Traveling with young children
As Spring Break approaches, I thought I would share some tips on traveling with children. It can be daunting, so I've learned a few simple ways to prepare that have helped take some of the stress out of the getaway. My husband books a seat on one side of the aisle, and I normally sit between our kids (as a nervous flier, I need have my children close), so the pressure is on me to keep everyone quiet, content and occupied. I put together a "travel kit" full of a few lightweight items so there is something new for the kids to play witih during the flight (and I never show them until we're on the plane). It's normally a mixture of things that are all easy to find and inexpensive - little games, figurines, notecards, coloring books, and triangular crayons that won't roll off the tray. I get the same, or very similar, items for each child so there is no competitiion or complaining, and I always give each child their own bag. I pack a bag full of healthy snacks (enough for a family of 10 in case of delays), comfort toys, some soft blankets for snuggling and napping, a small stack of light books, an iPad as a last resort, and these headphones (with a volume limit, so they are safe for kids). It sounds like a lot, but it all fits nicely inside a large boat bag that slides under the seat in front of me. I also keep a pack of potty mitts in my bag for the kids bathroom breaks. They don't take up any space, and they keep little hands clean. It's impossible to feel like you have clean hands after washing them in an airplane sink, so these give an extra layer of protection.
Here are some things that kept our crew (3 and 6 years) happy and relaxed on our last flight....
coloring books, notecards, triangular crayons that won't roll off the tray, stickers, puzzles and small toys.
One well-labeled bag for each child. Every item was inexpensive and simple, but it did the trick!
CATEGORIES: Kids and family
Tribune photo shoot at Tina’s apartment
Last Friday, the Tribune came to photograph our house. I was out running errands in the morning and when I returned, the house had been transformed with flowers in purple and white, and every single vase, pot and tray I owned was used, arranged and rearranged in the house. I kept thinking how do I replicate this every day of the year! Our interior designer also brought in a few new pieces, such as an enormous white pot that he filled with flowering branches. It was also very interesting to watch the photographer at work. My seven year old son became his assistant. He hid behind our couch (look closely at the photo) and whenever the photographer's flash went off he had to turn our floor lamp on and off. He also took a few candid shots of the boys and me. My seven year old played on the marble foyer with his "wrestling guys," my two year lined up his Mickie Mouse and Disney figurines, and I was typing on my iPhone. That's how we roll!!! I can't wait to see the story next month!
A old vase filled with purple tulips.
A view from our living room.
Alex hiding behind the grey couch waiting for the photographer's instruction.
Another view.
CATEGORIES: Kids and family, Beautiful things
Valentine’s Day
From the time my son was around 2, I was determined to prepare a family dinner instead of making a meal for the kids, and then an additional meal for me and my husband. To change things up a bit for Valentine's Day (and to give us some adult time), I made the kids 'breakfast for dinner' with heart shaped oatmeal pancakes, chicken sausage, scrambled eggs, fruit, and a heart-shaped cookie for dessert. I gave them each their own tiny pitcher for syrup; their favorite part of the meal. At bedtime my daughter asked if we could have the same meal every year on Valentine's Day, and when I said yes, she asked me to write it down so I wouldn't forget. It was a huge hit.
As much as I enjoyed snacking on pancakes with the kids, I was really looking forward to a grown-up meal and some time to reconnect after a hectic week. After the kids were asleep, my husband and I opened some champagne and I prepared our meal. I wanted to recreate a special meal we enjoyed while on an anniversary trip to Napa years ago (before kids), so I found the recipe for Thomas Keller's trout, haricots verts and almond dish from Bouchon Bistro. I can't say that it compared to that meal nine years ago, but it definitely brought back memories.
A Valentine's Day craft bag
CATEGORIES: Kids and family
