June 14, 2010
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Relaxing Weekend
We had a pretty low-key weekend. Unfortunately, Johnny had to work most of Sunday (boo!), but we made the most of Saturday and the little time that he was home on Sunday.
Saturday night, we went to a farewell bonfire for our friend Ben. I went to high school with Ben, and now he's moving to take a history teaching position at a university in Nova Scotia -- so far away! We had a great time at the bonfire, though. We had potatoes baked underneath the fire (so yummy with butter and salt sprinkled on top), and of course we devoured some s'mores. Johnny and I had booked a sitter, so we took advantage of the occasion to also enjoy a dinner without the kids.
Ben, Johnny and I at the bonfire. I felt very short.
We also just spent a lot of time playing indoors this weekend, since Jack was just getting over a little bug. The boys were hilarious together as they enjoyed each other's company.
Derek's personality is emerging big-time. He is quiet but dangerous. Seriously, he's fast! Turn your head for a second, and he's trying to climb up the lamp. I feel like I need to clone myself just to keep him out of trouble. The sneaky little thing doesn't make a peep if he's trying to do something bad, either. Jack is always narrating whatever he's up to, be it good or bad. Before he could talk, Jack would also constantly be making little sounds -- we never wondered where he was or what he was doing. How can two kids be so different?! I have a feeling I'll be asking that for a very long time. But, they are both delightful in their own ways.
We're gearing up for our cross-country drive to Michigan. Yes, I realize we're insane -- that's the reaction we get about 95% of the time (to tell the truth, I'm getting just a tad sick and tired of hearing that from people. What, you think you're the first person to tell me that it's crazy to drive cross-country with young children? Thanks for raining all over my parade! Of course I put on my nice face and just say we'll do our best, but what I really want to do is tell strangers to mind their own business unless they'd like to charter a private plane to take us there. Everyone has his or her own definition of what's doable -- for me, the thought of checking two car seats and lugging two kids and their paraphernalia through airport security, plus keeping a wriggly toddler in his own seat AND restraining a mobile baby in my lap, and THEN making a connecting flight and THEN renting a car and driving 4+ hours makes me want to vomit, even though it saves three days of traveling time). The other 5% are people after our own hearts ... I just have such fond memories of road trips from when I was younger, and most importantly, it's family togetherness time, just the four of us, where Johnny and I don't have any work, errands or chores to do. With Johnny gone 12+ hours on weekdays, and so many things to do on weekends, it's so rare to have that. I also belong to a minority of people who enjoys driving down an endless stretch of highway. The last time I got to do that was when we drove from NYC to LA, four years ago (then again, we didn't have two kids in the backseat). I'm sure there will be frustrating moments on a daily (or even hourly!) basis, and who knows, it may turn out to be a totally bad idea, but we won't know until we try it. If it's terrible, then we'll fly next year. The few families I know who've attempted such a long drive with a toddler and baby have reported that overall, they had a good time, so we'll plan the best we can, and hope that it's a success! At worst, it's four days of whining, and then we'll know better for next time. I'm really excited, though. Jack's looking forward to watching DVDs in the car, and I have a ton of puzzles, the Leapster 2 video game, coloring and books to keep him entertained (plus snacks, of course). I'm more worried about Derek's entertainment in the car. It does help that he's now a pro at the snack trap and sippy cup. We're mostly set for the trip -- I booked our hotel stays last week, we've got our route printed out (and I've organized each day in a separate tab in a three-ring binder, and also have a little expandable pocket file for receipts organized by meals, gas and lodging, so I can plan more efficiently for future years' road trips), and I'm starting to pack the boxes that I'm shipping over to my in-laws' cottage (I'm shipping clothes for myself and the boys for July, along with some other necessities, ahead of us so we don't have to take anything in the car except what we'll need for the road trip). I also have a closet shelf full of snacks, drinks, toys/entertainment and other car essentials. It'll be so great to relax for a whole month. I'll miss Johnny (he's flying back to work), but am looking forward to the time with my in-laws, and to see the boys playing on the beach. Jack can take tennis and swimming lessons, and plus I'll have two extra adults' help with the boys. Yahoo! Chris and Victoria will also be overlapping with us for a few days at the beginning for some extra family fun. I can't wait!
Comments (12)
Okay, i just have to comment on how clean and shiny your floors are in the last picture....WOW!! I don't think you're crazy for driving across the country. I think the boys are at a good age where Jack can help Derek in the back seat and Derek is old enough to be okay for that many hours. And i highly doubt you're planning on making the whole trip in a day....i'm sure you'll spread it out and they'll do just fine. Good luck!! I think flying is a HUGE pain, so being in a car with as much stuff as you want along with being able to stop whenever you want for breaks, is important.
Oh, and it looks like the boys are already starting to play well together. Jack looks like such a good big brother.
I think the decision to drive makes a lot of sense - I'm still overwhelmed by the idea of flying with just a toddler! Although I still think we need to figure out a way to meet up when you're out this way...
@Kristin - Yes, yes, we do!!!!!! I'll have to email you about it. It'd be a shame to come all that way and not meet!
@ShamrockLover - Thank you, Kelly.
I do try to keep the floors neat, but I think that was just a flattering angle. There are all sorts of spots on it -- I keep it pretty fur-free, but Jack spills water from sippy cups occasionally, and Derek drools everywhere he crawls ... I don't even try to keep it pristine anymore!
I usually find it's the people who don't travel that end up being the naysayers. I think it's awesome that you're taking the boys on a roadtrip...I grew up roadtripping/camping cross country with my family every summer and it's one of my best memories. Although we haven't packed the kids up for a three day trip, we regularly do 7-9 hr road trips to see my parents and they're awesome...even though I always pack it, we can usually get through the trip without the dvd player too. I try not to laugh when I meet parents that never travel with their kids and then don't understand why their kids are horrendous travellers when they (the parents, obviously) all of a sudden decide to pack them up for a multiple hour road trip when they're two or three. I'm sure you'll have a great time and it's awesome that you're going to have a good chunk of time to spend with your in-laws - one of these times we'll have to try and do a meet-up!
Wohoo, I hope the drive goes really well! Sounds like you're spectacularly organized (I'm *dying* about the three-ring binder), and that's the absolute best you can do. I hope it's a grand adventure. Can't wait to hear all about it.
@Liz - Thank you, Liz! I've actually been thinking about you, knowing that you've done some semi-long trips with the twins. I'm going to email you to get any tips you might have!
Hey Beverly!
I totally feel you about how the two boys are so different. It seems like Jordan and Derek are somewhat similar! Jordan is fearless! He is climbing stairs, knocking over floor lamps, and grabs and pulls things! I don't remember Aaron being like this at all!!! Aaron also comments on everything Jordan does. It's so funny!
Good luck on your adventure! Can't wait to read about it!
I'm definitely in the 5% camp. With road trips you can stop, stretch your legs and take a break whenever you want to. Try explaining to a toddler who has been strapped in for two hours straight why he can't get up and run down the narrow aisle because (a) it's packed full of people waiting for the lavatory, (b) the beverage cart is the way, and/or (c) the weather is not cooperating and the seat belt sign is still on. Plus, with road trips you get to explore new places, meet new people (who aren't grumpy because your kid has been kicking their seats for the last two hours), and eat at new restaurants. Road trips are definitely the way to go. Are you bringing Atari on the trip? If so, that's another plus for road trips. It'll be quite the adventure. Hope you guys have fun!
I have mixed feelings about road trips vs flying... maybe that's why we don't leave NY much. Both my kids never flew before. We went on a short road trip (5 hours) and it was pretty much a disaster for Tyson when he was 20 months, who cried the entire way during the time he wasn't sleeping. Not trying to scare you or anything, I'm sure your kids are better than mine
I have another road trip coming up in 2 weeks and dreading it a tiny bit. I have already tried everything in cars and nothing distracts my boys from asking "are we there yet?". If you have extra tips, please share
@babybitez - I bet your boys would love flying now! As you know, we flew with Jack a BUNCH before he was two, and although some flights were worse than others, overall, we had smooth sailing (or rather, smooth flying, LOL). It was a lot of gear, though, and I really hesitate to fly with TWO kids, esp now that Jack is a full-price child. But, now Jack keeps asking to fly -- he watches some kids shows where the preschoolers go on an airplane, and he's like, "I wanna do that!" I'm like, "But honey, you did, you just don't remember. You did it multiple times!" I think when Derek reaches, say, two or three, I would happily consider flying again -- by then both kids are old enough to enjoy the experience, at least for up to 4-5 hours.
Anyway, road trip -- ugh, I'm sorry to hear that Tyson cried when he wasn't asleep. No, no, I wouldn't say that my kids are better than yours! Derek's been pretty calm in the car thus far, but we also haven't driven more than 3 hours. So, we'll see! I'm definitely bracing myself for lots of crying from him. As for tips, hmm, I'm sure you've tried everything I have up my sleeve. Jack just LOVES riding in cars and is easily entertained by coloring books, video games and DVDs. Oh and his Thomas and Friends magnet playset. Even at home he'll do that stuff for hours, and he loves to comment on cars passing by outside the window. But basically my arsenal is lots of DVDs for portable DVD player (but I don't plan to break that out until it's absolutely necessary), and LOTS of new and interesting snacks (also some familiar favorites), juice boxes (which he normally does not get at home), and little bags filled with cheapo toys from the dollar store, and a sketch pad and these things called dot stampers -- Jack loves those. I also got him some Water Wow coloring books -- they dry up and you can re-color them with more water (it comes with a brush that self-dispenses pre-loaded water). But, none of that would work if Jack wasn't already predisposed to liking that sort of thing! Have you tried playing games with the kids in the car (like I Spy or making up stories?)?
AWESOME! We took a lot of summer road trips when I was a kid. Flying is expensive for just adults and then add in a child you have to pay for and another that has to sit on your lap and worrying about whether the carseats are gonna make it and gate checking strollers and a HUGE bag filled with ALL the stuff they need!!! When we flew to CA last year Hannah was 3 and Aidan was 7 months and it went alright but it was definitely stressful! I absolutely love the idea of renting an RV when the kids are a bit older and driving cross-country to show them all new things.
You are so organized and ready for this trip...you're all gonna do great
I think it's gonna be easier than flying and like you said, if not, you fly next time. We might drive to FL next year which is about 18 hrs. We'll do it over 2 days and I'd much rather save the airfare money for tickets to Disney and other fun things and my kids do really well in the car so I think it will be fun!
@shelly1196 - Thanks, Shelly! We flew with Jack all the time, but haven't yet attempted with TWO kids. I just remember how FULL my diaper bag was when I flew with Jack and am wondering what it would be like with Derek in tow! Renting an RV sounds awesome. You know what sounds fun, is in two or three years, we could do cross-country exchanges -- like, you guys drive all the way out to California, seeing sights along the way and then spending some time with us, and then we go and do the same thing, driving from here to NJ/NY. How fun would that be, when the kids are, say, somewhere in the age range of 4-8? Meanwhile, you guys' plan to drive to FL next summer sounds so fun. Disney World! Lucky kids!
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