Traveling toddler

Zoe left this morning to go to Utah with Kevin's mom for a week. Kevin's mom is watching Paton and Charlotte for a week and wanted Zoe to tag along so Paton would have someone to play with. I have been getting ready for the trip all week. Talking to Zoe about flying (she flies a lot so at least that isn't new) and about being with Nana. Then there is packing for a 3 year old to be away for a week. It is one thing when I travel with her. I think I have family packing down to a science. But solo packing for a child...harder than I thought it would be. First there was the easy stuff. Clothes packed in daily pouches. A bag of extra socks, panties, and hair bows. And Pullups for overnight.

Then comes the tougher stuff. Personal things to make the trip easier. Of course Charly Bear had to make the trip. Her blanket to keep her warm on the flight. Then came a few of her items from ot that help her self calm if she needs them. Her camera, some toys, snacks, suckers, and a sippy cup. We also had a notarized medical release form, insurance cards, and identification paperwork. All things I think are essential when having someone else watch your child. Everything fit in her child size roller bag and child size backpack (except her pediasure which had to be checked...so it went in Nana's bag). Those bags are small. But I got it all to fit. And got them to the airport and stayed until they went through security.

Then tonight I put Wyatt in his room. And he cried. Not a Little. And not his normal bedtime fuss. So I went back in to check on him. He was standing in his crib pointing to Zoe's bed and crying. They are the best of buds. And his partner in crime was missing. I cuddled with him awhile. But he just wanted to point at her bed. So we went and played with puzzles, had a glass of milk, sang a few songs, and read a few books. Bedtime was hours late tonight. But who cares? Not me. Wyatt misses Zoe. A few extra kisses and some more time with mommy...it didn't hurt him. He doesn't understand why she is gone or when she is coming back. He has been looking for her all day.


I started this yesterday and am not going back to change it...so...she left on Saturday.


Today (Sunday), Wyatt continued to look for Zoe, but he is having great fun playing with some of her favorite toys and getting extra attention. 

We went to a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese today.  Consider this notice:  Zoe and Wyatt are not allowed to go to Chuck E. Cheese ever.  That was terrible.  I mean, the kids all had fun.  But the adults all looked like they needed to get a babysitter for the kids and leave for the night.  Frankie's Fun Park, the Aquarium, the Zoo, the park....anything is better than Chuck E. Cheese.


My packing list for future reference
The Panda Suitcase and Backpack

Here is a list of things I packed in the Backpack:
Comfort Items:
Charly Bear
Pullups for nap time on the plane

Food:
Dried Fruit
Cereal Bars
Empty Sippy Cup
Straws
Lollipops

Toys:
Colorforms
Lacing Cards Just a few with one lace
Magnetic Chutes and Ladders - I don't know where I found this, but it is awesome
Crayola Color Wonder Markers and Paper
Elmo Alphabet Cards
Headphones for the DVD player/music (packed in Nana's bag)
Camera

Important Papers:
(an absolute must, packed in a plastic bag just in case something spills or the bag gets wet)
Notarized Medical Release Form
Insurance Cards
Passport (or birth certificate)

The suitcase:
Pink blanket
8 outfits including panties, socks and hair bows
3 pairs of pjs
flip flops
Swimsuit
Pullups for a week
two sweaters and one sweatshirt
Toothbrush, hairbrush, ect