Three Gals and a Guy : Traveling with Kids

This last week, I got my globetrotter shoes back out from the back of my closet, but this time, got out two more as we traveled as a family to Port Charlotte, Florida to visit my grandparents. As I'm sure most of you can guess, traveling with kids is a whole different experience than traveling as a couple or even with just adults.

This time while traveling there were a lot of logistical questions that we needed to figure out. For example- do we take Saidey's car seat on the plane or check it? How many carry on bags do we need? And not to mention, the snacks, snacks, snacks! We knew that was a must along with the Ipad and crayons and activities and an extra change of clothes. Oh yea, and phone chargers and the camera and wipesanddiapersand..... SIGH. The list just kept growing with all the "necessities" I thought we would need.

For our carry on bags, we ended up packing a large diaper bag full of snacks and activities, diapers and wipes and Sophia brought her backpack full of activities and snacks for her. Will packed a back pack with the girls' blankets and all the electronics- camera, Ipads, chargers etc.

We checked two car seats, an umbrella stroller and three bags, with the girls sharing one larger bag, and Will and I taking two smaller, separate bags. We were probably quite the sight unloading and dragging all of our stuff into the airport. And can I say, again, how much love I have for babywearing?! It was a lifesaver in the airport- I walked through security with Saidey being worn and I was able to have two free hands to wrangle the four year old and the bags. LIFESAVER!!

Needless to say, we had a successful and semi uneventful flight to Punta Gorda, except for an almost two year old that didn't quite understand that we can't be careening around the airplane during take off and was quite livid when her mom had to hold her on her lap. Let's just say I am thankful that the kind lady sitting next to us also had two littles at home and understood the struggle. Thankfully, she settled down shortly after take off and it was smooth sailing from there. The flight was short- a direct flight- and in a mere 2 hours and 40 minutes we had landed in warm Florida.

The rest of the trip was relaxing and we spent our days going to a few different parks, swimming in the pool, going on a boat ride and spotting alligators, visiting small towns and spending some quality time together as a family. We tried our best to stay on the girls' schedule and I think we did a pretty good job at that- we filled our mornings with activities so that we could be back at the house for naps. The afternoon was usually quiet, with a swim in the pool and then before we knew it, it was time for dinner and bed. While sticking to two little kid's schedules, our trip seemed to FLY by. Before I knew it, it was time to pack up and head out.

So I don't bore you with the details, I will just post pictures of our trip. In all, it was a great family trip and it was great to get away to the warmer weather for a week. I will say that traveling with kiddos adds a whole different dynamic into traveling and I am okay with putting our globetrotting shoes back in the closet and getting back into the routine of things.

PS- My "baby" sister turns 21 this week. GAH!