Anonymous wrote:OP here. I asked and she seemed completely fine with it. Thanks for all of the responses.
To address a few of the questions -- she's very familiar with driving in the area, and a very confident driver. She knows the way to the airport well, plus we have GPS in the car. So I was sure that I wasn't asking her to do something she's uncomfortable with.
To the PP, I completely agree that simply because I'm paying her doesn't mean she has to do anything we ask. Absolutely. For instance, I'd never ask her to do heavy housecleaning or care for the pets (beyond, you know, shooing them off countertops or something). That said, I do think this is perhaps a bit of a grey area because the kids are the primary reason I need to drive (if I were alone, I would cab or Metro). Obviously, driving the kids to the airport isn't explicitly in her contract, but that's why I think it's grey, not black and white.
Lastly, I think we do have a very good relationship and honestly, I would probably ask her for a favor before almost any friend in the area. That said, I also want to be a respectful employer and not take advantage of our good relationship or her good nature, so I really appreciate the feedback.
Oh, and also, great idea to bring her back a small gift. Definitely going to do that.[/quote
OP, you sound like a really amazing MB who is diligent about protecting her boss-employee relationship. Kudos to you.