This week is my mom’s retirement from teaching so Ella and I made the trip back to Maryland to throw a surprise party for her. Though the trip from NYC to Maryland is not too bad, it was potentially a nightmare for us as Ella is a stressed out traveler and a car sick pup. We learned that the hard way on our trip home for the Christmas holidays about 6 months ago. I don’t think that car will ever be fully aired out from the mess. Having learned my lesson, I shelled out the 50 bucks for doggie dramamine (Cerenia) in the hopes it would ease Ella’s tummy on the ride.

The first hour or so was touch and go as she paced around the car, dipped her head low, and gave me an “uh-oh momma” look, but she pushed through the wall with flying colors….and an unbelievable amount of drool.

Ella’s first time laying down in the back seat without getting sick!

Foaming at the mouth is an improvement over yarfing, I guess.

Ella relaxes enough to enjoy the view on the New Jersey turnpike (truly an amazing feat if you know Jersey)

Getting big for her britches and feeling like an old pro on the road, Ella chats with Grandpa about the best route to take.

Though she’s more relaxed, Ella’s drool is still in high gear as we hit a rest area.

There was no letting Ella out of the car at this rest area - there were at least 5 wild cats roaming around (look closely at the orange blur on the right).