“I don’t think this is a good idea,” I reiterated to my husband when he announced that he had booked an Airbnb in the Outer Banks, NC, for our family of five.
“It’s going to be fine,” my husband soothed — ever the optimist. “I want to make memories with our family. Margo, come see where you’re going to sleep on our vacation!”
My toddler bounded over, saucer-eyed at the thought of sleeping in a “big girl bed.”
I laughed to myself, knowing that there wouldn’t be much sleeping going on. We had just switched our daughters into the same room a few weeks ago, and our 2-year-old was still sleeping in her crib. Between our three kids (we have a 3-year-old, a 2-year-old, and our youngest is just 7 months), nighttime already felt like a gauntlet. Getting them to sleep in an unfamiliar environment would definitely be an issue.
But I didn’t have the heart to keep arguing. My husband would be gone for work for most of the summer, and he was determined to make this happen. Besides, maybe the kids would prove me wrong, and we’d all have a lovely trip.
The packing list was never-ending
As the weekend drew near, the packing list lengthened. There were the sleep essentials — baby monitors, white noise machines, books, stuffies, and the pack-n-play for our 7-month-old. We also bought a portable bed rail to ensure that our 2-year-old wouldn’t roll out of the bed.
Then there was the wagon and all the beach essentials: towels, toys, sandals, life jackets, sunscreen. And of course the everyday basics: portable high chair, baby carrier, bottles, formula, diapers, snacks, drinks, water bottles, toothbrushes, hairbrush, clothes, shoes, medicine (just in case) — not to mention mine and my husband’s necessities.
By the time we were pulling out of the driveway for the two-hour drive, our truckbed was filled to the brim. The three kids sat across the back seat in their carseats and occupied themselves with various snacks and activities for most of the ride. Shockingly, we made it to our destination without much screaming. But our trip went downhill from there.
The chaos surpassed our expectations
As soon as we unloaded at the Airbnb that afternoon, my toddlers went screeching through the house, opening doors and cabinets and pulling out every item they could find. Towels, utensils, knickknacks, old rusty fly swatters, board games, a deck of cards. Pieces and parts were scattered across the floor before we could figure out where they came from. It was a whole new world for them, and nothing seemed off-limits.
Meanwhile, my husband and I had to rearrange the furniture to block the staircase and create a less-hazardous, more kid-friendly space.
After a brief afternoon outing and some overpriced dinner takeout, the bedtime routine commenced. Despite our valiant efforts to replicate their typical sleeping environment, the toddlers couldn’t settle down. My 2-year-old quickly realized that she could slide out of bed and refused to lie down unless my husband or I got in next to her. But as soon as one of us did that, our 3-year-old got jealous and started whining.
My husband ended up sleeping on the floor between their two beds with his arms outstretched so that he could hold hands with both girls. Meanwhile, I woke up several times throughout the night to care for our infant. Altogether, we slept about five hours.
My husband wanted to pack up and head home
The next morning, it was my husband who suggested that we throw in the towel, sheepishly admitting that I was right. Our decision was confirmed after two kids pooped all over themselves during our morning outing, requiring an outfit change. Then, to seal the deal, our 2-year-old stood on her chair at a restaurant and fell, smashing her face against the table on the way down.
A second sleepless night was out of the question. So, we loaded everything back into the car and arrived home by dinnertime.
My husband and I both agreed that the best part of the trip was when all three kids fell asleep for 45 minutes on the drive home.
The next day, we all woke up in our own beds, feeling much more rested. We went on a walk around the neighborhood and enjoyed a picnic outside. We realized that we can make memories in our own backyard without all the stress and fuss of traveling.
Our failed vacation clarified our priorities during this season of life, which include: spending time together, minimizing pandemonium, and getting as much sleep as possible.
We’ll save the traveling for when the kids are older, and we don’t have to bring half of our house with us. In the meantime, we’ll keep our expectations low, enjoy a slower pace, and plan small adventures — the zoo, aquarium, water park, and splash pad. For our kids (and maybe even for us too) these tiny quests will be just as memorable.
These days, we’ll embrace Kurt Vonnegut’s advice: “Enjoy the little things in life because one day you`ll look back and realize they were the big things.”
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