Jess has been keeping you up to date with our happenings, however after all this time behind the wheel I have some topics I thought I'd post on. For starters, how about making a road trip with a 2 year old. Things are different with when traveling with the offspring. For instance:
* you spend less money
You are not going rafting, horseback riding, or even canoing. If it raises your heart rate and someone has to insure it the 2 year old is not coming (unless you are in Mexico, right Bode's?).
And fancy restaurants and nights on the town or at the pub are not happening. Which leads me to....
* your days end at 9pm (and the night are long)
Your sidekick needs 10-12 hours of sleep. So you are going to bed (or sitting around the bed) at 9 or 10 and getting up at 8 or 9. There are 4 hours their that you used to use somehow.
* you are not going to make more friends
In "real" life babies make meeting people easier. In "camping" life people a) are scared off, b) have kids, but this is their time to spend with their family, or c) are really old and scare you off.
I think it's the nature of this kind of vacation that families spend time with themselves. The people that want to meet folks don't go to bed at 9pm.
* they will learn the strangest things
Ro is picking up some odd things. That occurred to me while driving down one of the of the beautiful passes I've seen and listening to Ro sing "Ice Ice Baby". Or being asked "More Elk please" in the meat and cheese shop. Or being introduced to everyone on the trail as Mommy and Daddy (they didn't ask to talk). Or putting yourself in timeout after throwing a rock at Daddy.
* you get tired
Despite going to bed early you get tired. Who knows why.
* consider scheduling an intervention
If you are going to spend a month together just the 3 of you, consider having a friend meet you for a a few days in the middle. They can ensure you are still sane and provide someone new to talk to from 9pm until midnight. Also they might take said two year old for a while since one of you has been with the last 350+ hours straight (except when you left him sleeping one the car that one time).
* but it is still worth it....
If you asked me 48 hours ago I might not have said it, but despite being different then before it is still a fun. After you re-learn how to travel you see do fine.
Ro really has done well with the car riding and nap while you can policy. He has been game for hikes, shopping, cold nights, and no baths. I think he gets tired of talking to adults, but he rewards us with some cute comments.
Next topic might be about camping in a popup when you are used to tents. Or if National Forests are actually better than National Parks. Or something I think of in the plain states.
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4 comments:
Thanks for the insights, russ! I was a little curious as to how Ro influenced the vacation. Jason and I can't wait to see his adventures as he gets older... He's quite the kid!
All I can say is, BRAVO, you two! Most days the thought of running into the grocery store with our kids makes me cringe and sigh heavily - camping across country with the little peanuts is a downright panic-attach inducing thought. You guys are laid back enough and wise enough to pull it all off. Can't wait to see you next week! We will put the children down early and have adult conversation (and beverages). Ta-ta!
Thanks Russ for your commentary. Anne and I have mused on the fact that Ro probably will not remember a thing about this trip, but it will always be their in his memory of the great time he spent with his parents. You are a great father, Russ. Wish we could be there to wisk him off for your respite.
Thanks Russ for your commentary. Anne and I have mused on the fact that Ro probably will not remember a thing about this trip, but it will always be their in his memory of the great time he spent with his parents. You are a great father, Russ. Wish we could be there to wisk him off for your respite.
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