Resources for homeschooling in Nashville, TN
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Visit the Florida Keys with kids. So much to do and see!
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Three trips to Playa Del Carmen in less than 12 months! All the spots we visited, where we stayed and where you should go.
Read morePlaces to visit in St. Augustine, FL, Palm Coast, FL and surrounding areas with a toddler or preschool aged child
We have enjoyed our multiple trips to Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, FL for the past 4 years. It's an easy place for us to get, and easier for traveling with young children! On our first visit Ivan was only 16 months old ... on our last he was 4 years, 10 months!
Our favorite spots:
Hammock Beach Resort Beach & Pools - Initially I was trying to research what resorts had a beach entry pool when Ivan was just walking for obvious reasons! It was near impossible when doing a google search - or I was not using the proper key words! We lucked out with the pools at Hammock Beach Resort. The family pool is beach entry, has 2 waterfalls and a LARGE and non-threatening waterslide. There is also a lazy river, beach entry pool with sand, adult pool (next to the bar) and large hot tub. Breakfast, lunch and cocktails can be ordered and delivered to your spot and the kids have a blast! The beach area at the resort, has towels, lounge chairs and umbrellas for your convenience! They also offer bikes (have smaller bikes good for elementary aged kids and one bike trailer for little ones). We rode to a nearby park (Bings Landing) and picked up BBQ ribs for lunch. Don't forget the natural grass 18-hole putt-putt golf course ... lots of lizards darting across the grass to keep it fun!! 🦎
Heading south, in Flagler Beach we found a super cute and locally made true story about Libby the Lobster. I love finding books on vacation so this was a def gem for me! Flagler Beach also has a pier and ice cream ...
One year, we had to pick up Grammie at the Daytona Beach airport (closest airport to Hammock Beach Resort) and I found the cutest Fire Engine park in Ormond Beach (on the way from Palm Coast to Daytona via A1A). The park is built next to a fire station ... one of the times we were playing there the garage doors were open and the Fireman let us check out the trucks, tools and even gave Ivan a Fireman hat and coloring book! He still talks about the FireStation Park!
On our last visit, we had some serious rain so my google searches included 'indoor playground'. We discovered this gem in Daytona Beach ... That One Fun Place. It was similar to The World Of Bounce at home and had the usual bounce houses, slides and mazes as well as basketball and a air gun nerf type enclosure that was a lot of fun!
Heading NORTH :: If you head north on A1A, you arrive at Mainland Dolphin Adventure. The facility is located on the east side of the road basically on the beach and has various programs and experiences with dolphins, as well as other marine life to check out. Ivan was able to do Touch & Feed (must be 3 yrs and up). It was FAST, but amazing. He did this when he was 3.5 yrs old.
Further north, you come to St. Augustine Beach. Fiesta Falls Putt-Putt Golf has been more than frequently visited by Ivan! It's a cute putt-putt place ... waterfalls to walk through, pirate ships to explore and ice cream at every turn! The beach itself nearby is very beautiful as well.
Last but not least for our northbound adventuring ... St. Augustine, FL, the nations oldest city! There are great shops, restaurants and sights to see. You can purchase a trolley pass to zoom around town or walk. The trolley ride can get a bit long for Ivan, so we like to bring the stroller and hoof it.
This past trip, we explored Castillo de San Marcos (St. Augustine, FL), which is a part of the National Park Service. Rangers share info on weapons, they have soldier uniforms and all. On weekends they even shoot off cannons!
Last but not least (may be the crowd favorite) St. Augustine Alligator Park. This is always a MUST visit for us ... sometimes 2x per FL visit! Lots to do and see. Feed ducks & alligators! and watch a Large alligator feeding! Older kids and adults can enjoy a high ropes course over the park!!
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Enjoy your visit to the St. Augustine, FL and Palm Coast, FL area!!!
Captain Underpants (aka Ivan) hopes you have as much fun as he does!!!
Places to go WITH kids in Columbus, Ohio
Today while picking up my son Ivan from school, I met a Dad who just moved his family to Bexley, Ohio from Peru! He was asking with soccer program Ivan was in ... here is the quick list of our favorite places and things to do around Northeast Columbus with preschool to kindergarten aged kids with the links to make it as easy as possible!
Art with Anna, in Bexley … art classes for adults and children. She also hosts workshops, camps and other artsy programming.
Blendon Woods Natural Playground – Natural Playground is new … hike a small trail with natural obstacles to play on. My favorite part - it is undercover of the trees = shade! On a 85 degree day it is the best thing to do outdoors (other than the pool of course)! When you pull into Blendon Woods Park, follow the signs to the 'Natural Playground' (first right). There is also two traditional playgrounds nearby that are both in the SUNSHINE.
Ivan loving Blendon Woods Natural Playground
Columbus Zoo – Best zoo in the USA! We LOVE feeding the giraffes! If you make a few trips a year, a membership easily pays for itself with parking and admission!
COSI – fun kids science museum … if you make a few trips a year a membership is the way to go!
Dave & Busters – video games! And a bar ;) Not my first choice, and we've only been once, but Ivan is a RAVING FAN!
Franklin Park Conservatory – My personal favorite! Butterfly exhibit in the spring/summer and family/kid events all year long. Beautiful spot for holiday (or anytime) photos. Lot's of amazing plants and climates to explore. On nice days, we end our visit with a visit to the playground outside on the grounds. Membership pays for it’s self very quickly! More details in a past blog here
Top: Franklin Park; Bottom: World of Bounce & Columbus Zoo
Get Air Trampoline Park – great place to exercise when it’s yucky outside
Glow Putt (indoor putt putt that glows in the dark!) – weird spot, but kids seem to love it. It’s dark, lit by black lights so the balls and holes glow.
Inniswood Gardens – Beautiful grounds, often have children’s programs going on, check website for times and programs!
Bexley Library – Great resource and cute kids section, exceptionally friendly and helpful staff!
Millstone Creek Park – best outdoor playground I know of in Columbus!
Piccadilly Play Café – We visited indoor play cafe's more when Ivan was younger (walking -2/3 yrs old), but they are in Bexley and have parents night out and other programming/events that may be worth checking out for older kids.
Recreations Outlet – This place sells outdoor playgrounds and trampolines, and has an indoor playground you can visit to just play and/or check out new swing sets, etc. They even host birthday parties. The trampoline we bought there, may be the best thing we ever bought Ivan! Endless hours of great exercise & fun!!
Sky Zone – indoor trampoline park ... known to Ivan as the "orange sockie place". Make sure to register/pay online before you drive up there! They can sell out of a time slot and have limited 5 yrs and under jumping days & times.
Star Lanes – bowling alley and video games … bar ;) I'm not a video game fan, but this place had fun video games for kids, gotta give them that! Bring your wallet, not quarters ;)
Westerville Mini Golf – Two very pretty outdoor 18-hole mini golf courses in nice condition. Driving range & batting cages. Usually not crowded!
World of Bounce – Indoor inflatable playground. Open 9-12 pm weekdays, and Wednesday evenings for family night. Great spot for a birthday party or rainy day. Not my favorite spot - it's kinda darkish inside, and in my mind a germ haven, but it does the job when exercise is NEEDED! You can bring snacks and water bottles, etc. Just make sure to WASH HANDS! And bring your own socks! (there is nothing unclean about this place other than there are kids in bouncy houses, they do a nice job of keeping it clean - I'm just a WASH YOUR HANDS kinda freak)
Top: one slice of Millstone Park; Bottom: Westerville Mini Golf hole-in-one winner & Wendy's Gymnastics
Seasonal Spots:
Arnold Classic Kids Expo - March 3-4, 2018 at the Ohio Fair Grounds. Great gathering of EVERY sport I can name and more! Archery, bowling, hockey, soccer-foot-golf, bouncy houses, ninja warrior courses, volleyball, tennis, and so much more! ... All under one roof!
Fantasy of Lights, Alum Creek State Parkgrounds - Drive through Holiday light show and Santa Claus stop. We have never ventured into see Santa, the line is always too long and the cabin too small! Plus Ivan has not cared or been interested in poor ol'Santa! The light show is pretty special ... so much better when covered in snow!
Franklin Park Conservatory – Exhibits change seasonally. Butterflies in spring/summer. Beautiful décor for Christmas. Build gingerbread houses event (my personal fav)
Lynd’s Fruit Farm – Berry picking in June/July; apples & pumpkins in fall. In fall they also have a family area with bouncy houses, hayrides, hot cider, hay rides, etc. Find info on their Facebook page for fall fest
Scioto Mile Fountain– Seasonal. Downtown fountains that kids can splash through
Snow Trails, Mansfield - About an hour north of Columbus, Snow Trails has great ski programs for kids starting as young as 3-4 year olds! We had a blast last year. Ivan got to go to ski school and the Mommy's got to ski!
Zoo – Has Halloween (October) weekend and Holiday lights in December
Top Left: Lil Kickers Soccer; Top Right: Arnold Classic Kids Expo; Bottom Left: Thanksgiving Turkey cookie craft at Franklin Park; Bottom Right: Fantasy of Lights at Alum Creek State Camp grounds
Organized sports & recreation:
Bexley Pool – something for every age! Zero entry, small waterslide, 2 large waterslides, diving board
Chiller Ice Rinks – hockey or figure skating or just plain family open skate!
Lil Kickers, Gahanna – they did not hold summer 2017 classes and I’m not sure if they are going to do fall 2017 classes or not! Hoping they do!!
Locker Soccer – we have never tried, but have heard great things from friends
(Awesome soccer store in Westerville Soccer Plus)
Wendy’s Gymnastics – Ivan takes weekly classes and attends some open sessions as well. This may be his favorite! We have also attended and hosted birthday parties here ... crowd favorite. It's large and fun!
Top Left: Snow Trails ski school for 3-4 yr olds; Top Right: Columbus Zoo; Bottom Left: Sky Zone; Bottom Right: Wendy's Gymnastics
Good resources for upcoming events and other spots to make your favorites:
Places to go with toddlers aged kids in Columbus, Ohio during the winter months. Our favorite outings
Toddler by definition: 12 - 36 months | 1-3 year old
Most of these are obvious, but all of them are Ivan approved! Get out there and have some FUN ...
COSI | Columbus, Ohio - Large open spaces filled with wonderful sights for little (& big) eyes! KidSpace is a great indoor playground with water tables, Practical Life areas, and all kinds of sensory things to discover. With a Premium Family Membership, you can get into KidSpace at 9 am on weekdays (10 am without). Bring a packed lunch and eat in the cafeteria and/or partake in the cafetaria. They have healthy options (grilled chicken, pasta, salad, cut veg, yogurt, etc) along with the usual kid choices - mac n cheese, chicken fingers, and fries.
Daddy's Office Hallways - My husband calls it "running the bull" ... this lil'man of ours, has a TON of energy and being stuck indoors makes getting all the gitters out, OUT. We defiantly too advantage of the evening and weekend hours in long hallways to drive mini power-wheels, scooters & RUN. Get creative - you might have access to heated spaces you are not considering!
After hours at Daddy's office
Firehouse Museum | 260 N. Fourth Street, Columbus, Ohio - I credit a former Sitter for this gem. Found Downtown Columbus, this small & quaint firehouse museum has dress up gear, a pole to slide down and buttons to push. What more do you need?!
Fire Chief, Ivan to the rescue!
Franklin Park Conservatory | Columbus, Ohio - HUGE fans of Franklin Park ... probably my absolute favorite. The humid air, flowers 24/7/365 and ever changing exhibits win me over! Ivan is now 4 years old, and in the past 4 years, it seems to me they have done an exceptional job at adding more Family/Children Programming. Most weekends they have special shows or guest visitors that are included in admission (some crafts come with a $2 or $3 fee). If you're not a member, consider looking at that option - it works out being MUCH CHEAPER if you go only a half doz times!!
Gymboree Play & Music | Gahanna, Ohio - This was probably Ivan's #1 favorite pick! We tried an art and/or music class, but he was all about the gym. Walking past the gym and going into the art/music room was enough to get him to scale the walls, so we don't have much experience in there (other than when he was a baby). For a time he participated in a weekly class and we also took advantage of the Open Gym times. We also went through a phase of just doing the Open Gym pass (about 1/2 price) because he was more interested in FREE play than participating in the group. Check them out - they usually do unlimited classes in the months of Jan and Feb.
Indoor Pool Near You - we liked Westerville Rec Center because it was close for us! They have a Pre-School Swim for 6 yrs and under most weekday mornings. There is also an indoor playground in the lobby with big slide!
Library Story-times | Greater Columbus, Ohio - Ivan wasn't much for sitting still (as you can probably guess), but I liked how they did a story, then songs and had sensory items for them to play with, so wiggles were anticipated and welcomed! Check link above for times and programs at your neighborhood branch!
Lil Kickers Soccer | Gahanna, Ohio - Ivan started at the ripe ol'age of 18 months and has been loving it! The BUNNIES class (18-24 months) is a Parent-Child class that is played on an indoor soccer field and uses bubbles, parachutes, balls, cones, and more to promotes balance and coordination (Classes for kids without a care giver start at 3 yrs). We've always had very passionate and patient coaches and a great overall experience with Four Seasons, Lil Kickers in Gahanna. We've even had Ivan's 3rd Birthday Bast there ... bounce house and all!!
Polaris Mall | Columbus, Ohio - and NO not the germ infested play area (although after some time, he remembered about that place and demanded we stop ... there is a restroom nearby so you can soap and water hands immediately after!) Our Polaris Mall loop happened by accident but works out great every time! We park on the upstairs of Von Mar (usually spots near the door) and stop by the kids section for the train table. I've also found some great shoes for him there - they seem to always have a great selection for kids shoes! After Von Mar we walk down to Pottery Barn Kids (turn left out of Von Mar) and go play in there. An Ivan fav are the doll strollers! Next Disney Store. Seems crazy, but 30-45 min have already passed! I bring the stroller along for snacks, coats and tired legs. And if I must, the play area downstairs below the Disney Store!
Polaris Mall, Von Mar kids department
Ride the Cbus | Short North, Columbus, Ohio - Ivan had a BUS obsession phase. One day I could not hear the word "bus" come out of him mouth one more time!!! I pulled the route up online and decided to give him what he was demanding so! The C-BUS is Columbus's FREE downtown circular that stops at each stop every 10-15 minutes (map on like above). I wasn't sure how long he would sit, if this was a good idea and it was cold outside ... SO, we parked at a meter right next to a stop (LUCKY MOMENT). We sat and waited for a few min, when I saw the bus approaching in the rear view mirror, we popped out and jumped on. Our driver was super sweet, there was only 1 or 2 other people on it the entire time and we had a blast. We did not do the entire loop (too long for this bus fan) but we simply walked across High Street at one stop to go back to the car. Operation Bus Ride complete!
"bus, bus, BUS!!!"
Skyzone | Lewis Center, Ohio - Toddler Time, Tuesdays 9:30-11 am & Sunday mornings, last I checked! An ocean of trampolines and a foam pit for 5 yrs and under ... What more could you want! Happy nap-time after this outing.
Toddler Time a SkyZone
Columbus Zoo | Dublin, Ohio - Oh the magical Columbus Zoo! Probably my Mommy #2 favorite on the list. Unseasonably warm days (like last weekend) are great winter days to visit. We went last weekend, and all the animals were moving around. We got to see more action from them than normal! I've found this to be true on cooler days .... it was approx 55 degrees. The Red Panda's were jumping about in their tree house ... Ivan was especially impressed with their digs and the Solar Bear was prancing around. Those are 2 exhibits I can't say I ever remember seeing much activity from! Come March 2017 The Little Explorer's Base Camps start back up. Not enough words to express how amazing the Columbus Zoo and it's programs are!
Beautiful Day at the Columbus Zoo
And perhaps there are some new spots that have popped up ... check out Macaroni Kids list here
Places to go in Columbus, Ohio with your 6-9 month old
A dear friend recently asked me for suggestions of places to take her darling 6 month old in Columbus, Ohio. That got me thinking of all the FUN FIRST places and activities Ivan and I visited together ...
Walks. Stroller walks. Baby Bjorn carrier walks. Walking Isabelle. Walking around Franklin Park Conservatory – and it’s prime time for a trip there, the butterflies are a flutter! The Columbus Zoo is also a wonderful place to walk. Not too much (aside from the active fish) to attract the eye of a 6 month old, but it’s a great location to scope out different stroller models and other parenting accessories that may make future outings easier! There are TONS of great parks and hiking trails and just in time for SPRING!
Gymboree Play & Music – located in Gahanna, Ohio – this is still one of our favorite places to play! They have music, art and gym classes as well as open gym times that are open for all to play! Level 1 is for ages 0-6 months, so they are ready for you when you get there!!
Columbus Metropolitan Library has wonderful storytime’s for all ages … starting with Baby Laptime, 0-18 months. I remember being quite impressed at our first Baby Laptime. They read books, played music and even had toys and musical instruments to interact with.
Mommy and Me classes … such as Mommy and me yoga offered by Yoga on High
Swimming. While no activity lasts too long at approx. 6 months, it’s fun to get the sensation of water be it at home or away ... there are lots of neighborhood pools around and Ivan turned his water table into a swimming pool at first!
Painting. Finger painting. Painting with different objects – sponges, toys feet, cars wheels, cotton balls, anything you can imagine ... This messy project might only last 60 seconds, but when you start little by little the love of colors, creating and stimulating the senses add up to a brilliant happy child! Art with Anna is a Columbus, Ohio art studio for kids. Ages 4+ can be dropped off for various events – and everyone is welcome during open studio sessions to partake in all the studio has to offer!
Get out and enjoy the world through your little one’s eyes … it’s a wonderful world out there!!
Fun things for toddlers to explore at the Ohio State Fair 2014
This morning we ventured out to The Ohio State Fair, the gates open at 9 am and we got there shortly after. Admission is $10 for 13-59 yrs and kids under 5 are FREE. Kroger sells the 13-59 year old tickets for $6, so plan ahead!
In each and every direction there was SOMETHING interesting and magical to look at ... we got to see the Budweiser Clydesdale's getting their morning exercise. There were being walked, 4 at a time, behind their stalls so we got to get as close as we were brave (there was a lot of flying poop going on!)
Colorful action EVERYWHERE ... Ivan was loving all the support vehicles buzzing around!
I could not help but to notice the "LOST KIDS BOOTH" ... I wasn't quite sure this was an option, but apparently you can rely on the Ohio State Troopers to help babysit! Who knew?!
In the Kiddie Land section, Ivan had a blast watching all the rides zipping around. He was getting quite sluggish with all the cool fresh air (and nap-time nearing) but he perked right up in Kiddie Land ... I'm not sure if it was all the kiddie-energy or the aroma of cotton candy filling the air that got him! 36" was the height restriction for most rides ... If he can pull off 3-4" in the next 365 days our trip to the fair will be quite different next year!
Ivan playing in the JD Equipment tent - Running with the Bulls!
On our way out we had to have some french fries and of course I got the healthy ones (haha) the sign did say NO trans-fats! As we made our way to the car, we got to wave to the tractor pulling people in from the parking lot, see the State Troopers car lights flashing, and see a field full of semi-trucks parked by Crew Stadium.
In our almost 2 hour stay, I'm most certain we missed 85% of the fair excitement! We will be heading back before it's over, August 3, 2014. Hope you get to check it out too!
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We found a HAPPY PLACE in Franklin Park Conservatory
In the routine chaos that is motherhood, there are days and times I need to, as they say, "stop and smell the roses." When those thankless & redundant tasks us mothers tackle round-the-clock cause that overwhelming feeling of non-completion I NEED A HAPPY PLACE! It's these days that are PERFECT days for me visit Franklin Park to gain some perspective and regenerate! Not only do I enjoy the sensory overload, but I know Ivan does too!
I highly recommend finding a place or two you can share with your little one that provides the same rejuvenation. One of our favorite places to visit is Franklin Park Conservatory located on East Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio. This year marks the 20th anniversary of their Blooms & Butterflies Exhibition that runs from March 8 - September 28, 2014.
Not only is Franklin Park a perfect place to visit on an off weather day (snow, rain, or too much humidity), but it's a great place to experience the magic Mother Earth has to offer. Flowers, amazing plants, butterflies from around the globe, multiple waterfalls and streams, fish, hands-on interactive games/stations for kids, birds, and even a choo-choo train!
Ivan loves visiting Franklin Park
On a routine visit, I bring the stroller with water and snacks, and we start our tour in the Pacific Island Water Garden (left after the entrance). I love stopping by the windows were you can watch the caterpillars in their cocoons and the butterflies emerge! Viewing this metamorphosis is as equally as magical to me as the experience in making my little (1 year old) nugget, Ivan!
As 100's of butterflies fly about you can take in all the sounds, smells, and visuals of all the amazing plants and flowers that fill this space. Ivan loves visiting the fish, waterfalls, and spotting flying butterflies. Next we pass through the basement that has a few hands-on stations for kids to play with before heading into the next section that includes the Desert Biome (out of my respect for the incredible cacti, Ivan is not allowed to run free in this space) ... then we enter the Rainforest Biome that is home to Max and Mic the two resident Macaw's that scare the pants off of both of us every time with their abrupt greetings ... After the Rainforest is the train room, AKA, the Himalayan Mountain Biome that features another waterfall and other delicious visual treasures to discover (look up after you pass the over the bridge and round the corner).
The Palm House and Showroom also feature seasonal exhibitions that host all kinds of events from weddings beyond ...
The Hungry Caterpillar becoming a Beautiful Butterfly ... AMAZING!! & One of the hands-on features, a giant light bright!
If your kids are older, there are classes and workshops for all ages (kids-adults) offered year round. Check the website for more information here.
The Blooms & Butterflies exhibition is now through September 28, 2014 ... I hope you plan a visit!
and as Ivan ends The Hungry Caterpillar book .... [waving] "Bye, bye!"
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Cow's say, "MOO" and Horses say, "Neigh"
It's so much fun watching books, sounds, places, and frankly EVERYTHING come alive through Ivan's eyes! His newest love is the sound, "Mooooo"
May 2014 Ivan and I found ourselves in Central Park in NYC watching the horse drawn carriages and Ivan "Moo'ed" at a white horse ... the Carriage Driver said, "Is he moo'ing at my horse" Ha, yea, I guess so!
The Franklin County Fair was a perfect place for Ivan to meet all is barn-yard friends up close and personal! He was able to moo with a cow, cluck with the chickens, baa with the sheep and quack with the ducks. They also had horses, ducks, goats, rabbits and I'm sure other animals I may have missed!
That cow was quite impressed with Ivan's MOOO!
We are looking forward to a few more trips to visit his favorite friends at The Ohio State Fair July 23, 2014 - August 3, 2014 in Columbus, Ohio!
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Attention all toddler's … it's Touch A Truck time!
One of my complaints as a new mom is not knowing what I don't know … I've learned about so many things I feel I should have known about prior to finding myself in the trenches of motherhood (such as play café's). Luckily enough I have heard of Touch A Truck from my sisters experiences raising my nephew.
If you haven't already heard, Touch A Truck is a magical event for little ones … It's a parking lot filled with every type of vehicle imaginable for the kid's to climb up in and check out! Ivan's first Touch A Truck was in Worthington, Ohio in Spring 2014 where is was able to check out a trolley, buses (of all types), The Chiller's Zamboni, a Magic Mountain race car, Uhaul trucks, helicopter, motor-home, utility trucks, swat vehicle ... on and on!
This Friday, July 25, 2014, (weather permitting) will be Touch A Truck #2 for Ivan. If you haven't checked out a Touch A Truck event or just didn't have this one on your calendar make note!
TOUCH A TRUCK - JULY 25, 2014
THE SPORTS COMPLEX, 325 N. CLEVELAND AVE, WESTERVILLE, OHIO 43081
Admission is FREE ... We hope we see you there!!
RuummMMM ... Beep, BEEP!!
Ivan's first Touch A Truck in Worthington, Ohio. Spring 2014
Traveling with an infant for the first time ... Ivan's first flight!
Ivan was 4 months old - it was April 2013 - and living in Columbus, Ohio by the time it's April all you can think of is SUNSHINE and dream of SANDY BEACHES ... Especially after 4 months of brand new baby chaos in the grey of winter, a WARM, SUNNY vacation sounds like a DREAM!!! Weighing all factors at hand we decided it was probably best to find a destination within driving distance (Hilton Head, SC) so we could take everything but the kitchen sink & drive through the night while Ivan slept. The little dude had no idea we even drove as long as we did and the travel portion of the vacation worked out perfectly, breast pump and all!
Minus the travel, last years Hilton Head adventure ended up being a disaster - unusually cool and overcast weather, I got the flu, BLAH ... so I wanted to head further SOUTH for Spring Break 2014 for baby vacation #2. We found a beautiful house to lease for the week outside of St. Augustine, FL located in Palm Coast, FL adjacent to The Hammock Beach Resort & Spa (what a great baby + dog destination!)
John and the Nanny headed down the day prior via car ... This affording us a bit more house with 2 less airfares and solving the problem of what to do with Isabelle, the family dog! To my surprise the flight had 100+ empty seats so Ivan and I had a whole row (6 seats) to ourselves! He was a dream ...
In my bag of tricks:
- Maclaren Mark II Umbrella stroller - not the best for steering with one hand, I prefer my Britax B-Agile Stroller any day, but didn't want it to get all beat up
- My old iPhone in the Fisher Price toddler case loaded and ready to go with none other than plenty of ELMO'S WORLD ... aka Ivan kriptonite
- iPod with back up of video's as well as games he has not yet mastered
- BRAND NEW Elmo books and a few other exciting toys he's yet to see (thanks Laura)
- an apple (thanks Stephanie)
- more snacks
- Of course diapers, extra clothes, water & sippy cup, blanket
Our destination airport was Orlando, FL ... what a great airport to roll into with a baby by yourself especially during Spring Break. It's all families - Disneyworld bound - that are overly sympathetic and extremely kind & helpful!
All in all, I'm not sure what I was really so worried about ... just the unknown I suppose. It was less than a 2 hour flight ... the West Coast will be the true test. This Momma isn't brave enough for International with this busy body!
Fun on the Scioto Mile ... pack a TOWEL! life in Columbus, Ohio
Time flies when you are chasing a 16 month around! We recently went on spring break vacation in Florida and have solidified Ivan's LOVE of water! Fountains, pools, faucets ... he is not choosy, just wants to be IN the water NOW.
My new Mommy tip of the week: With the nice weather upon us, DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT A TOWEL!
We have an amazing downtown area in Columbus called The Scioto Mile. I thought it might be fun to go walk around the park and see the fountains ... Ivan had other ideas! Luckily I had a swim diaper in the diaper bag left over from vacation and an extra change of clothes! Wish I had had 4 hands so I could have taken a video ... this baby had a BLAST!
Happy Spring!
A surprising 78 degrees makes everything better! Ivan, 16 months