Traveling without Kids

With our upcoming trip to Germany I thought I would post my tips on how we prepare when traveling without the kids. There are lots of sites with tips on how to travel with kids but I found that there are not too many sites offering tip on how to travel without the little ones.

So here is a list of what seems to work for our family:

• For the week or two prior to leaving, I start talking to the kids about where their dad & I are going, who will be watching them (fortunately it is always Grand mom).  I think it is good to talk things out.  Help put their mind at ease and answer any questions they might have before we leave.
• The day of (or before) we are to leave, I try to spend good quality time with the kids.  Ask them what they want to do and prepare a special dinner the night before.
• For my sanity and peace of mind, I leave a general day-by-day schedule for my mom with the kid's activities, routine, and any important notations.  This is a great place to explain a special night-time routine as well.  We all know....kids thrive and love their routine and structure.
• Leave our Itinerary, complete with hotel and flight information.
• The obvious....making sure the pantry and fridge are stocked with food.  Perhaps make a couple casseroles and put in the freezer.  Leave cash for groceries and incidentals.
• Leave a copy of our Will and the kid's files with social security cards, birth certificates, etc....You never know!?
• We also leave a Notarized (most banks will notarize for free) Medical Release Letter (along with our insurance card) giving my mom the authority to make any medical decisions while we are away.  We also include our emergency contact info., Doctor, and Dentist's phone numbers.  I also like to leave a friend's number too (just in case).
• Since the kids are a little older and understand what is going on, this year I am leaving a surprise gift to be given mid-week, while we're away.  Just when the novelty of having Grand mom here wears off, I hope this gift will lift their spirits and distract the sad feelings : )
• And of course, we talk up the souvenirs we will bringing back to the kids.  When we call home to check in (even if we're out of the country)we like to re-iterate the "cool presents" we have picked up in our travels.  And keep the calls short and sweet!  (If you have access to Skype, this might be a great tool to use as well).

I think that about covers it....If you have any other suggestions, I would love to hear!

Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest.

This past weekend we went to the Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest for the first time.  One of my husband's co-workers plays in a German band that participates in the Oktoberfest every year.  We thought it would be good practice for our upcoming trip and a great opportunity to enjoy Oktoberfest with the kids.  They had a blast, especially Anna dancing on the stage, and Nick loved all the rides.  For the cost of entry, you can have access to unlimited rides.....perfect for a 6 year old!

Here are some pictures....Prost!

Song of the Week - Brandi Carlile

So bummed I am missing her in Philly when she comes with Ray LaMontagne....but hey, I will drinking at Oktoberfest in Germany so I really cannot complain.

God give me patience.

If my daughter asks me if she can paint my nails or the dog's nails one more time.....I am going to SCREAM!  What is this obsession with nail polish.  Oh right, she is a girlie girl AND she is 3 years old. 

I do not have the patience....

Make-up, nail polish, dress-ups, high heels, jewelry, hair accessories, and dance parties.

I thought having a boy was hard but this is much harder dealing with a girlie girl, in my opinion.  I think I am better equipped as a mom to deal with the rough & tough, high-energy boy.  At least when he gets upset...he has a tantrum and it is done.  But that is not how my little girlie crab rolls.  It is constant nagging, whining, and high-pitched squealing.  And she never forgets!

(sigh)

Despite my lack of patience with the Little Miss....she IS very sweet  and considerate when she wants to be....and I do love that she always wants mommy (whereas my son always wants Dad).

God, just give me patience with her because I am sure I was the same way at her age.

Song of the Week 9/14

Another great album...especially love the sound of their instruments, different than your everyday music.

Remembering 9.11.01

Picture I took when I was younger. I especially remember this day because my family was fortunate enough to visit and go to the top of the World Trade Center.



I remember driving home from work on 9.11 and noticing everyone was driving especially slow...no aggressive drivers....which was very eerie. I was working as an Instructional Coordinator with Autistic children at the time and did not know anything had happened until 11 am, when another colleague came into our classroom announcing the news. It was a hard day because the children we worked with were non-verbal and could not understand what was going on. We also had no TV access in our school at the time, so I did not see any images of the tower being hit, the magnitude of what was going on, until I got home from work that night.

Song of the Week

I have recently started reading some blogs again.  In doing so, I came across One Man's Hodgepodge.  I have to admit, I am partial to his blog because he recently posted about Chesapeake Ribbons.  However he also posts a "Song of the Day" which I love.  I have always been a huge music fan and enjoy seeing live concerts.  Now that I have kids it is a lot harder to get to concerts (the cost, securing a babysitter, having to wake up early the next morning with the kids, etc.).  Anyway, One Man's Hodgepodge has inspired me to post a "Song of the Week" so I can share some of my new (and old) favorite tunes. 

I hope you enjoy.....



Thought her performance at the 2011 VMA's was fabulous. Her voice, music, and lyrics always give me the chills when I listen to her.

Her official video is awesome as well

Oktoberfest

For the last 2 years my brother and his wife have been living in Dusseldorf, Germany on a "relo."  My husband and I were lucky to be able to go visit with them last fall during Oktoberfest.  Unfortunately it was too much to make it down to Munich for the real deal but we still enjoyed Oktoberfest in Dusseldorf...

While visiting, we agreed that we would make it back this year, but this time we would meet in Munich for the official Oktoberfest.  So now we are only 23 days away until we leave for Germany.  I am super excited and it is just starting to hit me now.  After doing a long weekend in Munich, we are heading down to the King's Castles and then over to Austria to visit Innsbruck and Salzburg.

So as you can imagine, we have so much to plan.  Of course the first thing we have already taken care of are our beer tent tickets (back in January)...we will be going with a large group.  Also my sister-in-law scored me a Dirndl (hopefully it fits) so I just need a blouse now.  Yes, I am going to dress-up for the festivities.  When in Rome, right?!
But...
We still need to figure out what we want to do in Austria and where to stay by the King's Castles.

Have you been to Oktoberfest?  What are your suggestions?

Have you been to Innsbruck or Salzburg, Austria?

I would love any feedback.....