Have Toddler Will Travel

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How to Travel 5+ hours in a car with a Toddler in 3 easy steps.


1. Coffee 
     Coffee is lovely.... BUT it should be enjoyed ONLY in small tiny sips so as not to require a stop at the bathroom.  If you have to make a bathroom stop, then that means you need to take the toddler out of the carseat. THIS is to avoided at all costs.  Removing a toddler from their carseat gives them a false sense of security.  They believe they have arrived at their destination and will straight up REVOLT in such a manner when they learn they must reenter the dreaded carseat that people will stare at you and probably call DCF with your out of state license plate.

2. Entertainment 
Happy as a clam watching his stories. 
     This should be in a varitey of formats.  Music is acceptable for about 15 minutes... but even Mommy, Daddy and Auntie can only listen to the annoying lady on the CD sing for so long. 
     Having pre-downloaded movies and TV shows on an ipad or phone is HIGHLY encouraged.  However, make sure you pre-watch them beforehand to make sure they work.  Daniel Tiger is cute the first time, and even the second time... but the 8th time you watch Daniel Tiger "Clean up, Pick up, put away...." you will now willingly stop at a rest area and ask a new family to adopt you.    


3.  SNACKSSSSSSSSSSSS
     Snacks should be packed and kept out of sight from the Toddler.  If you use a mirror for your rear-facing child, remember they can see whats on the floor by your feet.  This may seem obvious, but I didn't figure this out until hour 3 and saw Colin watching me sneak "my" bagel!    Possession is 9/10th of the law... Toddlers own 1/10 and win every single time.


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I say this all in jest of course... Colin a a PURE GEM traveling to and from Deer River, NY this year.  I was prepared for the worst, and I was happy happy happy with my little man!  If all it takes to keep him pacified is some goldfish and a few episodes of Elmo... I think we are VERY lucky!

    One last note:   We are so thankful to have a loving and amazing family that lets us come visit them during the busy holiday season.  This year was extra special and bittersweet with the loss of our beloved Nana Hayes.  We were so so so so grateful to have made it to NY for some special time with our Aunt Irene and Aunt Mary Jean before they returned to Colorado... we LOVE that we got to hug them and spend time with them and make special memories....   Traveling with a toddler is tough.... but we will do it again and again and again to keep making our special memories, to watch Colin and Olivia grow together (gosh they are the BEST when they are together!!!!),  drink wine with Hope, and to let Aunt Sue spoil us with her yummy food!!!   (p.s. next year JEFF, you owe me popcorn!)

View from Sue's kitchen... Brian, Colin, & Papa playing outside

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