Traveling with Kids

I chuckle when I think about how my perspective of "normal" and "safe" have changed since my two littles have joined in on my adventures.

First priority is to keep these babes happy.

Food: squeezable organic apple sauce, Graham crackers, raisins, water, juice boxes (in flight special treat for our household), dried cherries and, of course, the always necessary O's. We ate a yogurt just before boarding. Oh yes, and there are the super special only when flying treats of gum and peanut M&Ms. Ok, food...check.

Necessities: diapers, wipes, blanket to change on, extra shirt for mom, extra clothes for the babe...check.

Entertainment: 3 Hot Wheels cars, new mini markers, coloring book, drawing pad, blank stickers to color, iPad with headphones and new Sesame Street downloaded (in emergencies, haven't had to pull out electronics yet) plus some crazy "fill the time" apps, some funny teeth, glasses and a red nose to put on if things get tense or need a change of pace and a kaleidoscope...check.

What I did not foresee was that our seat would be reassigned and we would be split up. Little Man and the Good Apple up front, Little Miss and I just behind...in the middle. On one side we had a doting, lovable, patient and accommodating grandma...the other a hypochondriac. Seriously. Face mask on panicking when the Lil Miss touched her leg. I was horrified for the anxiety we were probably causing her. The woman by my husband was not open to switching seats. Ok.

We have learned to roll with the punches and I think that is part of travel survival. Little Miss was passed back and forth which meant I had time to just relax and write a post. Ahhhhh.

Overall, regardless of what you have packed, having an attitude of just going with the flow eases the stress of travel and can bring unexpected surprises. When I travelled with students "go with the flow" was always our motto and now I found it even more important when traveling with my own family. Now breathe deep and reflect on how some things never change and also, how they are different.

Happy Holiday Travels!

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Week of Thanks: Tuesday

Today is my favorite day of this week.

A little over two years ago, I was told that we were lucky to have one healthy child and that he would be our one and only. A year ago today, I had Lil Miss.

Her birth was scheduled since there were complications during her brother's birth and we live on an island that is accessible only by air or water. My sweet friend was due 2 days before me and had her sweet bundle a week early. The weather was turning to high winds and snow and I was not going to get stuck on the island, so we left three days early. She waited, but it was so nice to be near the hospital.

Her birth was textbook easy and it all felt so surreal that she was a part of our lives. I had talked myself out of our second child for so long that even the nine months of pregnancy had not prepared me for her presence in our lives.

But now she is here and she is spunky, oh so spunky, and she makes us laugh and smile and cry (the happy kind). She makes me shine inside in a way I didn't know was possible.

Lil Miss, I am so glad you are a part of our family and I am so thankful that your sassy little spirit didn't listen to those doctors. There are big designs for someone with this much drive and I can't wait to see where the road takes you. Happy Birthday KMC. We love you.

Week of Thanks: Monday

Today I am grateful for the relationship between the Little Man and Little Miss. She adores him and he would do anything for her. In the morning when she wakes, his name is the first thing she says...always. When he wakes up, he runs in to give her "morning lovin's". They are beginning to have their sibling moments, but I am going to embrace each time she runs over to check on her brother if he is crying and she gently pats him on the head and back. I am going to embrace each time he runs into our room and cheerfully sings, "Good morning my pretty little flower" or "Good morning our sweetest bit of sunshine." I am going to embrace when they dance together and when he gets her belly laughing like no one else can. I am going to embrace when he wants to teach her something new and then cheers out loud and proud for her when she learns a new skill. I know this will change, but for now, I will embrace it.

Week of Thanks: Sunday

Today I am thankful that my daughter has a daddy who makes her laugh and who she responds to like no one else. She is a fairly serious Little Miss and she means business...and then Daddy comes along. He has been gone the last two days and we reunited tonight. She wouldn't go to bed without him by her side. I love that.

Sunday Sharing: Fun with Leaves featuring Hurrayic

~~Featured Blogger~~

Hurrayic

When I saw this post on hurrayic, I immediately emailed Ellen to see if she would be interested in a guest post. I think these are just brilliant and we are heading out tomorrow to gather leaves that we will use to create fun images later in the week. Take some time to enjoy the photos, recipes and more on her beautiful blog.


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Fun with Leaves 

by Ellen Crandall

As mentioned yesterday, we had a very full weekend so when Monday morning arrived I brought out the glue, paper, paintbrushes and leaves we had pressed several weeks ago.


We needed something creative that also offered immediate results.

I have had this book sitting on my shelf for over ten several years now, and rather than pull it out and think, "oh, that would be nice to do...someday..." and replace it in its spot as I have done for the past ten plus several years, we finally put it to good use as inspiration.

So my kids set to work and roughly 45 minutes later, we had a...

a swooping swift...

a dog who looks like he's dancing...

a rather ferocious looking reptile...

 and a mischevious mouse!


All of them loved this and would like to make more...


Definitely a good way to start out the week.


Here's another site that shows some very neat leaf animals by the author.