Folks, we are in the month of July. JULY! And just like every single year, the summer seems to be zipping along way too quickly for my liking. The promise of long, hazy days and relaxing nights on the patio will soon pass with a snap of the finger, leaving me to wonder where the time went – and exactly how I spent it.
This year, I’ve had a revelation of sorts. You see, I’m really good at making plans for all I want to do… but I always let life get in the way, and then fall short. NOT. THIS. SUMMER. This season, I’ve made a commitment to my family that we will seize every weekend and get out, enjoy the weather, take a dip in a pool, do something different, try something new, capture the memories, spend time together… you get my drift.
The summer fun is already underway. After spending a luxury weekend getaway at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, and then following up with a Day of Discovery with Renaissance Hotels (including two awesome days at Ripley’s Aquarium!), we’re off to Canada’s Wonderland this Friday, to be followed up with a weekend (and anniversary!) getaway to our favourite northern destination, the JW Marriott Muskoka. After that, we’re taking in an advanced screening of Planes: Fire & Rescue, followed by a visit to African Lion Safari, a dinner and tournament at Medieval Times… an epic family trip to Disneyland, California… and whatever else pops up in between. And, that’s just over the next few weeks.
See? I’ve made good on my word, and will continue to do so.
So besides patience, what else will I pack this summer? I’ve found that when travelling with children, there are quite a few essentials that help make the trip – and overall experience – easier. But if I had to share my #1 Tip, it’s this –
Be Prepared. Like a Boss.
You’ve probably heard this one before, but being prepared is simply the best way to have a successful family vacation. In fact, your only mandate is to anticipate every meltdown, every moment of boredom, every minor accident, and certainly every fight between siblings. If you can do that, everything else is easy-peasy! Sounds overwhelming? It’s not. Just prepare yourself by making a list – directly matching up scenarios and solutions.
Hunger: Crackers and Dried Fruit
Boredom: Tablet or Handheld Gaming Device
Reward for Siblings Not Killing Each Other: Kinder Surprise Eggs*
Funny Tummy: Chewable Probiotics and Candied Ginger
Boredom: Dollar Store Puzzles or Books
Homesick: Blankie and Favourite Toy
Grumpy: A Hug and a Snuggle
Boredom: More Dollar Store Disposables…
* Remember: Be cautious if/when travelling to the US, as Kinder Surprise Eggs are not allowed to cross the border.
The sun is shining, the temperature is rising, and we’re off for a walk to the park before the heat becomes unbearable. Just another way we’re making the most of every day! This summer, I hope you savour every moment and cherish every memory made. Enjoy, friends!
I’m part of the Kinder Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group.
The opinions on this blog are my own.
It still cracks me up everytime I am reminded of that American law! Happy July! :-)
Me too Brandee! It’s so silly! Happy July to you too!
Wishing you and all of your boys a fantastic July! You certainly sound like you’ll be kept busy! Cheers!
Thank you Anne – same to you! Have an amazing summer!
why arent they allowed are they afraid they are storing bad stuff in the egg?
Nope, they consider it a choking hazard :(
So glad I live in Canada. Whats more canadian than a kinder egg, lol
LOL, happy to be Canadian too!
Sounds like you have a fun July planned – enjoy & have fun!!!
Thank you Judy! I’m already kind of wiped out from it!
I found out about the Kinder Egg thing about a year ago, good thing I know. I wonder how many people don’t know about it.
You’re right Ivy – a lot of people may pack them for road trips to the US without knowing!
awesome, we have big plans too!! we’ve already gone swimming and have many plans lined up like lego land and disney!
Sounds absolutely wonderful Shane!
I will be visiting Medieval Times soon, hope it will be fun!
Please let me know what you think!
I love kinder surprise and I’m shocked that you can’t take them across the border
Yup, it’s a silly rule considering hand guns aren’t banned in the US!
don’t ever cross with Kinder eggs. you’re just playing with your life if you do
LMAO!!! Okay that’s funny!
Great tips, Lena! Love how you’ve planned your vacation time with family. Have fun!!
Thanks Marissa! Have a great summer!
The thing that stood out from this post was that Kinders aren’t allowed across the border. I wonder why that is.
They consider it a choking hazard, Victoria :(
you’ve got so many fun things planned! your family will have a blast :-)
Thanks Nicky! Have a great summer!
Love your list – especially the boredom busters LOL
It is odd the Kinder Eggs aren’t allowed in the US – maybe they think they are mini bombs or you are smuggling something inside the eggs – LOL They don’t know what they are missing ! Or do they sell Kinder Eggs in the US ? Now that I have asked I am just going to have to ask some of my US friends if they have ever heard of them ;)
Oh, we always need boredom busters when travelling!
Awww man, we went to Wonderland today (our 4th time this year). Would have been nice to run into you tomorrow. Have fun and enjoy!
Aw, we just missed each other! Hope to see you soon!
cant wait to see all the pictures from Wonderland must have been fun seeing all the bloggers.
Yes! We hung out with one of my BFFs – Diana from Toronto Teacher Mom!
this post makes me wanna go swimming! and eat a kinder egg!
Hahaha mission accomplished!
Wow sounds like a very busy but funfilled could of weeks!
You bet!
Sounds like you are having a great time with the family, enjoy!
It’s been a wonderful summer!
love this
Reward for Siblings Not Killing Each Other: Kinder Surprise Eggs*
LOL yup! Cause I know they’ll try!
love Muskoka of course, haven’t stayed at JW marriot yet!
You are missing out! You NEED to stay there!
We’ve been swimming lots too this summer, never been to Muskoka before though. Wonderland sounds like loads of fun, haven’t been there since my early 20s! lol
Oh Holly so much has changed! Hope you can visit this summer!
What? I have never hears that Kinder Surprise Eggs can’t cross the border! Sounds as if the next few weeks are going to be busy but fun for you and your family. Enjoy making memories together.
It’s true :( But that just means more for us!
Neat ideas. :) Enjoy the summer I know iam with my 4 boys! :)
Lovely! Have a fabulous time!
Doesn’t it always seem no matter how much you feel you have or how prepared you feel you are.. one of them are still complaining about being bored?? We are sooo at this point with Miss K. The minute she stops doing one thing ‘im bored’… or we walk in the door from a day out.. “im bored”.. yes well.. take ur shoes off that’ll keep you busy for 20 seconds…. ugh..
Oh I hear you. I always think I’ve got things to keep them entertained… for about 5 minutes!! UGH.
I haven’t had a chance to take the kids anywhere yet – hopefully before the summer is done.
Hope so Sharlene!
I should have seized a little more summer.
What a wonderful summer you have planned! My husband and I are on our own now; what wonderful times we would have if we took a lesson from you!
You’ve got great ideas and I can’t wait for summer and all the fun stuff that comes with summer
Kinder Surprise Eggs are not allowed to cross the border,they don’t know what their missing !!