There's lots of advice on how to make travelling with kids easier. It's "challenging". It's "character building". Even when armed with fistfuls of Calpol and age appropriate kit. Walking up and down the plane aisle bouncing a small person up and down. To the sound of tutting. Attempting to change a nappy in an airplane toilet. Explaining to a howling child that teddy must go through the nice man's X-ray machine or it has to stay in the airport. But find a way. Make it happen if you can. (Short of getting yourself into major debt).
The picture was taken in our Aunt C and Uncle M's house in Florida. The Tubblet was about three. She doesn't really remember it. But we all do. We remember the joy on our family's faces when they met her for the first time. The kindness of her big cousins. Her sense of wonder at a place where the sun always shone and the sea water was warm. And there were dogs. Loads of dogs. This may explain why, all these years later, the Tubblet wants one of her own. We remember it all. The memories make us smile and feel happy.
Travel stretches and challenges us. It knocks the corners off, we gain self-knowledge and return home changed. Hopefully for the better. New experiences, knowledge, friends and memories. Quality time together as a family to get to know each other more.
Find a way. They may not remember it, but you will. Make it happen if you can.
Sounds like a lovely memory of a happy time there. Making happy holiday memories is very much what we aim for here too. #BigPinkLink
ReplyDeleteI always love popping down to the Coombe Mill blog as it always looks so fun. Even to me who is not an outdoorsy person!
DeleteWhat a lovely experience! Thank you for sharing this! We've been dithering about taking holiday as the baby won't recall anything and the others only snippets, but this is such inspiration to go ahead anyway! #bigpinklink
ReplyDeleteWe did the same, but in the end decided that as a few of our US family weren't getting any younger, we needed to go and see them. I hope that if you go, you have a wonderful time!
DeleteQuite right, it's so nice to give them special experiences, if only for our own memories. #globalblogging
ReplyDeleteI think they remember it in their subconscious. Just because occasionally the Tubblet comes out with things that could have only happened during that particular trip
DeleteI had a few people comment on the fact that it was silly for me to spend money on vacations that she wouldn't remember. They missed the point. I will remember. Great post. #TTB
ReplyDeleteTotally! And we had a great time :)
DeleteMaking memories is so vital but I was one of those mums who bottled taking really young kids on flights
ReplyDeleteWhich is fair enough as what works for one family won't work for another. One of the US family was also diagnosed with cancer so that made things more urgent for us than they would have been otherwise.
DeleteI agree. we took the kids on flights from a very early age and the memories out weigh the hassle. Also, I think theres never a 'right' time to take children away, different stages bring different challenges. Like you said, Just do It!
ReplyDelete#TweenTeensBeyond
So true. There will be circumstances where "just do it" really won't work, but if you can, then it's worth a go.
DeleteAhh what a lovely memory! Yes we struggled through it too with three kids to drag through the airport but now when I hear them reminiscing about family holidays that they have enjoyed I know it worth it. Thanks so much for sharing with us at #TweensTeensBeyond
ReplyDeleteThree?! Respect! It was hard enough with one, but three?! But you're right, when I see the relationship the Tubblet has with her US family now, it was worth it
DeleteA lovely memory and well worth it once you got there. We've travelled with our three since they were all babies so they're very used to it, but those early years were tough. Thankfully it's so much easier now that they are all older and I'm glad we stuck it out as the memories we've made are so precious. #HumpDayLinky
ReplyDeleteTrue. I'm not saying it won't be tough and there will be some circumstances where it's just not possible, just that it's worth doing it if you can.
DeleteThis is definitely the summer of travel for our family. Some planned...some just go.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to Q#globalblogging.
Enjoy! I look forward to reading all about it :) Have the best time
DeleteI couldn't agree more, sounds like your trip to Florida is one you'll never forget (and it sounds like your daughter actually remembers a little too!) Thank you for sharing with #bigpinklink x
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing. Thank you for hosting and have a great week :)
DeleteVery true words indeed. My parents engendered a love of travel in me as a child and I value my own time with my children travelling in the same way. As well as exploring new countries and cultures, it is a time to decompress, rebond and revisit the family unit. Perfect. Hope you have a great holiday this summer. #TweensTeensBeyond
ReplyDeleteThank you. I appreciate that it isn't possible for everyone, but if you can, then give it a go! Hope you have a great time this summer too :)
DeleteAbsolutely! It is so enriching and fun... Double bonus! #globalblogging
ReplyDeleteIt is! So looking forward to our holiday
DeleteI've been too scared to take the girls abroad yet but I know that I must! Travel is so important! #humpdaylinky
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you. It's worth doing if you can, but I appreciate that it isn't always possible. It really depends on your circumstances
Delete