First Flight

On our way home from DisneyWorld my husband drove our car back and I flew with the boys.  This Callen's first flight and my first time flying with both boys.  I think we did really well.  I was not too stressed even though I had very little time to buy snacks (I did manage to get some, so crisis averted).  I choose to bring both a stroller and a wrap which worked out great and next time I fly in July I'll do the same.  Using both the stroller and wrap gave me lots of options of holding stuff, boys or both.  When people ask me when flying with kids should they bring a stroller or carrier I always say both.  When you are in an airport with lots of stuff it's nice to have a place to hold your stuff or your kids.  The carrier is great for when the stroller needs to be folded (security or pre-boarding), or when the older child decided they want to ride in the stroller.  I found it easier to have Tavish in the stroller while in the long security line as he can play with a book or game while we wait and this way he's not trying to run around or pull on the ropes in the line (one of his favorite things to do, I don't know how many times he's knocked it down).

All in all we had a great trip with very little issues (aside from bad timing for Callen's digestive movements) but the real test come in July when I fly with them both to Alberta.

 Waiting to get on the plane

Ready for take off

Quick flying tips for flying with kids:

• bring lots of food/snacks - keeps kids occupied and happy (if you can't bring snacks with your make sure that you leave time to buy food while in the airport)
• bring lots of toys and "special" toys or games - we have a Tag which we only use for travel, we also let my older son play with new cars and games on my iPod Touch (while I'd never buy one for my 3 year old, it makes a great toy while traveling and keeps him occupied for long periods of time)
• bring a headset - works great for in flight movies (if there are any) and any loud games (iPod, Tag, DVD player)
• bring new books 
• let kids run around the airport
• bring extra clothes for both you and your little ones (especially if you have a baby prone to blowouts and spit-up
• give yourself lots of time so you can get to your gate, have kids go to the bathroom or changed before your flight and so you won't stress
• bring both a stroller and a carrier so you have lots of options 

Franklyn Institute - Electricity and Flying

When my husband finally convinced me to leave the Giant Heart Exhibit we moved on to Electricity.  This exhibit was shocking - literary - beware the electrostatic ball and passing a camera to your husband (I thought the shock it created wrecked our camera thankfully it was just a shock).  Our whole family has enjoyed this exhibit.  I could not get my husband on the disco dance floor but Tavish and I enjoyed it.  Lots of games and other hands on activities.  I just love this museum.

How much electricity does a magnet create?

Callen's electric stare

Next we moved on to the Franklyn Air Show which was really interesting.  This exhibit is best to hit early in the morning as there are lots of fun hands on activities that could get packed up later in the day.  There are a few extra activities here that looked like fun but cost extra and have height requirements (fighter pilot and flight simulators) but non of our kids met the requirement maybe next time.

Air show time

Tavish loved flying the kite plane

Don't crash

Windy wings

Training on the simulator

Now for the real thing (not really)

Without Daddy - Day 4 (Air and Space - Again)

Today we finally managed to get out of the house and we heading for the Air and Space Museum.  While Callen is only 2 months old it was his third trip to see the planes.  Even though both my boys have been to this museum a few time I still think they really enjoy it, well at least Tavish does Callen is a bit young to care.  However, watching someone see all the planes for the first time is quite an experience, Owen was in awe of all the planes and really liked the space shuttle.  Both boys were really well behaved for the most part, they enjoyed a fun ride on the simulator and lunch at "Old McDonlads" is always a highlight.  I do think the highlight of the trip was our trip to the tower where we got to watch the planes land.  It was really funny listening to Owen yell, " another plane mom, another plane".  Despite the few minor squabbles about the use of the little computers, all and all it was a very very good trip.  

After the Air and Space museum it was time for naps.  Callen was not really into napping but it gave us the perfect opportunity to snap a few pictures of him while Tavish and Owen slept.  The rest of the day was pretty low key which is good as we are going to be pretty busy for the next few days.

 Owen trying to get into the Drayton Paper the Western Review 

 Up Up and Away

Watch it the Space Shuttle is Eating my Head 

Enjoying the Simulator Ride 

 Owen getting his coin

My Computer... 

...No MY computer 

Showing off my New Wrap 

 View of the Planes

Afraid of Heights but still Wanting to Take a Look

 The View from the Top

Auntie's Turn 

 Time for the Boys to have Nightmares - Thank-you Transformers

 This is what I need to get to GP next time... in about an hour

 Group Pic

My Canerican or Ameradian - Technically he's just American but we're working on that :)

Tuesday's Travel Tips - To Stroll or Not To Stroll

When flying with a infant, baby, or toddler should you bring a stroller?  There are a few different answers to this question but for the most part and to always be safe than sorry I highly suggest bringing a stroller for any child under the age of two/two and a half.

I would always bring a stroller if:
-you are travelling without a significant other or help.  If you are alone bring a stroller.
-have more than one plane to catch, especially if there is a long lay over.

I may not bring a stroller if:
-your traveling with help and it's only one flight (bring a carrier for a little baby and something to occupy a toddler.

My first time flying alone with my son, I decided not to bring a stroller, just a carrier but it was much to stressful. Now that he's almost two and a half I'll still bring the stroller anytime I am flying alone with him and most of the time I'm with my husband.  A stroller does so much more than just hold the baby, it can also hold all your stuff (and you tend to have most stuff with kids) when your little ones are running around.

Tips for flying with a stroller:
-don't bring a complex, giant stroller: a small umbrella stroller or other light weight stroller is ideal (I'm a fan of the Combi strollers myself)
-check the car seat: unless you plan on using the car seat in the plane or you have a snap and go stroller, I'd leave (check it or rent one) the car seat, it's one less thing you have to worry about before and after you board the plane
-with 2 kids (not twins) bring a carrier for one child and a stroller for another.  This way you don't have to deal with a giant double stroller but the kids can take turns depending on need (big kid wants to stroll, use carrier for baby, big kid wants to walk then either use the stroller for stuff or the baby)

Second time time Tavish and I flew, I was smarter this time flying with a stroller.   Our Valco strollers a little big and complex to fold for in an airport, I got smarter over time.

Flying with my Combi Stroller (perfect airport stroller) - on the tram to the airport.

Friday's Fabulous Finds - myphones

I don't know about you but there is only so much children's music I can take,  hearing the Hot Dog Dance or Old MacDonald 500 times a trip is not my idea of fun.  We recently  bought our little man his very own set of headphones so we could spare ourselves hours of kids music while on a road trip or flying.  While at Target I was quite surprised at their selection; most kids headphones were cheap looking but not so cheap in price.  I knew they would not last more than one trip with my not so gentle 2 year old and for $19.99 they should last a long time.  Then I came across myphones, there were not cheap  $39.99 (I just found them cheaper at amazon.com for those interested $26.90 on sale today), but they look solid, like they could take a bit of abuse from a toddler and the best part was they have a "always-on Volume Limiter" so I don't have to worry about him playing with the volume control and damaging his ear drums.  Not only are they practical they are cute too, they come with 3 sets of covers (pink, blue, and orange) and templates for your artistic child to decorate as they see fit. They are also adjustable to fit most kids heads.  I am hoping they will last a long time and this will be the only pair I have to buy until he's 10. I'm looking forward to using these again when we embark on our epic 3 plane trip to Alberta, I know they will come in handy for both his iPod (yes we have a shuffle for him, I'm not about to give up space on my iPod for kid music) and the portable DVD player (desperate times call for desperate measures and I'm not opposed to a little TV or movie as a treat especially in the Toronto Airport which I think is the World Worst Airport for kids).

Tavish in his myphones (he fell asleep listening to his music while coming home from a road trip).

More info about myphones can be found at:
http://www.myphoneskids.com/

Disclaimer
This product was purchased with my own money and I have no affiliation with myphones, target or amazon.

Tuesday's Travel Tips - Pregnant Travels

Today's Travel Tip - Flying (Travelling) While Pregnant

A few more tips for those taking longer flights while pregnant:

-drink lots of water to help keep yourself hydrated
-get a seat near a bathroom (with all that extra water your drinking you'll need to get up to use the facilities a few times)
-walk around as much as you can as this help keeps blood in your legs circulating
-check out the back of the plane on international flights.  There is usually food and drinks back there and it's a great place to stretch and walk for a bit.
-bring as little as possible but make sure you have everything you need including a change of underwear and pants (you never know when a sneeze will be an issue)
-if you suffer from morning sickness, bring a toothbrush, some mints and anything that might help keep food down
-most airplane food is not the greatest so pack some food you know you and you'll baby will like

Note: these tips will work for other modes of transportation such as train and bus trips

I'm about 9 weeks pregnant on my Glacier Express Train Trip in Switzerland.