I love road trips. Pre little Z we would pile into a people carrier and make our way down to London for many not so important reasons. If I think about it now Im not even really that sure I can rattle off a list of why we went so often. Any excuse for a big meet up really. Of course that all went out the window when Little Z came along and we “settled down”. Big meet ups are a lot less frequent now unless there’s a genuine big reason.
This weekend presented us with one such big reason so off we went, down South, for a reunion. With Little Z in tow. And of course there are a lot of differences between making a trip to London as a couple and one where you have a toddler with you. The main differences being:
1. Being very pleased at teaching the toddler how to say “London baby!”
2. Regretting it about half an hour into the journey after realising that phrase has already been repeated 35 times.
3. Spending the journey singing songs and plying the toddler with snacks.
4. Being very excited about the girls only meal that’s going to take place that evening. The CHILDLESS girlie meal.
5. Being slightly envious of the kids play areas as your OH later shows you what a good time Little Z had.
6. Being very grateful for the exclusive girlie time nonetheless.
7. Trying and failing to get Little Z to eat a decent meal all weekend
8. Enjoying watching Little Z make friends with the children of the people you’ve been friends with since the age of 5.
9. Trying to get said toddler to sit still for a few minutes with little success.
10. Spending time persuading Little Z that the hotel we’re staying at is actually very nice and he really has no need to be sad or cry about wanting to “goooooo hooooooome!”.
11. Watching toddler take a shine to a random hotel guest at breakfast. Then having to rescue random hotel guest at the point where toddler isn’t letting him pass and instead is trying to run through his legs.
12. Being relieved that random hotel guest finds whole scenario funny.
13. Watching toddler try to follow same random hotel guest as he checks out.
14. Trying to figure out with OH why toddler liked that particular guest so much.
15. Driving home after a brilliant trip pondering whether Little Z is ready for central London yet.
16. Stopping for late lunch and watching toddler polish off a strawberry ice cream sundae at the speed of light.
Glad you enjoyed your time with the girls and that play area looks amazing!!
Chelseamamma recently posted…The A to Z of Me
I really wanted to have a go myself!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
“LONDON BABY!” oh my days we need a video of this, sounds so cute & funny! #magicmoments
Super Busy Mum {Debs} recently posted…Weekly Moments made of Magic!
Hehe I will have to try to record one although we did spend the rest of the weekend trying to make him unlearn it.
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
I want that ice cream sundae! Glad you all had a good time x
The Reading Residence (@ihavecards) recently posted…An Impromptu Outing
It was very nice I have to say.
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
haha..the random guest thing made me chuckle. had that happen so many times!
sarah recently posted…be courageous and brave.
I couldn’t believe it. The poor man 🙂
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Sounds like a great road trip that I think someone might remember for a strawberry sundae!
Coombemill – Fiona recently posted…Creating The Coombe Mill Dream
I think so. I think maybe be might expect this every trip now.
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Ha, know that feeling about the saying something over and over and over and over and over again!!! I want that ice cream btw xx #What’sTheStory
Luci – mother.wife.me recently posted…My Life In Shoes: My first shoes
Today he must have asked us about 35 times where we were going. On a 30 minute journey!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
I totally identify with number #3 “Spending the journey singing songs and plying the toddler with snacks”. Little man loves singing songs and it seems that’s what we do most of our journeys, songs and snacks the whole way through! 🙂 x
Lilinha Espindula recently posted…Pedalling Family Fun at the Lake #MWactive
Snacks are a lifesaver aren’t they?
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Yes yes yes they are! 🙂 x
I love road trips too, even though they can be a bit difficult with young kids! 🙂 How cute, London baby! #magicmoments and #whatsthestory.
Dean recently posted…Two of Us
Road trips definitely are a lot of fun (when they’re not stressful)
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
It’s certainly a different experience with kiddies in tow, and fun in different ways. Sounds like Little Z had a whale of a time…especially following around the random 🙂 #MagicMoments
MummyTries recently posted…Meeting a newbie #MagicMoments
Haha yes. I had to rescue the poor man but he was thankfully very nice about it.
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
this sounds like an interesting yet fantastic trip!!
so pleased it all went well and its even made me reconsider our trip to london with toddler in tow!
Thanks for linking up with #MagicMoments x
Jaime Oliver recently posted…Bringing Back The Baking Be-Ro Syle
Do it, it’s so much fun….although definitely a teeny bit more stressful with a toddler in tow.
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
What a brilliant post Tas, sounds like it was an interesting road trip. And fun too! Love the idea of Z taking a shine to a random guest and trying to run through his legs – brilliant! Thank you so much for sharing with #whatsthestory
Charly Dove recently posted…The Emerald Lakes
I couldn’t believe when he was blocking his path and literally running rings round him!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Sounds really good fun and that sundae…yummy! #whatsthestory
Jeannette @autismmumma recently posted…The Bou-Quet Residence… #MagicMoments
Thanks Jeanette it was really good!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
London baby! Love it 🙂 That’s the sort of trick we teach ours! Glad you had a lovely weekend x #WhatstheStory #MagicMoments
Sara (@mumturnedmom) recently posted…What’s the Story – first Halloween
Hehe it’s a lot of fun isn’t it? (Mostly!)
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
So many true points made me laugh out loud! Nothing like a girl’s night out to help with one’s sanity.
Kriss MacDonald recently posted…My Hurricane Sandy experience
Unfortunately very scarce but when it happens they are wonderful!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Haha love it! Totally agree that Road Trips just aren’t the same now. Hope you enjoyed your girlie meal 🙂 London Baby!!
AtoZ Mummy recently posted…Boys Boys Boys!
It was brilliant. So good to have some girlie time!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
It sounds like you had a really nice, if eventful, time in London. Love that you taught Z to shout ‘London Baby!’ it’s the exact kind of thing my OH would do 🙂
Jess @ Catch A Single Thought recently posted…Half Term On A Budget
It was a bit harder trying to teach him not to say it anymore!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
So funny about the hotel guest!
He turned out to be child friendly thankfully 🙂
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
ha! That made me laugh – it is so funny when you teach them phrases you instantly regret as they annoy the hell out of you! teehee x Mine would demolish that Sundae in minutes too – it’s a toddler talent… even when they’re not hungry… LMAO xx
WallyMummy recently posted…#LazyBaby
Hehe I know!! I would say this has been a lesson learned but I’ll probably do it again in the not too distant future
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
So sweet. I live 30 mins outside of London and taking the toddler into Central London is still a military operation!
Sounds like it was a huge success. Well done you! x
We need to venture into the centre at some point. I’m hoping next year!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Your post has made me smile – we too have had the random guest thing and thankfully the random person was child friendly!
Mumof2.com recently posted…Ranty Post : Damned if you do and damned if you don’t
Always a bit of a relief when they’re child friendly!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Sounds like a fun, if slightly challenging, weekend. That ice cream looks delicious! I would be very nervous about letting my kids consume that when we were travelling. Am generally in awe of you for travelling so far with Z in tow!
Sarah MumofThree World recently posted…I’m going to the Big Parent Blogger Party!
I think I’d be much more nervous if we were venturing into inner city London. We’ll save that one for next year.
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
It’s like they inhale sundaes straight down in one isn’t it?! Glad to hear you had fun 🙂
Mammasaurus recently posted…Vintage: Brambly Hedge
Definitely a toddler super power!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
That sounds pretty much like a dream weekend. Girls’ night, fancy hotel and topped off with a sundae. I don’t think it gets better than that.
3yearsandhome recently posted…A study in blue – day to (mid)night
Ahh luxury eh?
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Oooh that ice cream looks delightful x Glad you had a fab girlie time…well deserved x As a Londoner I love central London x
shahnaz recently posted…Movie Moments
Ah I wish i lived closer sometimes. I spent a lot of years working there and miss it sometimes
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Sounds like you had a great weekend! Road trips are definitely different when the kids are involved!
Colette recently posted…Hands up who wants cosy feet?! Heat Holders Giveaway
They are. It’s made me a bit nostalgic about London.
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Trips sure are different with kids but are equally fun, just in different ways, as your post proves 🙂
Lou’s Lake Views recently posted…Magic Moments – My Volunteer of Distinction Award
They are previous trips, definitely : )
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Ahhh I miss random road trips but I do love travelling with our girl too 🙂
Munchies and Munchkins recently posted…37 week update
Me too, strange kind of mini quandary.
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
It’s amazing how much your life changes when you have children isn’t it. Such hard work going away but lots of fun too!
mummy of two recently posted…Plane or Ferry – How do you prefer to travel?
It is. We are flying in a few weeks and I’m hoping it all goes smoothly
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Sounds pretty much like our road trips. That dance floor looks amazing though, Mads would love dancing on there. It is so crazy how much planning and preparation needs to go into road trips nowadays! ;0)
I love watching them bust their moves! : )
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
That sundae looks good. It’s a whole new way of going away when you have children.
It’s so much fun isn’t it? Although a completely different kind of fun
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Sounds like it all went well in the end! And there were much needed treats to keep you guys going 🙂
Only Best For Baby recently posted…Celebrate Autumn Linky
It was a good (albeit) tiring trip!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
What a lovely post. I remember those toddler road trips some great and some not so!
Torsmum recently posted…Silent Sunday 27th October 2013
Ahh I do dread the not so great ones.
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
So funny, especially the “London baby” regret! What a fab weekend!
HonestMum recently posted…Tasty Tuesdays: Greek Feta Cheese Pastries (Tyropitakia)
Thanks HM 🙂
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
I can see how you might get tired of ‘London Baby’. 🙂
Erica Price recently posted…At The Gym
A mini lesson learnt there I think.
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Well that sundae does look good!! Hehe x
TheMiniMesAndMe recently posted…Half Term Humour
It was very nice. He let me have a bit.
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Looks like your toddler is a handful as well! They are a joy though.
Vaidehi @vaichin recently posted…A Crafting We Will Go
Hehe they are little whirlwinds aren’t they?
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Road trips with toddlers are magical aren’t they – certainly the kind of thing I’m going to miss when all mine leave home – must not lose sight of that this half term week lol
Pinkoddy recently posted…Bonfire Night – Fun and Safety
Ahh wise words. Definitely need to remember that.
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
Sounds like a fun road trip, what is it with toddlers and running through the legs of random strangers, too cute 🙂
I couldn’t believe it when I saw him wanting to try that. Luckily the man was very nice about it.
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
It was so nice that you stopped by to leave a comment about my grandparents post. I for sure had to come visit you. Number 8 on your list I especially love. That’s just really neat. Nice to meet you. I’m for sure going to follow you. Looks like you must post some really great things with all your comments and strong following. I can’t wait. I have meet just recently a few new gals from England. It’s really nice.
Your new friend
Tracie
Thanks for the really lovely comment Tracie. : )
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
So funny, I have totally been there – it’s impossible to get them to eat ANYTHING but ice cream the minute you get out of routine, but worth it nonetheless. Great post. #magicmoments
Jude recently posted…Is it just me who gets emotional about first steps?
Yes! They are clever things aren’t they?
Notmyyearoff recently posted…A Road Trip With A Toddler
that’s so funny – we do the ‘London baby’ thing too! xxx
The Beesley Buzz recently posted…The joy of bubble wrap!
Brilliant! It makes it even more memorable doesn’t it? 😀
Emma recently posted…Easy Spiced Pumpkin Muffins
Sounds like a successful trip – much braver than us; we still won’t dare taking our two away anywhere! Glad you all had a good time and got back safely before the storm hit too. 🙂
Tom recently posted…I dream of sleep
I reckon that sundae at the end was the highlight! Nothing quite like travelling with a toddler in tow is there?!
suzanne3childrenandit recently posted…The Juggle of Modern Motherhood
That dance floor looks like a lot of fun. Glad you had such a great night out with your friends. And love that Little Z followed a stranger – was it the clothes that they wearing? X
Ah sounds fun! I’m looking forward to when road trips aren’t done with a screaming baby in the back! I love how he was saying ‘London baby’! So cute x
Jess @ Along Came Cherry recently posted…The Frog Prince Audio Book Review
Aww that’s a lovely post – travelling with kids is hard work, but so worth it 🙂
Actually Mummy… recently posted…Halloween 2013 – Angry Birds Pumpkin carving
What a lovely post. It really made me smile. What a a lovely weekend you all had. Our road trips are somewhat limited at the moment because of 2 little people who get very, very travel sick. Little Z sounds like a little treasure, it made me laugh that he took a shine to a stranger. So cute 🙂
Loubelle recently posted…Decorating candles
Your writing is fantastic and hilarious
I would love to have heard a toddler say “London Baby!!” like Joey from Friends. Looks like you had fun 😛
xx
Kate Hurn recently posted…The Wet Brush
Sounds like a great weekend, childless girlie time and family time all rolled into one! Very jealous xx
It was so much easier to go places before kids wasn’t it 🙂 sounds like you had a great time though.
mummymakescakes recently posted…Bloodied glass halloween cupcakes
hahaha! London Baby!
Sounds like a great trip x
Kim Carberry recently posted…10 Day You Challenge! – Five Foods…
That ice-cream sundae looks ace. Yes I know, all you’ve said and it’s the sundae which catches my eye. Whenever I have free time away from The Boy and I see a photo of him having fun, I get insanely jealous that I wasn’t there to enjoy it as well, stupid isn’t it? Glad you had some Tas time, The Boy adores London. Next summer you should bring them both down to London for Britmums weekend and take him on the London Eye, Z would love it.
Popping over from blogsRus share thread.
TheBoyandMe recently posted…365 Photographers: A Kilt & A Camera
Looks like you had a fab weekend chick. London baby! I’d have taught mine that and regretted it too! 😉
Kate recently posted…National Infertility Awareness Week
Sounds like you had a fantastic time. x
Kerrie McGiveron recently posted…Thanks a BUNCH, Britney…
Travelling with little ones is different – but so much fun!
Alison Rothwell recently posted…Working on client websites again today….
I don’t think any toddler is EVER ready for London! I love the phrase you taught him – and the fact that he kept repeating it! Thanks for linking to PoCoLo x
Verily Victoria Vocalises recently posted…Post Comment Love and Newbie Showcase 1st to 3rd November 2013
Love that he kept saying ‘London baby!’ 🙂 Which play areas did they go to? Going to London with Bob at the beginning of next year and looking for ideas. x
Charlotte recently posted…Puddles
I have been in a few of those scenarios! the random stranger thing made me chuckle
becky @ lakes single mum recently posted…#CountryKids a spot of Adventure Golf
haha sounds like fun
Steph @SeeingSpots_ recently posted…First Night of Holiday
How funny! I often get little kids on the bus taking a shine to me. It is very funny as, not having had children myself, I have no idea what to say! lol!
WHat a funny post. I remember when I taught mine to say “jubilee adventure”. Oh, how we regretted it later! #PoCoLo
Orli D recently posted…Winter Top Ten