Tips for traveling with toddlers

My tips for traveling with toddlers on a road trip like vacation. 

Tip 1. Ask yourself... Are you sure you want to go on a road trip with toddlers?

Tip 2. If you answered yes to tip 1, then check your sanity. If deemed sane, great but don't plan to be sane or return sane when on a road trip like vacation with toddlers. 

Tip 3. Have scheduled fun time. When they can play in the sand, water, play ground. Whatever or wherever it may be, they need it and the parents do too. Just do it. You'll be sorry if you don't. I was. 

Tip 4. Epic meltdowns are inevitable. No if ands or buts about it. Just breath deep and they will pass. Show anxiety or anger or excitement and it's like adding fuel to the fire. 

Tip 5. Have snacks. Lots and lots of snacks! When you think you've packed enough, go buy more. Sometimes it's the only thing to keep you sane. 

Tip 6. Always remember to pack "X". (Fill in the blank - book, horse, sunglasses, etc). When you don't have whatever it is they wanted, one of those epic meltdowns happens. When that happens, you better have snacks. Or you'll lose your sanity... Again. 

Tip 7. Enjoy the good, happy moments. Experience the discoveries through their eyes. Smile with them. Squeal in excitement with them. As the old saying goes, "stop and smell the roses." No matter how many times they stop. And it will be a lot. But I promise it's worth it. And if it's getting a little too slow, snacks work great to get the crew moving. 

Tip 8. Boat cruises with kids should be mandatory less than 2 hours. Any more and they get restless. Or puke (luckily not ours). 

Tip 9. Pack lots of extra clothes. For all those fun, unplanned moments, you'll need them. Or if you packed pink underwear instead of blue for them, you can quickly switch before a meltdown happens. 

Tip 10. Know that everything won't go according to the schedule - like it used to before kids. Take the long way (but only if they're sleeping). Drive the dirt road. Have a moment when you look at your spouse and just bust out laughing at something silly your kid did. These are the best. And despite all the tears and meltdowns, they'll only remember (if your lucky) the best vacation ever.

Day 3 - UP strong

Sunday it was time to split ways. Julie and Jason headed bs k home and we drive on to Munising to see Pictured Rocks on a boat trip. Which I highly recommend just not with 2 small kids. And on a wavy day. And when several people puke. We managed but would love to go back again.  n the strange side the people that sat in front of us eeee from Saline. Small world. 

After the cruise we had lunch at the Dog Patch - cool place but I don't recommend the perch.

Then on the road again but not before a royal melt down by Greta who was tired. And then several more before our next stop. I might have sworn at the DVD player for not working a few times during these melt downs of Greta is the boss and can talk back to mommy and daddy. 

Next stop Big Springs which was incredible. 

Greta and Lola thought this was great and just kept pointing and squeeling (well that was Lola). 

Then into the town of Manistique. We stopped and walked the boardwalk and played in the sand before driving back to mackinaw.

Lola has mastered her cheese smile.

Last stop... Mackinaw. I had temporary thoughts of driving straight home because I was all done being in the car with 2 kiddos who were also done being in the car. But poor Ryan who has done all the driving thought it was best to stay and hit the road early. So we did. And eat and shopped. Looked at stars with Greta who was up super late. But it was a great moment and came close to making up for the earlier ones. 

We were home by 1. Then the chores began. 

So love making these memories with the family. Hearing Greta say that was the best day ever. Or Lola squeel at every Bird or dog or wave at anyone. Makes my heart happy and realize it's worth all the extra effort required to manage 2 toddlers on vacation. 

Until the next RAD adventures!

Day 2 - UP adventures

A dreary start to our Saturday but we didn't let that stop us. Tahquamenon Falls or bust!! 

First up was the lower falls and it was misting a little while we walked down. Amazing. 

I have lots of Lola and Aunt Julie pictures... Best buddies 

Then a short drive up to the upper falls. And my first reaction was - are we still in Michigan?? 

Group picture on my big camera coming soon 

Then we loaded back up in dads suburban - which we borrowed for the DVD player which is doesn't work - oh well. 

Next stop Oswalds Bear Ranch. Very cool place. It's basically a rescue shelter for bears. 

Family picture with the bear cub coming soon. 

Then last stop was Whitefish Point to see the ship wreck museum, which was quite cool. Sorry no pictures. 

Then bs k to the hotel for pizza and laughs.

It's no Alaska but it's close - day 1

So Julie and I decided a trip to mackinaw island and the UP would be fun! And it was fun and beautiful and truly Gods creation. 

We packed up and hit the road about 630 on Thursday... First stop mackinaw City to stay for the night in one big room with 3 queen size beds. What a great place that a former Hino colleague owns. There was a great view of the bridge.  Fire pits. Breakfast. 

Friday morning was perfect weather. We packed up and checked out and headed for the boat to the island. Greta thought it was pretty cool. My mom worries set in - what if she goes over. Strict instructions for someone to be holding her at all times. 

On the island we took a horse ride around , did some walking, saw the butterfly house, had lunch, shopped and then headed back. 

On the way back over, both girls fell asleep. 

Next stop Paradise.

After we checked in we took a quick drive to Whitefish Point. Nice beach. No food. So back to Paradise for dinner. 

Surprise trip to the zoo

We surprised Greta with a trip to the zoo - Lola too. And what a great time we had. Lola would squeak in excitement every time she saw an animal.  The temps were cooler - finally - so all the animals were pretty active in the morning.

We watched one polar bear play with his ball for like 10 minutes - jumping in and splashing - so fun. No pictures or video - Shame on me.

We all rode the carousel 

Greta and Ryan then fed the giraffe - pretty cool again. 

Went on train ride

Played in this great preschool area and Greta held a ginea pig

And then about 2:00 we started wearing thin and knew it was time to go. We'd been there since like 10:30. Despite the little cried there was - it was totally worth it to see their faces. Love watching them experience all this. 

Oh that face

There's no denying the twinkle in her eye. 'What I'm not doing anything wrong, I'm too cute!'

And 'I know I'm cute and funny!'

Lola's 1st birthday celebration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it7asWdox6w

Oh what fun we had celebrating sweet Lola bug. She took a great nap just before the party started and was all smiles and laughter. 

She loved her cake 

And presents 

And celebrating with friends and family

And of course big sister

And everyone loved the lady bug cupcakes 

What a joyous day!! And bonus... No one got sick!! Hallelujah!

First steps

Lola took her first steps on Friday August 12th! Just a few... And the gradually has been taking more. I think she's up to like 5. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCqZVCQZs5g

Monkey see - monkey do

Greta climbed up the slide... So Lola climbed up the slide. 

She got this far by herself while I turned my back. What a little monkey!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOUO7rFngsM

Lola 12 months

Wow how that year flew by! 

Her highlights from the last month

1. Sleeps on a cot at day care

2. Stands up by herself but when you ask her to walk to you she just shakes her head no

3. Can nod yes and does when she wants something 

4. Another tooth on the tip poked through

5. Climbs on anything and everything - including hand way up the big slide 

6. Loves animals and squeals when she sees a dog

7. Will eat just about anything. Starting to transition to a cup at day care

8. Still bites when she's mad 

9. Wears size 5 diapers now

10. Is very smart and understands what you tell her

Stats

Weight: 23 lbs 14 oz (92nd)

Height: 31 inches (95th)

Head circumference: 19.25 inches (off the chart)

Iron was slightly low so we'll be upping the leafy greens and red Meat.. Oh cherios.

Sleepover with my favs

Was super excited even Mary asked if Karle and kahe could come over for a sleepover (she was working the election). Of course I said yes. And we had a blast. 

Monday night after I finally got both girls down for bed, we watched our favorite cooking show that they got me hooked on up north. We cuddled on the couch under blankets. Had ice cream. Talked. Laughed. It felt just like old times.

Then Tuesday, we swam, they watched the girls so I could quick mow the law, we picked from the garden, lots of fun! They even got to come watch Greta at swimming lessons, 

 Then we loaded up (barely fit) and headed to Jonesville to take them home and so Greta could see the bunnies. 

RKD fun

The girls and I ventured up north again but this time was smart and met mom in bay city and we drive up together. So worth the hassle of switching the car seats. 

And lots of fun we had. Water was warm and wavey so Greta and I had lots of fun. No pictures in the water because mom had Lola both times.  

And lots of playing at camp and ice cream and scootering. And sweet corn!

Lolas first cob (and no she didn't eat all that)

And of course birthday presents for Lola. 

On Monday- Lola's birthday - we packed up and headed back home. 

Happy birthday Lola!

Dear Lola, 

It seems like just yesterday I was pregnant with you. You were such an active baby. Always moving and kicking  me. I loved every minute of it. It gave me an insight to your personality - full of life (and a hint of feisty). When the time came - right on your due date - I was so happy. Then almost 14 hours (maybe your stubbornness of your personality shown through) after we arrived at the hospital I got to finally hear your cries. And they were powerful. A voice to be heard. And at that moment, I knew your name - Lola! 

Then when they brought you over to me and put you on my chest, it was love. And again you gave me more insight to your personality as you tried your hardest to latch on. Determination. I like that. 

Next, your eyes and smile. They both light up a room and have such a twinkle about them. And more of your personality was revealed- happy and curious, and maybe a bit mischievous.

As your first year unfolded, you fit right in to our family. In fact, I hardly rememberer life without you. The love you and great share is amazing. It's just like mine with my sisters. I hope some day as you're older it remains because sisters are the best of friends.

I love you Lola bug and can't wait to see what God has in store for you... My active, stubborn, determined, happy, curious baby girl. 

I'll always be there for you! 

Love you always,

Your mommy