A Treatise on Traveling with Toddler

Our private beach

Yes, folks, we went on a family vacation trip. Finally. I realized I haven't been away on vacation since before Elinor was born. We contemplated Maine and camping, but realized that the drive alone would've been the end of us, never mind sharing a 2 person tent with a snoring, tossing child who has a tendency to wake up with a loaded diaper. That sort of trip may be a few years down the road instead. But I really had my heart set on the beach though, so we settled on Cape Cod. We found a place in North Truro (far up the Cape, basically the wrist) with a kitchen so we could make breakfast and lunch and save a bit of money. It was beautifully set right on the bay with a view of Provincetown. The tide came in right to the steps of the private beach. Perfect and relaxing. Even Andrew had to admit to this.

Nudist beach?

We saw seals here.

Ellie had a taste of the bayside beach and then the next day, the ocean beach. The happy fish in the water of last summer seems to have disappeared as she clung to our necks, screaming bloody murder as we waded into the water. It was pretty cold though so that might have something to do with it...

Hehe, hey Ma, how come you and Daddy are turning red?

Gosh, this sand is EVERYWHERE!

Sand occupied us for a time as did throwing rocks into the water. We saw seals, sailboats, seashells, and a Sienese inspired monument. My roommate from Siena flew out for the day from Boston to visit. It was such a treat and so nice to fall back into our usual banter despite 9 years. We met her again in Boston to visit the Aquarium there. Ellie was fascinated with the main tank full of tropical fish, sting rays, sea turtles and sharks. We adults were too.

Hold on, Dada so Tower baby can't fall off tower!

Summer has been quiet so far, but moving quickly. I've been trying to adjust Ellie to a more relaxed and later bedtime routine in the hopes of getting her to sleep in a bit more. Somedays it works. I feel like I shouldn't advertise it much but since traveling with Elinor and being home with her more, I can't help but admire how easy going she is. Sure, there are those days where nothing seems to entertain her for more than 5 minutes or she'll eat nothing but blueberries or strawberries. I'm amazed at her ability to be excited by anything, seeing it for the first time or not. Her joy knows no limits. Just watching her observe her world is captivating and inspiring. She is so open and friendly, waves at people now unprompted, sometimes even blows kisses. Half our time spent at the playground is watching the other kids play while perched halfway up the ladder.

I love, love, love, love strawberries! Yum! Hey wait! Where did they all go?!

Having a toddler gives you reason to remember what you loved to do when you were a child. It gives you reason to take delight in your senses, your body, in life.