Are we residents yet?

The continued snowfall in Chicago has left us stranded in Maryland for a third straight day.  Now our flight is scheduled for 7:20 in the morning, but it's going to be -52 windchill in Chicago with a high temp of -15.  Not sure how well planes do in the cold, but that's crazy.  Here's hoping we can actually get home, but I'm not too optimistic. Still, it could be worse....a lot worse. How? Let me tell you:

1) The Bears lost last weekend in the final minute of the game to the Packers on a blown defensive coverage on 4th and 8 for the Pack. Had they won, there would have been a playoff game in Chicago this weekend. That means I would have had to, at worst, drive home on Friday. LL and Marissa would have flown by themselves whenever we actually get out. Not fun for anyone. 

2) It's very feasible that we could have been rebooked on a non-direct flight to Chicago on Friday and then been shut down in whatever city we were in at the time (Columbus, Milwaukee, Houston, who knows?).  

3) We could have been just on a trip and not visiting relatives, which would have led to at least 3 more nights of hotels and car fees. 

4) We could be sick. For the first time in a month+, all three of us are actually healthy as are our hosts. Very fortunate there.

So lots of positives, not to mention that we actually ENJOY spending time with our hosts.  Marissa is doing very well with the trip and has enjoyed meeting her cousin, aunt and uncle.