Henry in Hawaii

Lindsay Bell — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 17:33:39 +0000

When your parents offer to take you to Maui, you don’t turn it down, even if it you have to travel all that way with a very energetic 14-month old! Bob and I thought long and hard about how we were going to keep Henry happy, comfortable, and entertained for a 15 hour travel day. We purchased him his own seat, bought new toys and books for the airplane ride, planned our lunch/dinner breaks, and trained him to want to watch Bubble Guppies quietly on our iPads (even though I said I’d never be “that parent”!)—you’re welcome, fellow passengers. The anticipation for the trip was far worse than what actually transpired. The first half of the trip from Chicago to LA was the hardest part. Henry wanted to sleep but it was a daytime flight with a lot of announcements and movement in the plane. Oh well! We met up with my parents and brother and sister-in-law in LA and Henry was pumped to see his family! Everyone took a turn running with him around the airport and keeping him entertained. Bob and I appreciated the help! The second half he slept the whole way–way to go, Hank!

Henry on his first plane ride!

Henry surprisingly adjusted to the time difference with no problems. I think he knew that he had a fun day at the pool planned and didn’t want to miss it. Traveling with a child definitely changes the dynamic of a vacation, but it’s an entirely different kind of fun. Watching him splash around in the pool and play in the sand was awesome. He had a blast and never wanted to get out of the pool. The most challenging part was getting him to sit still long enough to lather him up with sunscreen! We visited the Maui Aquarium, took long walks on the beach, and went to some really cool parts of Maui–Henry loved it all! Especially all the whales jumping out of the water.

Henry splish splashin’

Thanks to the concierge in Maui, we were hooked up with the Lucky Lil Darlings of Maui called The Nanny Connection. They provided us with two amazing sitters for our time in Hawaii. I was so thankful for Andrea and Audrey so that we could go out for dinner and have some child-free adult time! My uncle Bill came from Oahu to visit us in Maui. It was so great to see him after 3 years! Henry immediately bonded with him and the two formed a fast friendship. We can’t wait to go back and visit him again soon! Everyone in Hawaii was so friendly and accommodating to us. We LOVED it there and can’t believe the trip is over!

Henry soaking up the last bit of sun before heading back to chilly Chicago

Getting back to Chicago in the middle of the “Polar Vortex” was challenging. Our flight from LA to Chicago was cancelled on Sunday and we had to find a hotel room in LA for the night. I’ve never been so thankful for having such a “chill” child. He handled the travel delays and change of plans/airlines like a champ. My husband wanted to get home but I enjoyed the extra day in the sun. We were able to meet up with an old friend in Manhattan Beach for lunch and enjoyed the unavoidable travel delay. Despite not having a good rest in over 15 hours, Henry enjoyed himself too! I’m so proud and thankful for his calm, happy demeanor. He made a really stressful, chaotic situation tolerable.

We’re back in cold Chicago and getting back into our regular routine! Aloha!

-Maureen is a sitter2mom, our Chicago City Coordinator, and proud mother of Henry!

P.S. Post-it Notes are an awesome quiet activity for a toddler. Henry stuck those things ALL OVER! (Mahalo, Cosette and all those who provided us with entertainment).

New York Nanny Center » maui

Henry in Hawaii