In a nutshell

Wow. Life is crazy when your child gives up his nap!  6a.m. to 8p.m. every day = non-stop energy. Except today. He crashed. YES!

• We've been busy. Playing cars... Playing trains.... Reading Magic School Bus books. A lot of Magic School bus books.
• Before this week, when the weather turned crappy, we were riding bikes a lot.
• It was 43 degrees here at 9:00 this morning. It's May 22nd and our furnace is still running like crazy. Hello? This is nuts.
• To whomever: please stop giving the birds in my neighborhood Ex-Lax. My car has been shit-upon so many times lately, it is really disgusting. Enough!
• American Idol fans: were you psyched about the winner? surprised? After Tuesday night, I thought Archie would win. But I was psyched Cook won. Watching him perform with ZZ Top was a total rush. Can you imagine??
• I don't travel these days like I did pre-child. But all of a sudden I'm planning two back-to-back trips! I'm psyched! My son will be going on his first airplane ride soon!  Any tips for flying with a 4-year-old?
• I haven't begun to think about planting my garden. It's too damn cold. I usually have it planted by or around Memorial Day.
• My 25th high school reunion is this summer. 25th. !!! ???  I don't know if I'm going to go. I'd want to lose 20 pounds first. The 20th reunion was actually really fun. Looks like the same people are going to this one, so far.
• My niece graduates from high school next month. 25 years after her Old Aunt. It's 2008, and the world is her oyster. How cool is that?

Comments

[Bluegrass Mama]

Pack some surprises to give him on the plane. Things that will keep him busy. I was always a fan of those Magic Pen books, since they don't make a mess. And let him chew gum during takeoff and landing to keep his ears from popping!

We are supposed to warm up this weekend, and I think the sunshine is headed your way, too. We'll just be getting our flowers in, and I usually do them around Mothers Day. Though I'm late due more to lack of time than poor weather.

[Sarcasmom]

My daughter flew to Florida with the CP. SHe downloaded movies on an IPOd. The CP was working it like a pro in no time and loved the earphones.

[vw bug]

Favorite snacks (something that takes a long time to eat - or put into small pieces), Color Wonder, playing cards, dvd portable player and dvds, mazes or dot to dots, my boys liked the portable thomas tank engine toys. Good luck!

[Kristi]

I was so completely psyched that David Cook won. Yay! Finally, an AI winner I actually like!

And yes, the weather here is ridiculous.

RIP, K's nap. :(

[Melody]

Well Marie - I think you can call me an expert on flying with a 3 year old. She's been on so many flights and all is always well. I always worry about it but after flying from Oz to London via HK, (24+ hours in a plane) I have nothing to worry about. Neither do you.

When flying to London I took colouring books, crayons, stickers, Mr. Potato Head etc., but Monet was happy with just my plain little note pad and a blue pen! (Using a blue pen around here is pretty special!) I also bought a paper doll kit which was hours of fun. (I know she's a girl but there might be something around which is similar but suitable for males). SHe also enjoyed using the in-flight entertainment. Phew. On the way back I had bought a doll sticker book where you dressed the dolls using stickers and that was hours of entertainment!!! Your little one will just be excited just being on a plane and getting food etc.,

I also suggest maybe some lolly-pops to help his ears instead of chewing gum (monet wouldn't know how to chew gum without swallowing!)

You sound v. busy. Sounds like you'e got lots of posts coming up!!

(Can't believe he has only just given up day naps - unreal. your life will NEVER be the same!)

[Jody]

Hit my travel blog... I reviewed lots of stuff before we went to Ireland. Check out the flights, reviews & packing items...

Pack his own carry on- make him carry it. He'll feel so big pulling it through the airport. Put everything he'll need in it and stow in under the seat in front of him. If you put it overhead you'll spend your flight retrieving things from it.

And with all the luggage charges pack smart. Again- lots of tips on my travel blog.

have fun! First flights are amazing!

[Jody]

Oh, and on the no napping... Brenna hasn't napped in over a year. But she still has "quiet time"- mommy needs it! I put her in my room (because Caelan is asleep in theirs) with some books or a movie and she has to stay put, and quiet, until a certain time. Try it. It's necessary for both of you!

[Marie]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I have a stash of stuff that will be going with us on the plane & another stash that will go with us on a car trip soon after...