Golden Memories

Benny & Toby boarding a plane in Burbank!

It’s worth the Stress!

Let me keep it real, friends— A weekend getaway with my family generally means a lot of chasing after boys, messy and hyper hotel nights, running late to reservations plus a major test to our patience.

That’s because when we’re on ‘travel mode’ Paul and I have to manage the stress that comes with crises such as losing a toddler shoe and realizing it only after getting through airport security or managing fights that started because the younger kid got more M&Ms, or fixing diaper blowouts in a dirty public restroom in a shady part of an unfamiliar town, or the inevitable interruption of routine that includes a lack of necessary naps and downtime for the boys. Our Presidents Day weekend trip to San Francisco was no different. Traveling with kids is SO. MUCH. WORK!

But The thing about traveling with little ones

is that somewhere along the dreaded experience of getting through long lines at the airport and figuring out dinner for hungry and picky little palates, we really bond as a family unit. While we’re suddenly immersed in a world of unknowns one thing we do know is that we have each other no matter where we are— which is a very powerful energy to carry around, friends! The unique feeling of as-long-as-we’re-together-everything-will-be-okay, reaches level 1,000,000 and that’s when you realize Family. Is. Everything.

The unforgettable experiences we shared,

the hilarious things that happened and laughs we had are very much part of our memories now. Plus, the diversity of cultures, people, food and experiences we encountered in San Francisco helped our kids learn more about the world we live in.

Colorful buildings can be appreciated in San Francisco’s Chinatown

While staying home and avoiding a disruption

to what’s comfortable, familiar and safe is always easier, it’s also good to take a leap of faith in the name of giving our kids new things to learn, experience and enjoy. That’s not saying I could handle doing this several times a month or anything like that— my goodness, just the packing and unpacking alone is a humongous task. What I’m saying is that traveling with kids can be a lot fun. Remember that in these days of fast communications and problem solving technology— there’s nothing you can’t fix while out of town. Yes, you’ll be tired and perhaps a little grouchy at the end of each day… but not without having seen your kids laugh and thrive in an environment that’s not their own. That’s my two cents.

Benny enjoys a tour of the cockpit with a special opportunity to take the Captain’s seat.

The captain even lent his hat for a photo-op!

Thanks for reading, friends!

Click here for funny stories and good memories of our February 2019 trip to San Francisco.

Xo,

-Anabel M.

The Thing About Traveling With Little Ones...