Coming home from Maui sucks!

We really loved our first real vacation as a family. Going on vacation with the baby was not as hard as I thought it was going to be, and the time with the family alone was really nice… no distractions. Marley did so well. Even with all the car rides, which she hates now, and all the sand in her face and mouth, she was so good. We never had any problems doing anything with her. There were some obstacles, however that you need to know how to deal with.

1. Taking baby to the beach- This is easier said than done. You really need to be prepared for all the things that can and will happen once you find arrive and the beach. You need to go early to make sure that you can get a good parking spot, and prime beach location. Try to find a beach that has public restrooms and showers… you WILL need them later. If it is possible find a nice shady spot by a palm tree or something. We brought the little baby tent, which is invaluable on a beach trip. This tent will keep off the sun, sand, wind, bugs. The tent is a must. Be sure to bring all the baby’s stuff too. Especially sunblock.
2. Traveling in the Car- Make sure to have a sun shade or something like a towel or blanket to put up to keep out the sun in the day… and car lights at night. Have some toys as well for the baby to play with in the car. I found out that if you are planning on going on long drive, do so soon after the baby eats and just before she is ready to take a nap, so she will sleep most of the time.
3. Going out to eat- Feed the baby right before you get to the restaurant, then when you get there, the baby will want to play and be happy… by the time your food comes she will be ready to sleep, so you can enjoy your meal in peace.
4. Going down to the pool- Bring all the stuff you normally need. Also bring the tent, if possible bring down the fold up swing that will fit inside the tent. This will keep the baby occupied or put her to sleep while you lounge in the sun or take a dip in the pool.

These are just some of the things that you need to be prepared for when you go on a trip. Most of all, just always be prepared.

Here is a list of things that you should have for a beach vacation

1. Sunblock- Be sure to apply every hour or so. They make stickers now for the kids that turn color when it time to apply more sunblock
2. Those grass woven beach mats- They cost less than $2 bucks, and sand doesn’t stick to them
3. Beach towel- duh
4. Towel Stakes- will prove invaluable on a windy beach. You are always getting sand flipped everywhere and something to hold the towel in place would be nice
5. Lots of water
6. Big beach umbrella- be sure to stick in in the sand really far, or you’ll be chasing it down the beach
7. Little Tent- to keep the baby in the shade
8. Games and Magazines- because I get board just sitting there
9. Most importantly, a HUGE bag to fit every thing into- it’s nice just throw everything in the bag when you need to leave in a hurry