For bribe items I head to the dollar store and buy mass quanities of stuff. Office supplies, toys, etc. and then let Ellie go crazy with them. That way I don't spend much, don't care what gets lost or left behind, and get enough stuff to last the whole trip. I am so excited for you and know you are going to have a great experience. I mean for $15 a ticket how can you not? Just soak it all up and, knowing you, you will find all sorts of treasures. Bring a smaller empty suitcase or duffle inside your suitcase that you can fill with your larger finds. From a happy pessimist: bravo on the lowered expectations...it makes actual life so much better! Safe travels.
I just realized I'd been clicking the wrong 'comments' button for your last three posts, so they are all mixed up. Sorry!
I would love to see that castle. I would go to castles and cathedrals all day if I went to Europe. No, wait. Let me think positively. WHEN I go to Europe.
You are my kind of traveler. I do like to have a general idea of some of the things I'd be sad if I missed, but other than that...I'm all about the easy going experience. Although, I do like to know where I'm sleeping at night, I discovered back packing through Europe.
Since I can't get you on the phone or e-mail, just remember to look for matching dirndls for the girls. Some are handmade. They are the long dresses with aprons. So cute.
Love the military space available! We went to Hawaii doing that when I was a teenager. We went on a KC-135 - a Tanker so it was huge. The jumpseats weren't very comfortable but for the price, you definitely can't beat it! Have a great trip!
We were to leave for Ireland on Sun. but found out yesterday that my father-in-law (who was coming with my mother-in-law to watch the kids) was in the hospital. So, our trip is postponed indefinitely :( Have fun for me too!
I have lucked out taking redeye flights back to Utah, so mostly the kids slept and we flew with JetBlue who has TV screens on the back of each seat, so the kids had free tv to watch too! Hope you trip is a blast. I would love to go to Germany- I too studied it in school. The food should be real good and the chocolate of course! Good luck with the flight!!! My son is really into Legos, not sure if your gilrs are, but that could be something to take along on the flight and easy too! I am sure you found all kinds of prizes to take along.
Your trip sounds like it is going to be great! I think it is great that your traveling without a huge agenda! That is my kind of vacation. Have a safe, and wonderful time creating memories with your family.
One little airplane trick that works for my boys is masking tape. They pull down their trays and make picture after picture on the tray, seat, window, each other. It is great. Quiet, cheap, and easy to clean up. Plus it is not something I let them play with at home so it seems like a big treat to them! Good luck and have a blast on your trip!
I wouldn't be too worried about losing your kids. But, if you are, write your ss# or phone # on the bottom of their feet, a little less conspicuous than the arm, but still helpful.
I think if you just take it easy, seems like you will have lots of time there, that you will be able to do all that you have on your list.
For food in Germany, definitely try weinerschnitzel (I hope I spelled that right), it is basically a breaded pork and it is really good. Also try and get some apple strudel! YUM!! Don't forget the schneeballs either! So good, especially the chocolate filled ones!
oh kristi i loved germany and everything in europe really...but i am with you...having low expectations suddenly make your trip magical...do you have to live in the east coast to get deals like this??? let me know for sure please....e mail me...claudissima@cox.net. and any tips...well i just think when you speak to your children the way you do, travel takes care of the rest...it is such an awesome tool...for the trip...i've never flown that way, but sure wouldn't mind doing it....for the price.
awesome flight benefit! sounds like it could be an adventure.. we aren't big travellers.. not that we wouldn't like to be.. I love your expectations.. eat some chocolate for me! have a great time.. be safe! have fun singing on the tour! that sounds like so much fun!
Kristi, I am so excited for you -- this trip is going to be so great! I can't wait to hear about it when you get back. I just saw that you commented on my "brother & sister" picture -- thanks! I love to take pictures, but my camera is pretty cruddy. I'm scoping out eBay for a better one.
1:54 PM
Anonymous said...
Kristi, I can't wait to hear about your experience with military stand-by and what type of plane they put you on. What an adventure...and I love your low expectations, it should be a great trip!
I love that you are braving Europe WITH kids. What a memory to make. And your realistic expectations are definitely a lesson to me. I can't wait to hear how it goes!
Kristi, Something you can do with all your dollar store finds (that my friend does on long flights) is wrap them up in wrapping paper, and every hour or two, let them open up a "present"!
The military has some amazing deals. We actually got our Disney passes through some friends it was seriously a steal!! Only problem you have to know someone. How exciting to venture out to Europe. Some things we have done to help with kid travel is my 4 year old suddenly loves music. YOu can get a cheap cd player at Walmart for like 9.99. That entertained for a while. Of course colors, movies, etc. But it sounds like you already got those. Another thing I learned when flying besides giving them candy is wrapping up in expensive gifts and giving one per hour. Just a thought. Anyways I am rambling. Have a fun time!! I hope to be there with my family someday :)
Kristi, I am so excited about your European adventure! I hope all goes well and you do not have to sleep in the airport. I hope you get to see castles and cathedrals AND eat lots of good food, go to a grocery store, and just meander. I love to just walk around and take everything in. Can't wait to hear about it and see the photos!!
Oh my! You are going to have so much fuN! Neuschwanstein is such a magical place - your girls are going to be in heaven. btw.. It's a bit of a hike up to see it - so be prepared - they have a shuttle though! Good luck with the stand-by military flight - you're a brave woman. Happy travels and have fun :-)
I think you and Jeff are amazing for taking this trip with all the kids. It really is such a great opportunity though and I know you'll have a great time. It's a good thing you two are easygoing parents and have been training your girls with a year of D.C. outings. Have fun!!
That is a great military perk, and the castle is amazing. I hope your girls are sleeping beauties on the plane! I have not flown with children, so no advice from me.
What a brilliantly clever way to get to Europe! I'd never thought that J's military connections would work so much in your favour like that. Hurrah!
It's all going to be FAAAAAB!!! Just to see your girls' faces will be priceless. The different languages in themselves will, I hope, totally fascinate them and I also hope it plants a seed in AK to travel and learn many languages and cultures as she grows up.
I hope you all have a fantastic time together! xx
5:27 PM
Anonymous said...
I'm so excited for your trip and just a little sad that I'm not able to make myself small enough to fit into your suitcase. Take it all in, laugh, love, eat, view, interact, sing and have a great time.
5:47 PM
[Image] European Expectations
So, this is so me. Last minute getting ready for something big. We are getting ready for our family trip. Barb, asked me what prompted this trip and how we chose to go to Germany. Money! We are flying Space Available - Military travel so it is about $15.01 round trip. (it is going to be a crazy adventure for sure - get ready for some crazy posts of us sleeping in the airport) We just got our car rental for 2 weeks through the military base and it was so cheap! We really are not big planners when it comes to trips that just involve us - we are more show up and check out the scene type of people. I did buy a German translation book at the book store yesterday - dang I wish I would have paid attention more to my 3 years of German in high school and college! What I am the most excited about is just seeing something different than I know. To teach my children and myself there are other ways of living and doing things. While my husband wants to visit the museums and castles, I more want to walk up and down streets with vegetables and flowers for sale, see great toys shops, eat chocolate and see inside a grocery store. I am very excited about going to church. How fun to got to our church website and punch in the country and city and find where to go. I hope it works out as I think this will be memorable for the kids. But all and all my expectations are quite low. I have taught myself to not get too excited about things and then be disappointed in the end that it was not all that my little mind dreamed up. So here is a list of my European Expectations, so I can come back and check them off to see how the trip went. get there (this is huge since you just show up at the airport the day of to hopefully get on a plane)eat some great food - my thoughts are chocolate or something with sauerkraut and sausage.not lose my kids. my friend went to Spain last year and her husband wrote their phone number on their kids arms real big with a black sharpie. bring an item home that will remind us of our trip. i will be on the hunt for a kid friendly nativity - I am a gift shopaholic so I will be exercising some serious self control (Chanel your comment was timely)sing the hills are alive on the Sound of Music tour with my girls dancing (thanks for the great idea) and last - return home. (again showing up at the airport hoping to get on a plane) Really that is about it. Pretty easy to please'
Today I need to get bribery items for the long plane ride and potential sleeping on the airport floor, finish packing, get tickets to the above castle (I think Caroline thinks we are going to actually see Sleeping Beauty) Feel free to share any travel ideas that have worked for you and your family
posted by everything pink! at 7:10 AM on Jul 20, 2007
Untitled
32 Comments -
For bribe items I head to the dollar store and buy mass quanities of stuff. Office supplies, toys, etc. and then let Ellie go crazy with them. That way I don't spend much, don't care what gets lost or left behind, and get enough stuff to last the whole trip. I am so excited for you and know you are going to have a great experience. I mean for $15 a ticket how can you not? Just soak it all up and, knowing you, you will find all sorts of treasures. Bring a smaller empty suitcase or duffle inside your suitcase that you can fill with your larger finds. From a happy pessimist: bravo on the lowered expectations...it makes actual life so much better! Safe travels.
8:12 AM
Have fun in Europe! What a blast! Stay safe!
8:22 AM
Such a great picture of your three little girls. They are so great.
8:32 AM
I just realized I'd been clicking the wrong 'comments' button for your last three posts, so they are all mixed up. Sorry!
I would love to see that castle. I would go to castles and cathedrals all day if I went to Europe. No, wait. Let me think positively. WHEN I go to Europe.
8:35 AM
You are my kind of traveler. I do like to have a general idea of some of the things I'd be sad if I missed, but other than that...I'm all about the easy going experience. Although, I do like to know where I'm sleeping at night, I discovered back packing through Europe.
Have so much fun!!!
8:44 AM
oh my gosh. this sounds like a fun trip!
when we were at disney, i had jack wear a button every day with his name and my name & phone number on it.
8:50 AM
Since I can't get you on the phone or e-mail, just remember to look for matching dirndls for the girls. Some are handmade. They are the long dresses with aprons. So cute.
9:15 AM
Love the military space available! We went to Hawaii doing that when I was a teenager. We went on a KC-135 - a Tanker so it was huge. The jumpseats weren't very comfortable but for the price, you definitely can't beat it! Have a great trip!
We were to leave for Ireland on Sun. but found out yesterday that my father-in-law (who was coming with my mother-in-law to watch the kids) was in the hospital. So, our trip is postponed indefinitely :( Have fun for me too!
9:25 AM
I have lucked out taking redeye flights back to Utah, so mostly the kids slept and we flew with JetBlue who has TV screens on the back of each seat, so the kids had free tv to watch too!
Hope you trip is a blast. I would love to go to Germany- I too studied it in school. The food should be real good and the chocolate of course!
Good luck with the flight!!! My son is really into Legos, not sure if your gilrs are, but that could be something to take along on the flight and easy too! I am sure you found all kinds of prizes to take along.
9:28 AM
Have a great time!! I lived there for four years as a child and remember just a little bit.
I would go to the Dollar store and get some fun stuff for kids.
also Walmart has crayons for .20 and colored pencils for .88 My kids love this stuff.
9:30 AM
When we travel I dress them all the same. Bold colors - it is so easy to watch them at all times!
Have so much fun!
9:46 AM
Your trip sounds like it is going to be great! I think it is great that your traveling without a huge agenda! That is my kind of vacation. Have a safe, and wonderful time creating memories with your family.
9:48 AM
One little airplane trick that works for my boys is masking tape. They pull down their trays and make picture after picture on the tray, seat, window, each other. It is great. Quiet, cheap, and easy to clean up. Plus it is not something I let them play with at home so it seems like a big treat to them! Good luck and have a blast on your trip!
10:43 AM
I wouldn't be too worried about losing your kids. But, if you are, write your ss# or phone # on the bottom of their feet, a little less conspicuous than the arm, but still helpful.
I think if you just take it easy, seems like you will have lots of time there, that you will be able to do all that you have on your list.
For food in Germany, definitely try weinerschnitzel (I hope I spelled that right), it is basically a breaded pork and it is really good. Also try and get some apple strudel! YUM!! Don't forget the schneeballs either! So good, especially the chocolate filled ones!
Ok, have fun!!!
11:29 AM
oh kristi i loved germany and everything in europe really...but i am with you...having low expectations suddenly make your trip magical...do you have to live in the east coast to get deals like this??? let me know for sure please....e mail me...claudissima@cox.net. and any tips...well i just think when you speak to your children the way you do, travel takes care of the rest...it is such an awesome tool...for the trip...i've never flown that way, but sure wouldn't mind doing it....for the price.
11:42 AM
claudia - anyone can get this deal, all you have to do is join the military!
we have got to take advantage of every benefit we have...
11:57 AM
awesome flight benefit! sounds like it could be an adventure.. we aren't big travellers.. not that we wouldn't like to be.. I love your expectations.. eat some chocolate for me! have a great time.. be safe! have fun singing on the tour! that sounds like so much fun!
1:47 PM
Kristi,
I am so excited for you -- this trip is going to be so great! I can't wait to hear about it when you get back. I just saw that you commented on my "brother & sister" picture -- thanks! I love to take pictures, but my camera is pretty cruddy. I'm scoping out eBay for a better one.
1:54 PM
Kristi, I can't wait to hear about your experience with military stand-by and what type of plane they put you on. What an adventure...and I love your low expectations, it should be a great trip!
2:13 PM
I love that you are braving Europe WITH kids. What a memory to make. And your realistic expectations are definitely a lesson to me. I can't wait to hear how it goes!
2:33 PM
Kristi,
Something you can do with all your dollar store finds (that my friend does on long flights) is wrap them up in wrapping paper, and every hour or two, let them open up a "present"!
2:50 PM
Have a wonderful time-- I absolutely love Europe.
3:07 PM
There are great toy shops in Salzburg. A favorite toy of my kids are the wooden ones that walk down the ramp. You will see them. Have a great time!
3:08 PM
The military has some amazing deals. We actually got our Disney passes through some friends it was seriously a steal!! Only problem you have to know someone. How exciting to venture out to Europe. Some things we have done to help with kid travel is my 4 year old suddenly loves music. YOu can get a cheap cd player at Walmart for like 9.99. That entertained for a while. Of course colors, movies, etc. But it sounds like you already got those.
Another thing I learned when flying besides giving them candy is wrapping up in expensive gifts and giving one per hour. Just a thought. Anyways I am rambling. Have a fun time!! I hope to be there with my family someday :)
3:28 PM
What a great plan! What is military travel? I need to get in on that one. Have a super time!
3:50 PM
Kristi, I am so excited about your European adventure! I hope all goes well and you do not have to sleep in the airport. I hope you get to see castles and cathedrals AND eat lots of good food, go to a grocery store, and just meander. I love to just walk around and take everything in. Can't wait to hear about it and see the photos!!
7:34 PM
Oh my! You are going to have so much fuN! Neuschwanstein is such a magical place - your girls are going to be in heaven. btw.. It's a bit of a hike up to see it - so be prepared - they have a shuttle though! Good luck with the stand-by military flight - you're a brave woman. Happy travels and have fun :-)
9:30 PM
Have a great trip! I hope everything goes well with the travel. I know you guys will have a wonderful time!
11:27 PM
I think you and Jeff are amazing for taking this trip with all the kids. It really is such a great opportunity though and I know you'll have a great time. It's a good thing you two are easygoing parents and have been training your girls with a year of D.C. outings. Have fun!!
12:22 AM
That is a great military perk, and the castle is amazing. I hope your girls are sleeping beauties on the plane! I have not flown with children, so no advice from me.
12:50 AM
What a brilliantly clever way to get to Europe! I'd never thought that J's military connections would work so much in your favour like that. Hurrah!
It's all going to be FAAAAAB!!!
Just to see your girls' faces will be priceless. The different languages in themselves will, I hope, totally fascinate them and I also hope it plants a seed in AK to travel and learn many languages and cultures as she grows up.
I hope you all have a fantastic time together! xx
5:27 PM
I'm so excited for your trip and just a little sad that I'm not able to make myself small enough to fit into your suitcase. Take it all in, laugh, love, eat, view, interact, sing and have a great time.
5:47 PM