LilSugar

Mommy Dearest: Family Vacation Interferes With School

LilSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:00:48 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

My husband's parents' 50th anniversary is coming up in December and they offered to take the entire family on a trip to celebrate. They selected a cruise that does not return until the 5th of January. While the trip works for the rest of the family, it means my preschooler and kindergartener will miss the first two days back to school after Winter break. My mother-in-law says that I shouldn't worry because the children are young. Though I am grateful for the vacation, I am wary of the kids missing class. Should we skip the trip?

– Cruisin' in Lieu of School Mama

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Cruisin' in Lieu of School Mama,

It's your in-laws' 50th anniversary - a once in a lifetime event that your children are lucky enough to be a part of- I say take them on the trip and don't worry about the two days of missed class. While the vacation is a generous offer, the experience is one your kiddos will always remember and likely means a great deal to your husband's parents. Prior to leaving, sit down with your children's teachers, explain the situation and see if any assignments need to be completed.

– Mommy Dearest

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10 Reasons to Travel in Packs

babysugar — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:00:20 -0700

Taking a small family vacation can be fun and relaxing, but it can also be exciting to holiday with other families. If the couples agree on parenting philosophies and a destination, the outcome can be heavenly. Mommies and daddies share the load of cooking, bathing, and playing with the kids - giving each other a rest. And, the tots relish in having travel buddies.

View Slideshow ›

Non Voyage: Bring New York's Bright Lights Home

LilSugar — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:00:36 -0700

Get your walking shoes on and prepare to see the bright lights of some of our nation's biggest cities! Families looking to explore the culture and variety that urban centers offer can do so in the comfort of their own homes with projects and foods that celebrate the metropolitan destinations. Our week of big-city "Non Voyages" kicks off in the largest one of all – New York City.

Start the morning off with Eloise's favorite mealtime delight - room service. Kids will love seeing their breakfast served bedside.
Lady Liberty has long been a hot spot for families visiting the Big Apple and the just reopened crown provides great inspiration for tots. There are 354 steps from the base to the top of the statue. Have kids try to stack that many blocks to see the height. And, use construction paper to create your own crown hats.
The Museum of Natural History is known for its dinosaur exhibit so put together some 3D dinosaur puzzles and study the giants.
Even though it's not as bright as the lights of Times Square, check to see if there are any local theater productions that appeal to your tots. Introducing children to theater is wonderful even if you're way off Broadway! Or, prepare for a marathon of Disney movies including The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Mary Poppins, all of which are currently playing in the Big Apple.
They say there's a great pizza shop on every corner of New York. Get down to business in the kitchen and create the ultimate thin-crust pie. Just be sure to eat it like a New Yorker – folded down the middle with the grease dripping off.
Serendipity's frozen hot chocolate is beloved by all visitors to the city. Re-create it at home and give your kids a new perspective on the treat.

Do You Plan to Take a Child-Free Vacation This Winter?

LilSugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 07:00:00 -0800

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season about to become history, I'm already looking forward to 2009. Several moms I know said that the hectic holiday season has pushed them over the edge. Despite the economy, they are planning child-free getaways in the next month even if it's just one night at a local hotel.

Are you planning to take a break?

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Junior Jetset: Vacation Windows

babysugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 04:00:12 -0700

Looking for a way to have your lil one sleep like a baby? When we go to Grandma's house for vacation, my babe hits the hay in unfamiliar surroundings - a pack and play in the study or my sister's old room. Luckily, my daughter is a sound sleeper. The challenge is keeping her from waking up at the crack of dawn with the time change and flood of morning light. To see my trick, read more.

To avoid this, I hang a thick blanket over the windows to shut out the sunshine. This allows my child to stay on California time and power through naps. If you're staying at a hotel, the drapes are generally thick enough. If not, check the closet for an extra blanket.

You Know You're a Mother When: Vacation Dreams

babysugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 04:00:32 -0700

There is no better vacation than one spent with my hubby and baby girl. Having said that, I recently took a jaunt down to Florida for a reunion with my girlfriends.

But, instead of dreaming about a suntan, crystal blue water and daiquiris on the beach, I craved snoozing in a dark room and cuddling up with a good book.

In the end, I stayed up late with my friends, didn't indulge in too much slumber and barely turned a page of my book.

I'm still longing for a vacation.
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Baby Bump: Babymoons Are on the Rise

babysugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:00:20 -0800

Pregnancy has become an industry of its own with couture clothes, high end belly rubs and push prizes, but before an expectant mama's stomach gets too stretched, there's one last hurrah - the babymoon.

Just as newlyweds take a trip to kick off married life, expectant parents enjoy a babymoon to cherish each other before infant makes three.

Not everyone can afford a trip around the world, but here are some getaway options for parents-to-be. To see our recommendations, read more.

$ – Rent a hotel room for one night in your city. Order room service, set up massages and enjoy a night with your sweetie.
$$ – Plan an escape to a local town where you can spend some quality together time over a romantic dinner.
$$$ – Book a long weekend in NYC, San Francisco, the Rockies, or a Florida beach where you can enjoy the scenery and plan some exciting activities.
$$$$ – If you've got the money and time, arrange an extended trip to Italy, Mexico, Hawaii or another exotic location where R&R is served up first–class.

The generation that touts rhinestone pacifiers is making babymoons more of a pregnancy staple than a rarity. But, not everyone is born with a silver spoon.

What's your take on this trend?

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Do You Take Separate Family Vacations?

babysugar — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 06:00:35 -0700

Many families split up their free time for a little one-on-one bonding. Pops gear the kids up for outdoor adventures while moms may plan an aquatic getaway. Before bikini clad Kate Gosselin took her eight tots on a beach trip to North Carolina, the controversial mama took Mady, one of the eight-year-old twins, on a girls' trip to San Diego leaving dad in charge of the other seven youngsters. Prior to that, Jon took Cara on a solo ski weekend in Utah.

Do you and your hubby each spend special alone time with each of your children?
Photos courtesy of TLC

Family Ties: Family Road Trips

babysugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:00:02 -0700

The Summer months always seemed to go by so quickly when I was little. Maybe those hot sweaty months flew because my rock star mom made the most of our classroom free days with road trips across the country. Starting out at the crack of dawn, my mother, sister and I would pull out of our driveway with the car filled to the brim with suitcases, dolls and refreshments to keep us chipper. My sister, the navigator at 11–years–old, would flip through the AAA TripTik getting us from city to city over a few days period. Starting in Texas, we would make stops in New Orleans, Nashville, Washington DC, Monticello, Myrtle Beach all the way up to NYC. A trooper to boot, my sublime mommy carted her two young daughters on sight–seeing tours that would make even Clark Griswold jealous.

This morning I longed for those road trips when my mom and sister called me from South Carolina. They are finishing up their East Coast adventure with my two nieces. Carrying on a family tradition, I miss out as my life is now out here in California with my own family. I look forward to packing up my offspring someday and showing them the sites just like my mama used to do, and still does, for us.
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Junior Jetset: Wild About Wyoming!

babysugar — Tue, 26 May 2009 09:00:24 -0700

The first time a person lays eyes on the Grand Tetons outside the town of Jackson, WY, it takes one's breath away - even a tot's. Nestled between mountains and national parks, the Jackson airport does not serve every major airline, but can be reached through other large hubs. Once there renting a car is a breeze and a must if one intends on taking advantage of all the area has to offer. Aside from the splendid landscape families can also soak up a week's worth of activities. Here are some of my picks!

Alpine slide - Youngsters who like slides will jump for joy to ride the alpine slide at the Snow King resort. After riding the chairlift up the mountain, kids barrel down the pipe on a sled to the base of the hill.
Gondola ride - If hiking isn't in the cards, a gondola trip up to the top of Teton Village will give everyone a sublime view of the valley and afar.
Horseback ride - Lil buckaroos can saddle up for an old-fashioned trail ride through the parks with the opportunity to see wildlife, nature and get some grub along the way.

To see the rest of the exciting activities, just read more.

Boat cruise - Surrounded by scenic lakes, visitors can schedule an early morning boat cruise and watch the mist lift off the waters, dine on a delectable breakfast, and sip on "cowboy coffee." People who don't enjoy early wake-up calls may fancy the idea of a dinner cruise instead.
Whitewater rafting - The Snake River runs right by the town of Jackson and has rip-roaring rapids on which local float companies have the pleasure of entertaining thrill seeking visitors.
Hiking - Whether it's a 30-minute hike or a 10-mile expedition, there's a trail for everyone in the area. From a steep incline up the Snow King right in town to a quest around Jenny Lake, trekkers will be in awe of the beauty that surrounds them.
Rodeo - From June to August, the rodeo comes to town and brings all the bells and whistles with it. All through the Summer, the town gathers on Wednesday and Sunday nights for a lil ropin' and bull riding.
Town square shoot out - Every day at 6 p.m., there's an old fashioned western shoot out under the antler arches right in the heart of Jackson. Kiddos will get a kick out of the costumes and parents will like the free price tag!
Biking - People can hike and boat around the area but visitors can also rent bikes and explore paths, rivers and pedal around town while getting a little exercise.
Fishing - All the rivers and streams provide endless fishing opportunities for line throwing families. A fly fisherman's paradise, visitors can float or simply cast into the magnificent bodies of water and hope for a nibble or two.

When it comes to an action packed vacation, there's hardly a better place than Jackson Hole, WY to provide outdoor fun for everyone.
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