We ended up going to a really cool park with a lake and getting a paddle boat. We also took Meredith to see her first movie in the theater (Ratatouille), which she loved. On the way back home we took the scenic route, following the Ohio River to Madison, Indiana. This trip was the best thing we could have done. It was so much fun.
It really was our first “family” vacation because the last time we took a trip, up the Oregon coast and through Seattle, Meredith was only 10 months old and could care less what we did. This was the first vacation where we tried to do kid-friendly things and got our child’s input on what we did next. (And, yes, she did have definite opinions.) I told Kevin that I really feel all “grown up” now being the MOM on a family vacation. It was such a different feeling.
On the way to the hotel we told Meredith that she was going to sleep in a “special bed” that folds out of a couch. She thought that was the greatest thing ever. As soon as we got there, all she wanted to do was promptly go to sleep in “my bed.” She never gave us trouble about going to sleep because, after all, her bed was “cool.”
Embassy Suites are great for young families because the suites allow you to put your kids to bed early and then the parents can shut the door and play games, watch a movie, etc. without worrying about waking the kids up. Meredith also loved the pond in the lobby with the fish and turtles. I think this indoor pond/ stream thing is fairly common at ES.
Recently I read in Parenting Magazine that 60 percent of adults think vacations with their kids are “more fun” than adults-only vacations. This statistic really surprised me because you obviously have to skip out on things when kids are in tow. But, after going on this little trip and seeing Meredith so thoroughly enjoying everything we did, I have to agree. It’s so much fun to see your child enjoy herself.
7 comments:
How fun and so glad you all were able to get away!
And your girls keep getting more and more adorable! :)
I'm curious, how did Clara handle being in the movie theater? After Lauren was born several people said I should go ahead and see a movie and take Lauren along... I was always too scared she'd start fussing.
I'm SO glad you guys were able to get away. Going to school, having a family, and both of you working is really, really hard and I'm glad you had at least a small "break" from everything. Have a good week!
Clara did fine at the movie. I actually fed her in the darkness of the theater while the movie was going on. I had to get up once because she started to cry (I stood with her in the back). We never took Meredith when she was a baby. But we decided to risk it with Clara because 1) it was a dollar theater and 2) it was a bunch of kids at a G movie, so some level of noise is expected. So, it was loud and noisy anyway. Actually, Clara was calm and quiet compared to some three year olds. :)
She also went with us on the paddle boat, thanks to the handy-dandy sling I got as a gift. Love that sling!
I remember the first time we took A&S to the fair. Watching them have fun was the greatest thing. Yay for your vacation -- and yay for kids who actually slept! (That's always the kicker with kids on vacation.)
-- SJ
Looks like you guys had a much deserved wonderful time!! Loved the pictures and the look on Meredith's face. She was clearly enjoying herself. FYI the State Park inns have 2 for 1 nights in the winter months.
I'm glad you could get away. Our kids love to travel and they always sleep better in hotels (go figure). However, I'm still learning that urban vacations are not kid-friendly (NYC and Boston). Our best vacations have been short 1-night getaways like yours. Cheaper and more restful! While we are staying home for awhile, our next vacation will be more focused on the kids. And hey, they'll love Boston and NY in 20 years.-rlr
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