You're Invited

My host family in Mymensingh, Bangladesh during my Peace Corps Pre-service Training

Writing has been on the back burner for me the past couple months. I’m in a new job, I’m taking an online course so I can get a lane change (teacher speak for pay increase), Dave has a million new projects to write for, K1 is adjusting to Spanish Immersion kindergarten, and we still have a little settling in left to do.

Now Thanksgiving is upon us and I’m realizing just how quickly the last few months have passed. Sometimes on my familiar drive home from a Trader Joe’s shopping trip, I wonder if we really lived abroad when it seems like we never left. And then I have moments when share a memory or tell K2 to go get his dummy (pacifier) and I realize that one short year made a lifelong impact.

I usually wait to blog until I have a lesson or thought keeps coming back to me. And yet lately, I feel like I rely so heavily on the words of others to say what I am thinking and feeling. I went to a two-day training last week that was about mindful and culturally responsive facilitation techniques led by the honorable, Lee Mun Wah.  I have been to cultural and racial diversity trainings for years. I seek them out. And this one affected me the most. If you watch the clip that the link above takes you to, you’ll hear Lee Mun Wah say,”What it’s going to require for us to have a multicultural society is to take the time to walk across the room.To go into another neighborhood, to invite another family into our home, and to get to know theirs.”

The word that strikes me here is “invite.” We cannot assume that just because someone hasn’t spoken with us, shared a story with us, or walk with us it is because they don’t want to. Most likely, it is because they have not been invited. During my training, I experienced many profound moments. One of them was at the very end of day two when all of the participants were holding hands in a circle. One Hmong woman stated that she has been teaching in schools for many years, but that day she ate lunch with a white person for the first time. Wow. Just take a minute to think about that. It’s not that she didn’t want to eat with a white woman, it’s that she was never invited. And when you’re never invited, you feel you aren’t welcome. Let that thought rest on your heart for a moment. Who do you eat lunch with? Who do you break bread with and how often is it with someone who comes from a different ethnic, racial, and/or cultural background? Who have you invited to the table? We must take time to share our stories.

My challenge for this holiday season is to invite someone new to the table. Invite him or her to have lunch with you, to come to your house for a meal, or to meet for coffee. If you can, reach beyond your comfort zone and invite someone from a different ethnic, racial, and/or cultural background.

Let’s share our experiences and stories and report back. 

I’m taking the challenge. Will you?

One of many great TED Talks by Lee Mun Wah:

http://tedxtalks.ted.com/video/The-secret-to-changing-the-worl

Anniversary Post: Lean In

Today is our 8^th wedding anniversary. Quite a big year. Eight is my favorite number and if you turn it on its side you get infinity.

Thankfully, my sister is stepping in to give us some much needed time to lean in and reflect on our eight years over dinner tonight.

We’ve been back in the States for two weeks now and it feels so good, but also like we haven’t been able to catch our breath. Back to work for me in a few days and we are still in the process of getting unpacked and organized. We are also working quickly to fill our home with furniture and food.

Molly & Alex's Wedding, 2013

On one hand, this is really fun. A fresh start is exciting, rare, and provides an opportunity for us to be purposeful and thoughtful about how we begin again in Minnesota.

On the other hand, it’s tricky. I don’t want to say difficult and I don’t want to say stressful because I’m talking about the stress and difficulty that come with simply spending too much money in a month. Shopping is fun, but spending all the money that comes with it is not. And so we can often come to times of disagreement or the simple inability to make a decision. 

Honolulu, 2006

In just a few weeks, we’re shelling out money for cars, food (all the basics and then some), furniture, school supplies for three of us, and whatever else pops up. And can I tell you that furniture is expensive? I think the fact that we are buying everything at once is really the killer. I spend my days dragging the boys between World Market, Goodwill, IKEA, consignment stores, and West Elm to name a few. Oh, and Target. Everyday is Target. Again, it’s fun. But really, I’d just like to sit on a couch instead of a mattress on the floor or sleep in a bed instead of the Aero bed we’ve been on since August 4^th.

Paris, 2010

And this is when we/I need to get a little perspective. As I complain about the trials and tribulations of running too many errands, throwing away too much on furniture, or spending too much time trying to find bargains, I realize that this is not a problem but a blessing. We are blessed with the ability to make these decisions. To fill our home (eventually) with physical things that make us happy and comfortable. I have been stuck thinking about how we don’t have a proper home until all is right, but then...

Mazatlan, 2008

my husband of eight years waltzes in and reminds me that we’re okay. We can and should take our time. I push back a bit because there’s a big part of me that thinks our routines can’t start until the kids get a dresser or we have a dining room table. And yet, last night we ate dinner together, read the kids stories before bed, and Skyped with grandparents. 
It seems the most important routines are still intact and will be no matter if we’re in a hotel in Iceland, dog-sitting in England, or living in an unfurnished home in Minnesota. An old friend reminded me in his response to my last post, “Home is where you feel loved, safe, supported and comfortable,” and that we do. Well, our Aero bed could be a tiny bit comfier, but you know what I mean.

Turialba, Costa Rica, 2005 (waterfall rappelling)

Finally, I need to give a huge shout-out to my husband of these eight crazy, amazing, trying, challenging, joyful, adventurous, and educational years. I am not sure how I will ever be able to thank him for following my very pushy lead on our journey to England. Not every husband would agree to a leap of faith like Dave did. Somehow I ended up with the perfect guy for me. All I know is that we like helping each other reach our goals; our dreams. When we know something is important to the other, we lean in rather than out. 

So the next time someone you love has an idea that might sound a little nuts, try leaning in. You never know where it will lead.

August 18, 2007 

Las Vegas, 2014

Windsor, England, 2014

"Mommy, what IS a home?"

The Dawlish Warren Red Rock

The theme of the past two months is simple: WE DO CRAZY S#!T. Sorry for the profanity, but I don’t think “STUFF” works in this case. We’ve tried to live the last year to the utmost and in the process, have tried out, agreed to, failed and occasionally succeeded at so many new experiences.

We’ve realized that most people who decide to live abroad do so when they are single, when both spouses are teachers and can find employment easily, or when one spouse or both has a profession that facilitates (and pays for) this transition. We don’t fall into any of those categories and it was painfully obvious throughout the year.

The fact that we moved here with only what we could carry was, in itself, a bit insane. I didn’t meet one family the entire year that attempted the same feat. If a family moved, they had a shipment. Of course singles just moved with a few bags, that’s understandable. But, I don’t think we realized the importance of establishing a “home” in a new place so quickly.

One or all of us flew or drove to/from another country every single month except for September. June had international travel for Dave while the rest of us concentrated on finishing up school and packing our bags once again. The countries we hit (in order) during our one year abroad: Germany (Dave), U.S. (the VISA debacle), France (Amanda), France, Belgium, Wales, Spain, France (Amanda), Malta, France, Belgium, Holland, Czech Republic, Wales, Greece (Dave), France, Belgium, Spain (Balearic Islands). You can see we had some favorites.

I’m leaving out the trips Dave took back to the U.S. for work and the 16 hr. trip I took back to check out our new house.

That makes three new countries for Amanda, seven new countries for Dave, six for K1, and eight for K2 since he gets to count England.

What other crazy $#!T have we done?

Well, we bought a house on-line. I’m serious. Dave and I had a few beers on Friday night, checked Trulia for the millionth time, and low and behold a brand new listing caught us by surprise. We knew instantly it was the place for us and the six-hour time difference worked in our favor. Within 24 hours, our realtor had done a walk-through, we got pre-approved, submitted an offer with a very well-written letter (by me), and had Dave’s family take time to visit the property as well. The offer was submitted on a Saturday morning and it was accepted first thing on Sunday. Seriously. Dave’s parents were nervous and didn’t want us to go through with the deal…but it was too late…we were in too deep. I enjoyed Mother’s Day in the air so I could see the property for 1 hour after the inspection was completed to verify that this was indeed the home for us. We closed on June 29^th and now own a home that Dave and I have been in a total of 2 hours between the two of us. Yep, that’s crazy.

What else? Oh yeah, we became reality TV stars by filming our very own episode of House Hunters International. 5 days straight of filming and it was definitely an experience we’ll never forget even if we wanted to. I can’t say much more than that because I signed a non-disclosure, but stay tuned. I’ll let you know when it will air.

Palmanova, Majorca (Mallorca)

For our finale, we decided to forgo the escape to Mexico that we had originally planned for July and, instead, shore up our tricky tax status (we basically needed to stay out of the US for the month of July) in Europe instead. We realized that we can visit Mexico easily from the States, but exploring Great Britain and Europe as a family won’t be possible again for a very, very long time.  Our lease was up at the end of June and we became homeless. Travellers. Gypsies. Call it what you will, but for some reason it sounded okay. Crazy, but okay. We often didn’t know where we would be staying just a few nights before, but we have managed.

  

We spent a week in Majorca where the kids improved their swimming skills, a few nights here and there at random hotels near the Luton Airport and Legoland, Windsor, and five nights in a trailer park on the South shores of Devon, often called the English Riviera.

Dartmouth, UK

Caravan Park, Dawlish

Coleton Fishacre, Devon

First Aid, Legoland, Windsor (but a flesh wound)

And now we are living in a stranger’s big and beautiful Surrey house for two weeks. We can’t believe our luck. We get to hang out with an awesome German Short-haired Pointer named Otis, water some plants, and still explore the area. This was a win-win.

Or at least I thought it was a win until last night after reading Paddington for the 100^th time, K2 responded to the last line by asking, “Mommy, what IS a home?”

Ouch.

We’ve got a day in Iceland planned at the Blue Lagoon during our layover, and then we hope to be settling into our new home the first week in August which is almost exactly one year from the day we left the U.S. Ooooh…I just realized that Iceland adds another country for all of us. We’ve flown through several times, but this will be the first time out and about. Another win!

We’ve made a million mistakes this year, but with each mistake comes a lesson and even better than learning from mistakes is the learning that came from our willingness to try new things. Our kids are amazing and have weathered the changes like pros. It was the most challenging year we’ve ever had in regards to our marriage, our personal and professional goals and routines, and working through changes as a family. No regrets though. I would make the same decision all over again.

We’re definitely ready to settle down and stop living out of suitcases, but that doesn’t mean we’ll stop doing crazy $#!T.

Coleton Fishacre, Devon, U.K.

My Love Affair with Letter Writing

There’s something about being in an airport and then on a plane that allows me to open up. To think and feel again in ways I sometimes shut off. I breathe in the smells: perfumes from Fragonard or body odor from those of us who have been in transit for far too long. I watch the couples, new and old, walk hand in hand and bicker in the terminal; the young travelers who are drinking beer at 9am, and the super littles who just can’t leave the duty-free shop without one more softie. I love hearing the hushed tones of languages I can’t understand and pretend I can. I think about my kids still sleeping in their beds and the fact that I haven’t seen my husband for almost a week. I love it all. I love being alone.

Of course I always love going back to my life. My family, friends, my people. But I love being in my own head. I can listen to myself without any interruptions. For months I have felt blocked. Like I am unable to take the time or energy to sit down and journal, something I absolutely love to do. And yet, I step into the airport by myself and feel as if I could write page after page of musings.

My niece manages a coffee shop in the airport and I wonder if these are some of the same reason she loves working there. Certainly her commute isn’t keeping her there. It must be the energy.

Many of the things that pop into my head are letters. I used to write a lot of letters, both on paper and in my head. Letters to my husband, my kids, aunts I rarely get to see, letters to friends, letters to my nieces and nephews, letters to my siblings, letters to ex-boyfriends, letters to people I just met but have a desire to tell them what they’ve taught me or made me think about. I love writing letters. I rarely get a chance to actually type them and send them, but when I do I feel great.

One of my best friends is not fond of the post office. In fact, she rarely goes and when she does, she doesn’t enjoy her experience. Meanwhile, I love the post office. I love the idea of people sending letters, postcards, and parcels all over the world just to tell another person you are thinking about them. In some ways, it’s a selfish act. I feel good making someone else know that I’ve been thinking about them. But the emotions and thoughts aren’t contrived. The sentiment is genuine.

My father and I have always communicated best through writing. Even to this day. When we fight and need to explain ourselves, we both turn to letters. I cherish the letters I’ve received from my dad because I know that for the time it took him to write that letter, I had his undivided attention. I know that his words come with conviction, passion, and love. Whether I agree with them or not, letters from my dad always bring tears to my eyes for this is often how we show our love.

Dave and I started our courtship through postcards. Did you know that? Back in the day, I used to send a lot of those free postcards that you can pick up at bars and restaurants to friends and family. It was a cheap way of staying in touch when Wi-Fi wasn’t really in the picture yet and emailing from anywhere and everywhere wasn’t always so easy. So Dave and I met at a bar during our “Beer Appreciation Club” meeting and had an amazing conversation, but we didn’t exchange any information. We just said our good-byes. But the next time we met, I had postcards in my bag. He wrote his address on one and likely assumed he’d never see it in his mailbox. But I sent one off right away and included one of those free address stickers that you get from non-profits on it so he’d know how to reach me. No phone number, just a return address. You know the ending. He sent a postcard right back and there we went. It wasn’t the end of our mail to one another, but it has been for quite a while. I suppose it shouldn’t be that way. I suppose we could continue this practice of sending each other a special postcard or note in the mail. We do have a tradition of writing our own cards for Valentine’s Day that often include poems, raps, or silly songs. Okay, I guess that means we’re still writing to each other. Phew.

And so here was a blog about my musings and nothing more. Just one more letter that I write in my head. I’m just allowing you to read it.

One idea for today: Write a letter to someone you love.  Not an email, a letter. Good luck! 

Keeping it Positive in Prague

K1 on the hike down Petrin Hill.

Throughout the past nine months, we have done our best to travel as much as possible. We aren’t fancy travelers. We usually pick our destinations based on good airfare rates and flight times. We have a list a mile long of places we’d like to go and as we travel, that list seems to be getting even longer rather than shorter.

Nevertheless, travels aren’t usually that easy or relaxing. As a friend who visited recently pointed out: there’s a big difference between a "trip" and a "vacation." We’ve been doing trip after trip and have yet to have a proper vacation. Our trip to Seville was likely the closest we have come to a vacation so far, mainly because Dave actually took some time off work while we were there. It also helped that the weather was slightly warmer than England and we all slept well!

Our most recent family trip was to Prague. During a spring break when we should have just gone to a beach in Portugal or the Canary Islands, we decided to hit up Prague. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an amazing destination…but it’s not a vacation for a family of four that includes two under 5. It's another trip.

I like to pride myself on being a positive person and Dave always says that this is a big reason why he married me: my positivity. I try, but I don’t always succeed and sometimes these trips we go on can seem more stressful than we’d like and staying positive is a challenge. Somehow though, we all managed a trip that for all intents and purposes should have been our most difficult, to stick to the bright side.

It started off early. We needed to be out of the house before 6am to drive to Gatwick Airport. After a late night with Dave’s MN co-workers who had been in for a commercial shoot, we managed to roll out of bed and get everyone in the car on time. Unfortunately, we didn’t get every ‘thing’ in the car. The carry-on that was packed entirely for K1 and K2 never made it. It remained resting next to the toy box, left behind. We didn’t notice until we dropped the car off for curb-side pick-up and Kaler didn’t have a bag to pull.

Don’t get me wrong. I was definitely annoyed that we had forgotten an entire bag. But at the same time, what were we going to do? We didn’t have time to drive all the way back home and really, how bad can it be to buy a few fun outfits from Prague? And every country has diapers, or nappies as we now call them, so we weren’t in any danger there. In fact, all of a sudden I was kind of looking forward to an impromptu shopping trip for my boys. I was only now upset that we hadn’t forgotten MY bag.

View from our Hotel Apartment in Wenceslas Square

Our arrival in Prague was easy and found our apartment hotel to be right on Wenceslas Square. Score! Here’s the thing. We agreed to book this trip knowing that Dave would need to work almost every day. Ouch, I know. Nevertheless, we just had to roll with it. Again, I was crabby about this when we were first discussing the trip, but once we were there we had to make due.

So each morning all of us would get some breakfast from a local bakery (in one case that meant Starbucks) and head out for an excursion. We were always back by early afternoon for K2’s naptime and Dave’s work day to commence as his co-workers were just waking up in the U.S. Then after nap, I’d spend a few hours at neighboring parks, the Easter Market, or looking for more clothes to layer with the kids. Dave would take a work break for dinner and we managed to find some really fun family-friendly places. After dinner? Yep, Dave went back to work and I got to read, surf the internet, or watch tourists frequent the nearby cabarets and strip clubs out the window. This is where I reiterate the whole trip vs. vacation bit.

Our luck continued, as we decided to make one of our morning excursions to the Funicular Railway up Petrin Hill. We voted to do this over Prague Castle mainly because we get to see lots of castles as it is in the U.K. I checked the website for ticket prices, times, etc. We took the lazy route and taxi’d there. Sometimes that’s the way it goes when you are carting two littles. We just don’t have the time or patience to study a transit map. So, we got dropped off at the base of the hill that looked more like a small mountain and headed to the ticket office. Closed. 100% CLOSED. For no reason really; just for a few days. It wasn’t Easter, Good Friday, or any holiday that anyone knew of. It was just closed. SO…we played at the playground at the base for a bit and decided to hike up on our own. Well, Kristoff didn’t really decide and he bucked the idea after about ¼ of the way up. I threw him on my back in the kid carrier and continued on. Kaler never complained and loved exploring. At the top we admired the views and paid to go into the mirror maze because... why not? We had never been in a mirror maze as a family. 

We got hungry. So we stopped at the little chalet for a snack and to use the bathrooms. After about 15 minutes, we noticed that everyone was looking outside and talking loudly. Snow. Lots of snow. And it was coming down quickly and in big flakes. We didn’t want to wait it out. Kristoff needed a nap soon and Dave had to get to work. So down we went. Dave led the way, K1 was next (he only fell once), and I trudged slowly through the slush with K2 on my back. It was almost fun. No one complained. Crazy, I know. Somehow K2 even managed to fall asleep. The toughest part was finding a taxi at the base. Our shoes and clothes were soaked and we all had rosy cheeks from the cold. Everything went wrong that could have gone wrong, and yet I think it was a favorite memory for all of us.

Let’s move on to the next patch of ‘good’ luck. The kid-friendly activity blog for Prague that I was using as a guide suggested bowling. It said that no one in Prague bowled and we wouldn’t need a reservation as the only bowling alley in the city was never busy. So, we made the trek to the other side of the city promising the boys a fun night of bowling and pizza. We finally found it and upon arrival were told that the entire place was rented out for a private party. Right. Okay. Well, we could get mad, or we could get excited about finding a different place to eat. We gave Kaler the task of finding our restaurant and ended up in some random underground restaurant eating pizza and a seafood platter (mine). Not too bad.

Old Town Square

Finally, I’ll share our last moment of keeping it positive: The Prague Zoo. Wow. Have you ever been to a zoo and thought, “Now, this just can’t be safe…can it?” I have. I’m pretty sure that the Hyena could have easily jumped the barrier and eaten my children. Luckily it didn’t. But it could have. And then there was the nocturnal animal exhibit with the sign that read “Warning: Low-flying fruit bats.” just as we were entering. What? Dave and I both looked at each other with fear in our eyes, but followed our boys into the dark cave. I quickly put hats on the boys to protect their beautiful hair from the bats, crouched down, and walked quickly. Sure enough, we heard the fruit bats right overhead and I saw one swoop down over Dave just before the exit. Gross. Scary. Icky. Bleh. Seriously, it was terrifying, but kind of exhilarating at the same time. So yes, we do recommend the Prague Zoo, but please remember to bring hats and be ready to run.

It wasn’t until Dave and I talked through the events of this TRIP that we realized just how good we were at staying positive through all of the curve balls we were thrown. We take lots of trips and I think we might finally be getting the hang of them. That said, I’m ready for a vacation. 

Prague Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square

More Life-Changing Decisions

Stonehenge this past Sunday.

Recently, a friend of mine from way back in my Peace Corps days moved to London.  It has been fun reconnecting. We’ve only seen each other a few times in random New York City sightings over the past 15 years and now here we are both in England. Dave and I broke the news to him a couple weeks ago that we are leaving England at the end of the school year to go back to the states, and he was floored. You see, we had just talked in the beginning December about how hard the transition had been and that we were now having a hard time imagining heading back to the US after just the one year. But, a lot can change in a few weeks. 

My friend also chuckled as he reminded Dave and I how glorious and happy our holiday video card was when, in reality, we’ve had one of the hardest years of our marriage and as a family. He said he loved the video but couldn’t help thinking of all we had just complained about and shared when last we saw him. It’s all there in the blogs. Well, most of it. Fleas in our house, visits to doctors, bank problems, hitting a bicyclist, no social life, stress stemming from a variety of transitional and unforeseen changes and problems... Did I mention a flat tire?, etc. He’s right. It has been a really hard year, and we’re only just over half-way through.

So there’s the bombshell for those of you who haven’t heard. We are, indeed, coming back. Dave loves his job in the Twin Cities and working remotely has been less than ideal. He tends to work U.K. AND U.S. hours and sometimes stays up after I’ve gone to bed just to take a conference call or make sure he has input from a meeting. I feel like he never stops working. Plus, he’s stuck in our house all day, save the random trip to the gym or bike ride, and he hasn’t had the opportunity to make a ton of UK buddies. Okay, I did set him up on one blind man-date and it went well, but they just weren’t ready to make a commitment! ;)

I’ve enjoyed my workplace, but I have to be honest in that I need more of a challenge. I have a caseload of eight wealthy and predominantly white students and they don’t need me in the way my students in the states needed me. I’m used to working with much larger classes of racially and economically diverse students. My passion feels like it has been on hold this year. Plus, I’m used to working with teens and the little ones are cute, but I need more angst!

And to top it all off, K1 and K2 miss their grandparents and other family and friends deeply and I know they are missed right back. I knew this part would be a challenge, but I wasn’t prepared with how difficult it would be to leave our support network when our kids are so young and land in a place where we know no one and hiring a babysitter costs WAY TOO MUCH MONEY. Just the other day, K1 broke down sobbing about how much he misses his grandparents and it was hard to watch. I’ve always been a leaver…someone who has had a relatively easy time picking up and just going somewhere else. But now, I realize and I finally feel deep down just how different it is when a family is involved.

Despite how much of an adventure this has been and how much closer we have grown as a family, I think I’m finally ready to settle down back in the Twin Cities where there is so much to be excited about. I have a new perspective and am greatly appreciative for the family and friends with whom I will soon reunite. I know none of us regret this move in the least.

It’s true, we’ll go back to nothing. No house. No cars. Barely any furniture.  And no idea where K1 will go to Kindergarten.

Oh wait, I didn’t mention the best (and kind of the worst) part. Because of tax reasons and a little thing called the 330-day rule, we need to remain outside of the U.S.A for a total of at least 330 days over the course of one year. Our year started August 3^rd when we landed in England. So…with Dave’s work trips back to the states, this means we will leave England at the end of June, but we will not be able to begin our Midwest dream until August. We need to spend most of the month of July in another country. Where you ask? Why, Mexico of course. My lovely Aunt and Uncle have recently retired there and have graciously invited us to stay. We’ll see how they feel about that invitation at the end of July! So, one more dose of culture-shock before we move back should set us straight for a while. I’m happy we’ll be with family and will feel safe and supported while we are couch surfing for an entire month. How old am I?

So there you have it. It’s all out there. And it feels right. A tricky and logistical nightmare, but right.

Can you find K2 in our Stonehenge selfie?

Top 5 for Under 5's: Travel Tips for Tots

All this travelling and somehow my writing has stalled. Let’s be honest, I’m not sure anything can top my last blog post. The truth is, I haven’t peed my pants since then and I’m hoping it doesn’t happen again.

Some of our biggest lessons of living abroad come from the travels we take with our children. Some people have said we are crazy to travel all over with kids so young (5 and 2) and others have declared this the best time to do so. Well, I think they are both right. I know it would be easier to travel with children who can pee on their own, read, not need to be strapped onto my body once 1pm hits, or need multiple superhero figurines to come with us wherever we go. That said; it’s amazing to see the world through the eyes of little ones.

K1 said his favorite thing in Cardiff, Wales were the paintings at the National Museum. He talked up the Hypogeum, an underground tomb dating back to 4000 BC, in Malta. And he’ll tell anyone who listens about his field trip to the National Gallery in London.

K2 keeps us on our toes spying any playground or climbing surface within reach. This is often the best part of everyone’s day because the kids get to play and the adults get to sit on a bench and drink a coffee or alternative beverage. Bliss.

And then there are the tricky parts. Both kids are great following the curve of a sidewalk and holding hands when we cross a street, but we’re never quite sure when one will trip or fall into oncoming traffic or a bicycle. We’ve had numerous close calls. Dave and I pride ourselves on packing our backpack perfectly for the day with lots of snacks, travel puzzles, cars, diapers, and wipes for all of us. It never fails though that K2 calls for a snack within minutes of leaving the apartment and any time we are sitting still he wants to be eating. Have you seen the kid? He’s a skinny little dude, but he’ll eat just about anything. So it’s inevitable that by the time we hit noon, we are almost out of snacks and the kids don’t even want lunch.

This is when a beach vacation is fabulous for kids. They forget about food when they are digging in the sand and playing in the water. Then lunch will be a wonderful time for everyone. Yeah…we haven’t done one of those yet while in Europe. 

Here are my Top 5 Tips for Travelling with under 5's: 

1- Even rookie travellers know that parents always need crayons, a coloring book, and blank papers on hand. But what’s even better? 
A pot of play-doh works wonders on a plane or bus and is not as messy as you’d think. Pipe cleaners fit in tiny pockets and a lift-the-flap book keeps ones attention for quite awhile.
2- Try to have a variety of snacks so it’s not all sugar…fresh fruit, nuts/seeds, rice cakes, and yogurt covered things are great. And when all else fails, a lollipop keeps kids quiet for at least a few minutes!  
3- A sweet treat is typically a must for us on vacation. Kids don’t get chocolate milk at home, but on vacay it’s a great way to end the day. Use a sweet treat as a reward for good behaviour after an attraction or site-seeing and everyone is happy. We love sitting down to share ice cream cones, pastries, and desserts we’ve never tried before.
4- Keep to routines with as much flexibility as possible. We still make sure K2 has naptime, but we plan ahead that he’ll sleep in the Ergo carrier or that we have a break in the day to stop at the rental or hotel room. Sometimes we’re an hour or even two later than normal, and that’s okay. 

5- How do you turn a dicey situation into a memorable one? Mini dance parties! These can happen in your rental/hotel room, on a bus, in a park, and even in a museum is you have headphones! Keep music at the ready on your phone. We recommend: Okee Dokee Brothers, Jazz for Kids (with Ella, Louis, etc), Katy Perry, anything by Stevie Wonder, and of course Prince (yes…this is Dave’s influence). 

Here are some of our pics from Malta! 

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Admiring the Mediterranean Sea

Scorpion Fish. SO delicious.

Valetta, Malta

Island of GOZO

Mdina Glass

St. John's Co-Cathedral, Valetta, Malta
Commissioned in 1572