Look how far we've come. I'm laying in bed, typing this short blog on my smartphone and adding pics straight from my camera. Who knew?
I'm taking a class this summer on social media and I'm learning tons. Most importantly, I'm learning that I really don't know much about social media. So, I'm trying some new things, like posting a blog from my cell phone.
This summer has been busy, and mostly with stuff that isn't all that fun. I miss being a kid and having three months of complete freedom. Days were filled with going swimming, riding bikes and seeing friends. For that reason alone, I sometimes wish I'd been a teacher.
We DID just get back from a family vacation on the east coast, though. We spent time in NYC, New Hampshire and Maine. We had a fantastic time, but I learned a few things about traveling with kids.
1. Airlines don't seem to have a system to ensure you will be sitting by your small children. Be prepared to make a scene (politely, of course) at the gate until they can make suitable arrangements. Definitely don't settle, even if the gate attendant tells you that many 5-year-olds fly by themselves.
2. If traveling by car, make sure to have plenty of snacks--even if you plan to stop for dinner. When we left NYC to drive to New Hampshire, all we had in the car was a bag of Goldfish and some M&Ms. The kids fell asleep and we were stuck in rush hour traffic so we really didn't want to stop. Starving, we ate everything we had in the car. I definitely overdid it on the chocolate.
3. Kids will swim--even if it is freezing! In Maine, while the adults were shivering in sweatshirts and jeans, the kids swam in the lake. If you don't want to get in the water with them, make sure to bring life jackets. Luckily, Adelaide was content in the sand.
4. Bribery is 100% acceptable while on vacation. Tobias' five-year-old legs were tired after walking around NY all day. His attitude starting going downhill fast until I told him we could buy a Justin Bieber picture on Canal Street. There was suddenly a spring in his step and he got his picture while I found a purse!
5. Whenever possible, get a place with a separate room for the kids. We had the hardest time getting Tobias and Adelaide to settle down in a room we were all sharing. When they finally did fall asleep, Kevin and I hung out in the bathroom to pass the time. Thank goodness I have my Kindle hooked up with my phone so I could read in bed without a light on!
Most importantly, remind yourself that family vacations are about having fun and making memories--not getting rest!
