Kauai_2

kauai – our adventure to paradise

In February we explored the “garden isle” of Hawaii. It was beautiful. It was relaxing. It was our first epic family vacation. I am not going to lie, I was terrified of the flight – anticipating a full fledged shut down of Homeland Security as we tried to get our mega load of baby stuff through – but we made it. (although it did include a full pat down with Maggie strapped to my chest in the babybjorn – but that’s for another post).

Some unforgettable sites, sounds and flavors of Kauai:
– Rooster crows in the morning
– Sunrises over the north shore
– Watching Laird Hamilton get towed into 30+ waves in Hanalei Bay
– Mai tais at the St. Regis of Princeville
– Waves crashing on Tunnels Beach while watching Doug body surf
– The best ahi tacos I have ever tasted from island taco
– Holding my baby while watching the sunset, thinking life is beautiful.
– Long walk along the coast with my husband (perhaps our first date conversation since Mag’s was born)
– Laughs with Barbie while exploring the beach at Hanalei Bay
– Wonderment at the canyon views of Waimea

This trip was a milestone – we can do this travel thing as a family (we may need a little more help – thank you Barbie!) – but we are excited about the adventures to come. I loved Kauai and can’t wait to go back someday.

 

11

#11 Fly Time – 30 in year 30

As part of my 30 in the year 30 series that was inspired by Nicole Balch – here is our attempt at #11 on my list.
So we took the plunge and decided to fly when Maggie was 3 months old – and hey why not make it a trip half way around the world… We went to Kauai in February and part of the game plan was taking a vacation with Doug’s cousin Barbie to help out. I had nightmares about getting through security (literally) and even ended up having to get a full pat down and wanding with Maggie strapped to my chest in the baby Bjorn but we got through with our epic entourage (stroller, carseat, 2 roll-ons, diaper bag, backback and a music playing giraffe). Considering I have always advocated for children free flying (if an investor is reading this I have a great plan for an airline that bans children 8 and under and a Disney themed airline for kids to compensate), you can imagine my fear to be “that family” on the plane. We were seated at the back of the plane, and as we made our way to the back I saw the fear and loathing in people’s eyes and my desperate attempt to highlight how very cute and (hopefully quiet) this 3 month old is. I was prepared. I had read a great mom blog post years ago about how to prepare for the screaming child moment on the plane – I had envelopes ready to pass out to passengers with drinks on us if necessary. Can you see my ridiculous need to have people like me? Well, out of sheer surprise and a great moment of pride – Maggie was quiet, beautiful, cute and really was a charmer on every flight (all 3 legs to Kauai) – she slept on every flight, took a bottle at take off and landing and was the perfect flier. She restored my faith in travel and although I fully realize that a 3 month old will be a very different experience from she is 3 years old someday – it did help me realize that being a mom isn’t about giving up my dreams but rather sharing them. Happy Mothers Day.

#traveltuesdays foodie finds

Traveling is as much about the food as it is about the sights. I often think back to our first experience in Barcelona – an afternoon of tapas and beer while people watching. No matter the location, I always try to experience the local food culture and make a memory that goes beyond sights and sounds. What is your favorite foodie travel memory?

places that inspire

While vacationing in Kauai, I read “The Descendants”. The novel helped me to experience the landscape through the eyes of a Hawaiian. I sat on the lounge chairs of the St. Regis in Princeville and read about how the family stayed at that hotel. A place can inspire great stories. Tonight, that novel won an Oscar for it’s ability to have viewers experience a powerful human story. Congrats to The Descendants.

Kauai became a place I will always remember as our first family vacation. I learned on this trip that our love of travel will forever be apart of our family story. I can’t wait for Maggie to love experiencing the world as much as her daddy and I.

kauai – takes flight friday

We are bound for Hawaii this Friday and I just finished my planning book this weekend. I am really excited about this trip (both happy and nervous about flying with Maggie). I will share our book when I get back – but as part of my planning I thought I would share the new adventures of flight with a baby. So a few things I have learned for the trip (a checklist if you will for happy flying with a family).

1. Bring a copy of the birth certificate (if under 2 – you need proof for most airlines to ensure that baby flies free).

2. Strollers under 20 lbs and car seats are able to be checked without baggage fees. (it is recommended by the airlines to bring an umbrella stroller – however Mag’s isn’t quite ready for it yet – so we are taking the bigger stroller).

3. Baby formula can be carried on in larger quantities than the standard 3.4 oz – however you need to declare it before you go through the x-ray.

An update to come after Friday – let’s hope Maggie loves to fly!