My kids remember everything.  We mentioned that we may stop at Dunkin Donuts on the way out of town which we forgot to do.  It took all of our attention and energy just to get the bags and little people in the car.  I only had to return to the house once.  After lunch my son announced we never got the donuts!  He was outraged and called us liars.

Men can -and are happy to travel long distances without saying a word.  My husband made it across the entire Ohio turnpike without speaking.  Children, however, cannot remain quiet for very long which is why I was glad I had my Ipod to listen to.  My children also never napped which is why I pretended I was.

When you vacation with large groups of people your children will do things you never thought you’d let them do.  Here, try filling in the blank “I would never let my child ____________.”  And sure enough, after three days you do.

Going on vacation with children is really not all that relaxing.

It takes awhile to get used to the isolation of the country: no bars on my cellphone, no computer (except at the library) and no television, radio or Chicago Tribune delivered to your door.  I tell myself that taking a break from all media is a good thing.  And, for the kids it is.  They haven’t asked to watch tv once and today when it rained we worked on puzzles for hours.