Preparing for a trip with children can be easily deemed as a monumental task. The packing and unpacking to the repacking and unpacking again can be such a chore. And the planning and organization needed for a mere plane ride with a 17 month-old can be especially time consuming.
After all of the vacation planning was in place and we finally reached our destination, I began to wonder why I made these plans in the first place. Have you ever felt like this before? Vacations are supposed to be a time of relaxation in a stress free environment, a time to forget about work and just play. It’s a time to do what you wish because you are free from most responsibilities.
But when you are away with kids? It’s really not a vacation. I like to call it a kidcation because that stress free environment does not really occur when you are traveling with children, or at least in my experience.
Maybe it was the fact that my baby girl would not cooperate on the plane. At 17 months, she wants to be mobile every second of the day so keeping her constrained on my lap was nothing short of difficult for me. I was battling with the constant screaming, crying, arms flying and legs kicking. It wasn’t until thirty minutes into the flight that she finally settled down and eventually fell asleep in my arms but by that point, I think everyone on the plane hated me. Can you say kidcation?
Maybe it was the fact that my baby girl who is normally an amazing sleeper kept me up every night on the trip because she could not sleep one full night in that rental crib. Or perhaps it was the day we were driving in the rental car in search of a walk-in clinic, for she had a nasty sinus and ear infection and needed some good old antibiotics. The last thing I expected to do was spend my day in search for a local doctor and sit in a waiting room all afternoon full of sick individuals, many of whom had the stomach bug. Vacation? No, kidcation.
Actually, maybe it was standing in line for 45 minutes at Disney to get a mere 15 seconds with the famed Lightning McQueen…only to find out later that my kid was not even smiling for the photo.
Maybe it was the fact that at the Character Breakfast at Hollywood (which we reserved five months in advance) wasn’t all that we thought it would be. When we arrived, only two of the six characters were there and we were told the others were “sleeping in.” Once the others finally showed their faces, we already finished eating and were about to leave when my son eagerly ran up to June from the Little Einsteins to get her autograph…
In the midst of his plight, I was stopped by one of the managers and she said to me in a nasty tone, “The characters will come around to the tables. Please tell your child and find your seat.” Ummm, right lady – considering I just spent $89 on some frosted flakes and pancakes, I think my kid can ask for a friggin autograph. Kidcation?
Or maybe it was the fact that I am looking for relaxation and a stress free environment and when you have children this really isn’t possible, not at this age anyway. It was the kind of thing like getting my daughter suited up for the pool, only to find out she would only stay in the water for ten minutes. Then, it was the drama of pulling off her wet bathing suit and changing her diaper in the hot sun. Or perhaps it was settling down to give her a snack, only to find out Miss Cranky Pants would rather run toward the edge of the pool, so I was always the mean Theta Mom keeping her strapped in her stroller. Kid-cation!
So although this may sound like one big complaint (which in part I will admit it absolutely is) I really did try to make the best of my kidcation…like actually getting a decent photo with my son at Disney…
Or watching my kids enjoy the soft sand, sunlit sky and fresh air; a true escape from the monotony of the daily grind.
Yes, these are the moments I would like to remember from my kidcation.
And ladies, don’t forget this Thursday is Time Out for Theta Mom! Believe it or not, I did get a chance to get some alone time on this trip, so be sure to join me on Thursday and link up! If you are new to Theta Mom Thursday, check out the details here and I look forward to seeing what you’ve been up to!
Oh the joys of motherhood! I really haven’t been on a kidcation with my little one yet. He’s 27 months and we are going to fly out to L.A. at the beginging of the summer. I’m sure that it will be quite an adventure!
Yes, I’ve had many kidcations and I can agree, it’s not too fun. Usually, I could not wait to get home! My kids never slept well and I ended up exhausted at the end. They are both getting bigger now and it’s a bit easier, but the early days were tough!
Oh, this is what I have to look forward to when we take our Disney trip in two years…aaah! I’ve taken my boys on two mini-vacations: when they were 2 months we spent a week in Ocean City, MD which was EASY b/c they were only 2 months old! Then, when they were 7 months, we took them to Vermont with us for a ski trip. That wasn’t too bad either! Now that they’re moving around, I know it’ll get harder & harder.
Despite the lack of relaxation, I hope your family came home with lots of wonderful memories!!
Oh no. We are going to Disney this summer and I have to admit this scares me a little! I can’t believe they asked you to have your son sit at the character breakfast! Although I’m sure we’ll be fine (said with a shaky voice), it is good to hear your honest experiences!
I love traveling with kids and have been blessed with many trips going very smooth, but I have been there – when nothing seems to live up to the expectations in your head. So many times I try to get my kids excited and I talk something up so much that I even start to annoy myself. I’ve learned to relax, enjoy the moment and not expect anything too fabulous!
So little is relaxing with small children. Eating out, vacations… Those beach photos look like the ultimate in great, thought. Finding something the kids can occupy themselves with while you relax with a mai-tai. Heaven…
I am exhausted just reading this! My husband refuses to go on a vacation where we need to board a plane w/them. While my * year old would be good I am not too sure about my 17 month old since he has a mind of his own. Good for you for trying! And yes I agree most vacations you need another vacation just to catch up!
Tina – You said it, I need a vacation from the vacation!
Aww… I can so picture you in all of those scenarios. I hear about parents traveling with their kids and I always think “how on earth do you do that?” Guess we’ll be finding out soon enough as my father in law is already buying toys for my daughter to take to the beach. Yep you read that right, our vacaction includes the baby and my in laws. Hold me, Theata Mom!
My twins were born in Thailand. We did massive flights of more than 18 hours (of actual flying time) one way when they were 7 months and then again (to move home) when they were 13 months (with babes on our laps). My husband said we are not doing another flight like that until both kids can do the NYT Crossword…in ink. They’re 5 now.
Happy recovery!
We have been to Disney three times in the last two years and although we loved it, it is NOT an easy vacation at all!
We have sworn it off for a few years!
Sadie at heyMamas
Oh Lady…I can so relate. We went to VA beach this past weekend to run in the Shamrock 8K. It was a little getaway as a family and my little girl ruled. Going out to dinner has a whole other meaning when our 22-month-old comes along. She is constantly moving and wanting to walk around saying “hello” to every table (minus the time she is happy eating ketchup by the spoonful).
Traveling with kids does get easier as they get older…right?
Lindsay – Oh, please tell me so! Yes, I would say my son (who is 4 1/2 was great on the trip, even through the flight) – so I do think there is hope for us!
kidcation! I have a trip to the beach planned for june. Teva will be 9 months old. I’m looking forward to it, but also a little scared.
Oh my – this is exactly us in 2.5 weeks! Off to Disney with a 4 year old and a 20 month old. I dread flights like the plague, and already have stress over it. And I know my little one will not sleep well in the pack n play. I wholeheartedly agree that family vacas are not at ALL a vaca for parents. Maybe when they’re older… Sigh.
We haven’t taken a true vacation since our daughter was little. As much as I want to go somewhere as a family, traveling with 2 kids scares me!
I’m glad you did have some fun amongst those trying times.
A Belle, a Bean, and a Chicgo Dog – I have a real fear of flying to begin with, which I try to deal with my own anxiety about, but the added stress of keeping my baby calm was overwhelming. Hopefully, your 20 month-old will fare a bit better – and try to make the best of your kidcation!
Oh most definitely a kidcation. Everything you do is catered to them, right. But just think of the memories. Lol!
Ummm, yeah.
My college roommate, who lives in Europe with her three kids under 8, has the best expression. They used to live in Tokyo and went all kinds of fabulous places for the weekend, Bali, etc. And she always rolled her eyes, sighed, and said, “Same crap. Different place.”
Yeah, you definitely need a vacation after your kidcation.
My story is pretty similar to this when we went to Disney haha.
The only way the word “vacation” graces my lips is if we are not taking kids and we are not visiting family; otherwise it is a “trip”
Great post!
It has been a LONG time since I have had a vacation
The memories were made! I had the same problem on the plane with my daughter when she was young. I got so many hateful stares.. I mean WHAT can you do. They are tired, ears are popping, I mean c’mon. Ugg people without kids HAHA..
I’m glad you did enjoy your trip regardless.
I have always said, Vacations are nice, but you can’t wait to get home to “relax”.
Welcome home!
I absolutely adore Disney World and hate it that you had less than magical moments there. But Disney definitely fits the “kidcation” bill. Hope you were able to enjoy a few peaceful moments.
Ahhh, vacations! We are planning our 3rd one, this time with 2 kids. Both seem to do well in a car seat- in some ways that alone is a break for us- ha. But, I hate to admit it but good ole dvd’s save our life on long (20+ hour) road trips. We’ll see how our new addition does. My dad would say these are ‘character building’-
Ours did not involve a plane ride or a trip to Disney but I can totally relate. We went away for the weekend up to Vermont to go skiing with my in-laws (that right there should clue you in to how the weekend went!). Anyway, the packing and unpacking and repacking and laundry when you get home just stinks! The kids were out of their element from being in a strange place and we all had to sleep in the same room (all 4 of us). Hubs slept in the bunk bed with B. You always forget something crucial and the local grocery store never carries said item. Ugh! I need a vacation from the vacation too!
Moms need another vacation after ‘kidcation’ Haha.. Vacation is not so relaxing with kids. But those are great memories. Aren’t they? Glad you also had some time for yourself on vacation. I haven’t taken my son to Disneyland yet. But I would love to. Lol, just not this year. Miss you!
Man, I don’t even have the kiddos yet but can totally see how I would feel that way…even still, your kidcation makes me feel so excited to start a family and take those crazy, stressful, but very special family trips!
The Pursuit of Mommyness – Yes, I hope I didn’t scare you too much! lol
We’re leaving for Disney on Friday. I’ve been running around all week screeching “I’m NEVER going on vacation AGAIN!” It’s always so stressful to me. I have no idea why we keep taking these long trips.
We have yet to go on a kidcation, for just the reasons you discuss. Our vacation is a couple of days at a bed and breakfast, and my son’s vacation is a couple of days with the grandparents. I have no idea how we’d work out the hotel sleeping arrangements. My son goes to bed at 7:30. If we’re all in the same room, how would that work? It makes me dizzy to think about. So we’re holding out on the vacation ideas, especially now that my daughter is only four months old. My husband and I are going to keep up our couple vacations and let the grandparents take the kids and maybe we’ll plan a family vacation sometime in the next 20 years or so….
Jana – My kids are the same kind of sleepers! My kids are both in bed usually by 7-7:30 pm, so luckily we were in a condo type of place. We had two bedrooms, a family room, living room, full kitchen and laundry. I can’t even imagine a one room hotel with two kids! That would have been even WORSE!
Why is it that kidcations must always include a trip to the doctor or the use of more diapers than have been packed? It’s like parents are the constant muse of the vacation gods …
My son was a year and half last summer. We took one trip short trip (two nights in a hotel) and decided a week-long vacation just wasn’t worth it (it took us two hours each night just to get him to fall asleep). So instead we used the money to take mini trips all summer long… amusement parks, zoos, children’s museums… and now I have so many amazing memories from that summer.
Even with all the stress, though, it sounds like it was worth it just to see your children’s joy!
How appropriate that you would post this, right before we embark on a kidcation of our very own.
And I may have to pack a little flask of something for Mommy, because Turtle flat out refuses to sleep anywhere but his very own crib, and Daddy is grumbling about having to share a bed with someone who kicks just as much as he does, and, well… if you hear a news story about some crazy lady who is clinging to Captain Jack Sparrow’s leg, sobbing and shaking… it may just well be about me.
Wish me luck!
Jennifer – I DO feel your pain! My kids were always the same way – they would never nap in the pack-n-play by the pool or in the room. It had to be their own crib AT HOME. Try to have fun and bring a BIG flask!!!
I’m so jealous. Even thought it’s a lot of work to vacay with kids, I wanna take my boys to Disney so bad. They would LOVE Lightning. I’m jealous. :/
Your daughter is just like my 16 month old. She does not want to be restrained. She must be on the go all the time. I wish I had that much energy. I love the photo’s of your children on the beach, you have a beautiful family.
Heather – Thank you! xoxo
that is exactly why my kids have never been to Disney. I don’t see the need to add to my ready stressful life.
They did go to Busch Gardens for a day and had a blast. They were old enough to go on the rides alone and my husband and I had beers.
I know it wasnt all complaints and as time passes you will remember the fun.. let us know.
Great pictures thanks
Cute pictures! I can’t believe they told you the other characters were sleeping in! LaMe. Looks like you guys had a good time though!
I agree that it takes a lot of energy to be on vacation.
Ugh. I have soooo been there. Every last part of that!! I’m really, really looking forward to our trip to San Diego (sans kids) this summer. And we also have a trip to Sandals Royal Bahamian planned for Nov of 2011.
As much as I’d rather travel without my kids, it’s these trips that the kids remember. I have so many fond memories of vacations with my family when I was young.
Kidcation…I LOVE that! I’m with you…kidcations are a lot of work, they are still a lot of work!
Traveling with kids can be quite challenging for me as well. whenever we drive, we try to plan it around nap time. Now that won’t work if we’re traveling to far.
Nicole – I agree, that plan is good for shorter trips, but this one for me was L-O-N-G!!!
My wife and I usually took two trips a year before baby Kyron came along in January. I am interested to see how our trips will change now that we have the little man in our lives!
Shane
My kids are a bit older and still….I call it a RELO-cation instead of VACA-tion. It’s actually more work to go than to just stay home, but when I listen to my kids reminisce fondly about what they refer to as “the dee-cation” (I can’t bring myself to correct them) I realize that it’s just one more part of my job as a mama, and in another decade or so, Hubs and I will be on a beach somewhere bored…..wishing for little bodies to build sand castles with. Great post!
Thanks for reminding me about the fun of taking kids on vacation. Monday after Easter we are going on a 12 hour car drive. Shall we take a bet which will be worse, dog or eight year old boy?
We take MiniMac to Disney every year since he was born. And we are so surprised at some of the things he can remember. BUT I think there are some drawbacks to it and like you called it kidcation, it is NOT vacation. My friend calls vacations what he does with his wife…trips are what they do with the kids. LOL. So far we have had great experiences in Disney. LOVE your pics and have the same pic with MiniMac in front of lightening McQueen. You both are TOO cute Heather!