After returning from a trip…

…It was so nice not to have to run out to the grocery store for breakfast essentials! Before leaving, I had purchased a half gallon of organic milk with an expiration date one month from now, so we were all set for breakfast this morning. (Organic milk seems to spoil a bit faster than regular milk once the seal has been broken, but has a much longer shelf life before opening.) I also had a loaf of pumpkin bread in the freezer that I plopped into the fridge last night, so our non-cereal lovers were able to enjoy some of that. Now if I had only remembered to buy some OJ before our trip…

Some other traveling notes off the top of my head:

-Flying Southwest was great! On-time departures and arrivals both ways were the highlight (they are very efficient!), as well as no baggage fees (we could pack a suitcase of gifts!) and a flight crew with a great sense of humor. We haven’t flown Southwest in quite a while, so maybe our experience was not the norm, but for now I have nothing but positive things to say!

-When flying a couple of days before Christmas, it is essential to make a parking reservation. I did NOT do this and we ended up having to park valet at one of the local parking lots – not a bad deal in the end (under $10 a day with the coupon), but I learned my lesson.

-Spending time with extended family is wonderful. Even though all of my parenting flaws seem to be amplified when living under the same roof as family members who only see my children a couple of times a year :), I am always amazed by the love and attention lavished upon us and our children during these times. Truly, I am very grateful to have others who can celebrate the positives in my children, and who have new suggestions on how to deal with the not-so-positives.

-Kids love the beach! Even though it was too cold to swim, our children loved playing in the sand – they actually played together for hours on end and enjoyed each other’s company. I think that the sound of the waves lulled them into a state of relaxation, and that fresh salty air caused them to sleep well at night! Maybe we need to consider a move to the coast 🙂

Happy New Year’s Eve to all of our dear readers!