A few nights ago, we were sitting around the dinner table talking about birthdays. We had attended several kid-birthdays in the week prior, and Cougan and Brynlee were discussing their favorite party locations. Popular options in our town include craft parties, gymnastics, the YMCA swimming pool, and of course, Peter Piper Pizza.
Finally, after some discussion, Bynlee announces: “Mom, for my birthday, I want to TRAVEL.”
Be still my heart. That’s my girl!!! And she continued, with her little hand outstretched like she does when she’s thinking.. palm forward, fingers up.
“I’ll let you and Daddy decide where to go, like Hawaii, New York, or Wash-in-ton DC.”
So naturally, I was thinking about this “traveling” conversation earlier this week as we waited in the airport for our flight on Christmas Day. I remember being pregnant with Cougan, and being told time and again how I wouldn’t be able to be as adventurous anymore once I had a baby. Of course I set my mind right then to prove “them” wrong 😉
It’s true that traveling and “adventuring” with children is much different, often challenging and at a slower pace. But it is magical and so worth it. And it is getting easier the more we go, and of course, the older the kids get.
We head back to the airport today, this time with lingering sinus pressure and some sleep deprivation joining us. The flight might not be as pleasant this time. But I’m armed with a bag of tricks.. gum, snacks, Earplanes, and decongestants. And I’ll take deep breaths, and squeeze my babies, and feel grateful for this wonderful life, closing this chapter that’s been 2016.
And here’s to another year of adventuring.
Happy New Year!
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