We’ve already traveled a fair amount with our son — we’ve flown to the West Coast, up north to New England, to France more than once, driven upstate New York and now down to North Carolina.
Every time it’s possible, we also take the dog. Just to spice it up. And because Venga is family of course.
Yet every new trip as a family redefines vacation for me. Let me clarify.
A vacation with a toddler isn’t a vacation at all. It’s a nice change of scenery, but not exactly a vacation.
This one started with 8 hours in the car for what sh0uld have been a 5-hour trip. Add some traffic, a detour for work, a break for lunch & some stretch time… and this is how a long car drive becomes a very long one.
It’s our first beach vacation with T, who is not even 2 yet. What a blast!
For the past two days we’ve been on a routine that includes going to the beach twice a day (it’s a block away; the house we rented has a nice view of the ocean, and I don’t even take my flip flops to walk over, that’s how close we are), showering a lot, playing in between, and eating a bit more randomly.
Let me stop here for a minute; I know you can’t force feed a child, but what if all he wants to eat is fruit, yogurt and bread? (and occasionally, sand)
What do you do?
At home I tend to hide some protein in his other foods, but being away makes this very difficult. Sorry, I did not pack the blender along with everything else. Plus, I feel I should be past the puree stage by now! Unless of course he gets pasta a la bolognesa for dinner for the next 2 years, I need to figure this out. Help!
So where was I again?
That’s right, “vacation” with a toddler. I know I won’t be getting the peace and quiet — let alone the rest – that is often associated with a holiday.
Still, we are having a wonderful time chasing seagulls, jumping in the waves, playing in the sand with our dog.
But you know what I would really, really like? I hope the little memories we’ve already made over the past two days will stay with me forever – ultimately I know this is not realistic; there is only so much your selective memory can capture. But I am trying to trick the system to remember a few of these special moments and keep them inside me.
Today, as I was laying on the beach with my young son tip-toeing around me with his bucket, I suddenly recalled how as a kid I had been playing on the beach on the Mediterranean coast, at my grand-parents’; I remembered the small beach where, summer after summer, I learned the taste of the sand, the tenacity of the waves and the sweetness of right-on-time lollipops.
For some unknown reason, there are certain moments that stuck with me, though they are uneventful for the most part; and as trivial as it may sound, I am now starting to realize the memories I’ve been making are my son’s as well.
And though my vacation isn’t bringing me much rest, it’s definitely become the source of an inestimable joy.
It's so good to have you back! Share your thoughts, I LOVE comments!
Vacation is definitely different with little kids: it’s the same work as it is at home, just in a prettier location! But you’re right: you’re building memories with your son, and you never know what will stick with him!
Quite right indeed.
It will kick him in the butt soon enough!
A friend of mine recently told me that her 3 year old made reference to an even that had taken place when he was 18 months old. That’s insane!
That’s also why I tell mu husband to watch his potty mouth
You’d be surprised as to what our ‘babies’ can remember. Yes, it’s a hassle to go on a vacation with a child but you’re right one day all you’d remember are the great times you spend together as a family
Maureen recently posted…Weely Roundup &8211 4th Week of August
Don’t get me wrong I definitely enjoy it even now, I just wish I could take a break from the chores!!
I have encouragement! As kids get older travel gets easier. My kids are 6 and 3 and car travel is getting much better. A new activity book and some books on cd from the library keeps them very amused. They played together on the beach so there was a little time for reading my book. And they are a little less fussy eating and seem to manage most food groups.
Kristin @ Peace, Love and Muesli recently posted…Corn-On-The-Corn
Love you Kristin, that’s exactly what I needed to hear. Amen! Seriously I don’t know how moms with 2 under 2 can manage an adventure like this, oh actually I know! They have a husband that’s more hands on… OK, I am not going there today!
I went to Miami for a week with my hubby and baby about a month and a half ago. My cousin (who also has a baby) asked me if it was really a vacation, or if it was more work. I told her that there were definitely peaceful moments, but it was also a lot of work. It’s always more difficult to be away from home and all of your “stuff” when you have a little one. I still enjoy getting away, but I will always miss the pre-baby vacations.
Lucy @ lucille in the sky recently posted…giovanna goes after a melon
That’s right, I almost forgot that packing for a baby takes a lot of time, planning, and space! Though gear wise, we managed to take the bare minimum this time – just the folding seat that clips on furniture for meal time, since we actually forgot the stroller (!) …
The peaceful times during my vacation were few and far between. I have to say I look forward to getting home tomorrow! But today was fantastic, my little guy was definitely warming up to the beach idea. It was the perfect afternoon!
Oh, this is so true. Vacation with children is anything but. However, you are right…the memories in the making is what makes it all worthwhile. You never know what they might remember or what you will remember from it. I guess that’s why we all still do it…put in the pain of travel with the young ones because what we get in return cannot be measured. Thanks for a beautiful post:) By the way, I consider vacation…a vacation from trying to get my kids to eat “right”.
Melissa (Confessions of a Dr.Mom) recently posted…Monday Morning Mamas August 23rd
I can’t wait for car rides to get a little smoother. There was a time when T would sleep right through — but then again he was a tiny baby. Now, he is one impatient toddler that just wants to explore the world. Now. Not in 15 seconds, 10 minutes or half an hour. Now!!
Glad you enjoyed this post
Love your definition of vacation. Sounds just right to me.
I hear you about the preparation travelling with kids. Their fave toys, fave food, fave DVDs, fave blankets, etc. the list is getting longer each trip.
How about play the DVD player for your son (his fave shows)? That way he’ll be occupied with those movies during the long trip.
Also everytime we do a long trip (just returned from NJ), I usually squeeze myself in the back seat with both of my sons – just in case they need something that they couldn’t reach.
If my oldest son (he’s 5.5 yo) asked too much questions (you know, the “why” questions), I tried a new tactic: “who could stay quiet the longest” game.. which usually only last for 5 minutes as he’s not too fond about it ..
The sad part is that my son is not into DVDs at all. He’s never really watched any TV quite yet, so maybe that’s why? He’s not quite a year and a half. I am sure he will get caught up soon enough