More on the New York Trip

Random Fun Here is a shot of all of us driving around in a van just like we did on vacations when the kids were little.

This could also be referred to as enforced quality family bonding time.

There are some tips in this entry that I needed to remember, tips like, be sure to limit movies and Ipods, even if they squabble, they will probably squabble less without too much of either these things, plus they will remember the trip and the time together more readily later on, probably.

We stood around, and walked around. We changed the baby and fed him. We loaded and unloaded the van and or stroller several times a day. We made garbage can runs, took Potty breaks and petrol fills, studied maps and guidebooks, ate snacks and many meals. We saw pretty country, stayed in good hotels, lugged suitcases and lots of paraphernalia to lots of great places, drank a lot of bottled and refilled again water, (Polish Springs is the eastern favorite as opposed to Arrowhead in the west) and took a lot of photos all while having a really good time.

We played "The 100,000 Pyramid", sometimes as we drove the miles. We also read books, listened to music, and plugged into personal music players, all while eating healthy junk food, and these are just a few of the typical trip fillers.

Dave and Dan took their skateboards. Enough said there.

Remember your spouse is really your only ally in all this. He also helps you to remember one of my "mother of big boys" mantras, "Just don't look!" ( and also helps to make mental notes of Emergency room locations).

Gazing at Eli was a favorite pastime, whether awake or asleep.

(When they are this size they usually don't require emergency medical treatment.) In all fairness Allison required just as many E-room trips as Davey.

Be sure to give nap times and bed times high priority and hang on to somewhat normal sleep patterns. This helps to maintain higher levels of patience and forgiveness in travelers of all ages.

Try not to let the rabble take over the decision making. You can never please everyone, and it can take up a lot of time. But most of all Be flexible and happy with whatever comes!

Be sure and plan times to blow off steam and use those big muscles. Even if Dad has to stay at the van with the baby or maybe especially if he can stay and quietly stretch. Such activities can include hurdling picnic tables at rest areas along the Susquehanna River, (We waited until after the Muslims had finished praying) or pushups in the parking lot.

We visited a beautiful state park one evening and hiked and ran and climbed around gorgeous gorges with lots of waterfalls. (I've always wanted to say that.)

We had lunch at a little place on the Erie Canal in Palmyra NY one day.

The lady was all alone and made a great sandwich.

If traveling with a family or group, make sure you eat on time to prevent grumpiness, DO NOT put it off. Plan it in and just do it. You run the risk of trouble if you don't. I needed to recall this family rule quickly. It is hard to stand strong on but important to do so.

Finding good food was a big item for us of course.

We stumbled across Bobby Flay's favorite Thai restaurant while in Manhattan. Delicious! I will try and remember the name or ask Allison what it was and get it in later. We were trying for the Shake Shack and parked by the wrong park. Which just goes to show once again that even a mistake can turn out for the best if you let it.

We did not actually come to blows with the Green Peace workers despite rumors to the contrary.

I love family vacations!

to be continued...