 10 minutes we finally got a hold of the host, and walked into our own cozy condo overlooking a winter wonderland.
The car was covered in snow
Dinner: Pizza, Anyone?
After checking in, we were starving. But dinner got a detour.
The original plan to sit at a restaurant and enjoy the lake view was now a thought of the past.
So we embraced the road trip classic: takeout pizza eaten on the sofa while watching the snow fall.
Honestly, it was the highlight of the night. There’s something sacred about a family sharing pizza slices in a cozy setting while snow comes down like an unexpected welcome show just for us.
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The Great Thaw
And then - because the weather enjoys drama - we woke up to melting snow, sunny skies, and temps climbing back up, like nothing had ever happened.
Mother Nature was basically like, jk, jk.
So, we actually did a few more activities than planned. We did a tiny bit of hiking. But, we ended up doing way more playing outside than actual trail walking. The kids didn’t care. They were just happy to have activities we could enjoy both inside and outside. And honestly? Their joy made everything worth it.
The following day was bright and sunny
When Things Don’t Go as Planned, They Sometimes Go Better
Sure, we didn’t get the picture-perfect hiking trip.
Our planned outdoor adventures included more inside than we anticipated.
And our weather rollercoaster felt like Mother Nature was flipping through seasonal settings just to keep us on our toes.
But we laughed. We improvised. We made memories.
And isn’t that the whole point?
The kids still remember the trip, and ask to go visit the place “with the special snow and pizza”.
Sometimes the best moments happen when the plans fall apart.
Especially when there’s pizza involved.
Until next time, enjoy the journey!
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