Solo Mom: Adventures in vacationing

Spring break: I remember when that was a time for me to go out, cut loose, and have fun. Now it’s a time to stress about where to put the kids when school is out.

Luckily, there are lots of track-out camp options in the area, but I needed some fun too. So this year, I thought I’d brave taking them on vacation.

Taking two children on a plane sounded like a fantastic way to lose my sanity so we didn't go far. I think that until they both reach an age where they are more afraid of losing me than I of them, I will stick to the road trips. We brought an assortment of toys and books for the car, but snacks proved to be the best entertainment.

Off to Myrtle Beach we went. Lucky for me, my daughter still enjoys taking her younger brother with her on the kiddie rides. I had a blast taking photos of them laughing and getting along – for future blackmail of course – and NOT having to squeeze into those rides myself!

Also, smartly planned, was hitting the beach when it was too cold to actually swim in the ocean. Don’t get me wrong – we splashed in the pool for hours, but the pool is far less scary than the ocean when it comes to wrangling two small children, one of whom doesn’t swim at all. Playing in the sand is far less dangerous when the kids have no desire to run off into the waves.

We saw a dinner show, which the kids absolutely loved. It’s always good to have them entertained during a meal, as it offers me the chance to have both hands free to eat my own dinner. Of course, we did plenty of shopping, which also gave me another opportunity to teach my oldest about money. Each child had a budget for spending, and my daughter was responsible for tracking her own (my son is only two; his time will come).

And then I found myself in a bathroom with no changing table. It's hard to believe they still exist, especially in such a family friendly destination. No problem. I carry a pad that I can lay on the sink counter if necessary.

What I didn’t count on was those automatic soap dispensers! What great fun for my son to find himself covered in foamy soap … ha! And, if the restaurant was upset they had to refill their soap, well, perhaps they will consider putting in a changing table.