Hang In There…
Get to Know the Locals…
Traveling to California? A warning: You just might see a lady carrying her little dog in a Baby Bjorn walk right into the Mexican restaurant you’re eating at. And she might even sit down and share her salsa with said dog. Try not to get too grossed out. Simply get out your phone and post a picture of it on social media so your friends back home will believe you. You can also have a good laugh when one of your friends comments that she looks remarkably like Kieth Richards.
My mother once full out slapped me at the airport baggage claim in DC when I was a being a snotty kid on a family trip. You seem like you’re handling family travels with a lot more grace. Of course, your kids (bloody nose or not) are a bit better behaved than I was.
Okay first of all, I thought legend had it that it was your brother who got slapped at the airport. It was YOU? I wonder what you did to deserve it. (And I think your Mom gets a pass. I’m sure she was on edge being at the airport.) And secondly, I am NOT handling any part of parenthood with more grace than your Mom. I will never live up to your parents’ standards. And lastly, if you truly believe that my kids are better behaved than anyone…I invite you to take them for a weekend. Seriously.
I have apologized numerous times for that slap,Dan. I’m pretty sure it has scarred you on the inside! Once again, I am truly sorry to lashing out without thought in the airport after a long flight. Thanks for sticking up for me Marie. You’re the BEST!
Happens, right? ๐
These are all great tips. I started traveling with my 3 kids when they were very young. We all go thru moods, myself included. I just have to remember that the mood will pass and to breath in the meantime. I found your article at the LOBS party. It’s great to find these tips. I pinned them.
Thanks so much, Nicky! Nice to connect with you!
We are a week out from a trip to California. Bummer is, my husband will already be there for 4 days before we arrive. So, no help with the packing, the schlepping, or my anxiety re air travel. Bonus? My mom volunteered to go along! She is seated by the kids, I’m 6 rows ahead of them. She’s staying with my sister once we get there, and we will continue on with our vacation. Brilliant, eh? Now, just to get all the sh__ together that we will need…
OMG! There really is ONE in every family!!! I have resigned myself to the fact that my vacations are not my own anymore. If I have any hope of relaxing, the kids have to be totally blissed out which means we are doing what they want. It’s all good. One day I am going to have the most legendary vacation, when they’re older because Karma says it will happen!
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Oh, sweet karma. I forget sometimes that it works for good too. Totally get what you’re saying about vacations not being your own! Our time will come…when we will once again have a life of our own.
I remember the family road trip vacation when I was a kid, days on end (it seemed) trapped in the back seat with my sister. At least our kids have video games, even portable DVD players to entertain themselves. But, they don’t get the joy of sleeping up in the back window! ๐
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Ha! Our kids will never understand how good they have it.