First Family Holiday

We returned earlier this evening from our first family holiday with the boys and I decided to write this now while it is fresh in my mind… and also because I have a sneaky feeling tonight is going to be a nightmare sleeping night for little Max who kipped just a little too much on our way home. I have had to sssshhh, pat, pat him every 30min since he went down and he is not settling - so may as well stay up and wait another hour before hopping into my cosy bed for a proper sleep.

So first family holiday was awesome – I LOVED it and cannot wait to do it again. Next time I will take 2 days to pack and prepare rather than the one full day it took me this time and next time I will be more prepared for a few little surprises.

So what did I learn? Bear with me (making lists is like some kind of weird therapy for me)

1.     When doing a near 8 hour drive with a 2 yr old and 4yr old leave at 2 in the morning so that they sleep for as least 4 of the hours because otherwise you in for trouble.

2.     Don’t give your children choc milk on a long road trip because when they projectile vomit it - it stains and smells really bad.

3.     Pack 2 extra changes of clothes in easy to reach places.

4.     Have two packs of wet wipes handy at all times – strap it to your forehead if you have to.

5.     Keep a large rubbish packet handy - unless you particularly like the “stray dogs attacked your rubbish bag and then dumped it all in your car” look.

6.     Take air freshener in the car – it gets rather manky in there.

7.     After “Mamma” and “Dadda” teach your children to say “Vomit” so that you at least have some warning before the chaos.

8.     Keep change handy for the pay toilets – its worth it.

9.     Pack throat lozenges because you’ll need it - 8hrs is a lot of story telling, playing eye spy, and singing and not to mention the occasional tongue-lashing in order to keep the peace. It all takes its toll.

10.  Have a cold alcoholic beverage ready near the top of the boot so that you can drink it while unpacking.

It certainly was a challenge but was it worth it? – YES INDEED! Hole in the Wall accommodation was a little on the rustic side as far as my usual choice in holiday destinations but I am learning that everything is what you make of it and it was perfect for us – I really loved my long weekend away and really and truly look forward to going back!  The scenery there is absolutely out of this world - am truly grateful that we can access this so freely.

It was such a treat to spend 3 days with my Mom and Brother – I thank God for the extended family that surrounds these two boys, what a blessing they are.  This entry is dedicated to Uncle Adriaan who is moving to Cape Town tomorrow – we will miss you so much and can’t wait to visit you there.

xxx