Or maybe I got smarter or the bag of candy we pack got bigger... Yea, you're right! Definitely gotta be the candy option. Me smarter? Not so much!
I'd say that this summer's vacation was the best one yet. There was the typical "are we there yet?" on the way down and whining on the trip home (I really tried not to whine, but can you blame me?) But throughout the week, Stephen and I couldn't believe how much easier everything felt. My newest niece was the same age as Syd was on her first beach trip so it brought back a lot of nightmares... I mean memories. I remember vacations with babies and toddlers being SO EXHAUSTING!! You wind up returning as a zombie with sand in tragic places and the entire contents of your house jammed into your van, waiting to be returned to their proper place. You think that this is it. This is your life now. Why the heck didn't you appreciate your pre-kid vacations more?? Never going on vacation again! It'll never get better!
But it does! Hang in there! The days of bringing little plates/bowls/utensils, sippy cups, pack and plays, high chairs, boppy, tons up toys, and all the back up outfits will end! One glorious day you will be able to head to the beach with one bag of the sunblock, towels, goggles,and snacks! They even carry their own water bottle and bucket!Miracles do happen!!
Our days consisted of alternating between playing on the beach and swimming in the pool with small breaks for lunch or snacks. We had enough energy to volunteer to watch our niece and nephew at the pool too. One morning, I made all the kids truck and sunflower shaped pancakes! What the what!?! Crazy! I know!
There are a few things that definitely helped:
* Divide and conquer! Nathan loves the sand and Syd is part fish so Stephen and I take turns with each.Take turns giving each other little breaks. That way no one tells the other that they really want to punch the other in the face.
*Vacation with family/close friends ( if they're not crazy or at least crazy but helpful) The kids had extra people to play with and toys to share. We had someone to keep an eye on the kids if we wanted to go for a walk on the beach at night. Date night is good for the sanity! Plus, if your vacation isn't so relaxing, you are still making lots of fun family memories. (But don't plan on everyone doing EVERYTHING together! Too many little routines to coordinate! And pushing cranky kids to do more...nobody wins!)
*Pack lots of candy. Candy is magical! Chocolate can decrease your chances of hurting people. The sugary stuff can give you that boost to play longer with your kids. Candy can encourage.kids to get out of the pool when your "I'm yelling at you on the inside
because we are in public" crazy eyes don't work. Also silence can be
cherry flavored when you hand your kids a lollipop in the car!!
* Take your expectations and lower them and then lower them even more. Before we left, I was little crazy thinking about all the things that we needed to fit in one week. My friend thought that I was a little(a lot) nutty and helped me to chill out and remember that I was spending a week on the BEACH! I narrowed down my to do list to
1.Probably take some family photos on the beach only caring if I look good ;)
2. Have some sort of date with Stephen
3. Possibly go to one of the places to visit if we need a break from the beach
4. Work out a couple of mornings because CANDY
I was more relaxed! Photos got taken! We went out to eat once and saw the sand dunes. Everyone was happy and sandy.
* Dig a hole! Free Babysitting! My brother is the master hole digger on vacation. He carves out seats and makes different rooms and steps to walk in each section. The kids love hanging out in it! Sometimes there is a trench for the water to go through and make a pool! Be smart and safe though! And fill it up when you are done!
I hope this doesn't sounds like bragging! I just really wanted all my weary friends to have a glimmer of hope that one sweet day they won't feel like caffeinated death on the beach!
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