You know what’s funny? It’s cheaper to take Amtrak from Seattle to Rochester, NY to visit my in-laws than to fly there. It’s not a lot cheaper, because it costs extra to have a private room for most of that trip, but it’s still cheaper.

And that’s what I’m doing. When I visit my wife’s family for Opressmas this year, I’m going by rail. I leave in the late afternoon of the 20th and arrive on the morning of the 23rd, and I’m taking my son with me.

Yep, my eight-year-old son and I are taking a train ride across the country.

I don’t know how that sounds to you, but I think it’s going to be a fantastic trip. I’m really looking forward to it.

After the holidays, I’ll be heading back on the train alone so he can spend a little extra time with the family. Besides, I’m not sure he’s ready for two 64-hour trips; he’ll fly home with his mom. However, that means I’ll have a few internet-less days to do nothing but read, write, and watch the country pass by. It’s going to be amazing.

Plus, I should have a lunch-time layover in Chicago (barring delays). Anyone in the Chicago area want to get together for lunch on 12/28?