Adventures with Alyson

  Yes, the times, they are a changing.

The other day on the way home from school, my little guy told me "The mailman loves me". Apparently he believes that the mailman is the one who is actually giving him all of those wonderful "toy books" aka catalogues that are showing up in our mailbox on a daily basis. 

Once we're settled in the house and he's waiting for his dinner, he patiently pours over the pages in his book, putting his shape-knowledge to good use by circling everything that he wants to ask Santa for. I know, consumerism at its best, but it's so Norman Rockwellesque that it's too cute to put a stop to.

There are so many new places that I want to explore - and favorite trips I want to re-visit simply to experience them with my children. But how young is too young? Is it even worth it to take two kids under the age of five (or in my case, three) to another country or is the hassle of those long flights enough to make me go insane before we even cross the ocean?

I'm definitely a goofy Mom. I sing, I dance, I make stupid faces and I have the most wonderful conversations with my two year old about everything from the truck in the mud that we drive past to who the line leader was that day. We have a blast together. Even the baby is getting in on the action in the morning - laughing along with us as we get through our morning routine and off to "school" (or whatever you anti-daycare-ers call it).

Most days are relatively smooth-sailing and we get in some good time both before and after school to talk, be silly and connect. Love it.

There was a new mom in the airport a few weeks ago, trying to get her newborn out of her carrier without waking her, while also trying to open up a stroller, stay out of the way of the rest of us who were going through security - all while keeping an eye on her carry on and baby bag. Fun times.

I offered my help and though she declined, we started chatting, as all moms do when they see a baby and have that common link. When I mentioned that I have two boys myself, she immediately asked if I had any suggestions about flying with a wee one (which of course, I did). I wanted to know if she had any about pumping on a plane. Not only did she not but she also mumbled something about how she thought that nursing on a plane was stressful enough - no way could she imagine having to pump.

Don't get me wrong for one second. I LOVE having two boys and having them so close in age. I love the new baby smell and the little peanut that watches every my every move - especially when I'm playing with his big brother. I love the little onesies and the snuggling and the adorable expressions.

I do not love never being by myself. Not alone long enough to really enjoy a hot shower. Not long enough to actually finish my beloved latte. Not long enough to finish a complete thought. Not long enough to remember who I was before having babies.

Sometimes, in order to be the best mother, the best wife and the best "you" that you can be, you need to take a break and just get back to being YOU.

Chores around the house, commute, work. Commute, errands, cook. Sleep (if you're lucky). Check email, go back to work, go back home and check email. Cook, clean, sleep.  Sound familiar?

It's definitely time to mix it up.

If you are finding that even your getaways are starting to seem routine, it's time for you to do something drastic! I've scoured the internet, picked friends brains and asked my coworkers for some ideas on their "dream vacations" or adventures they'd want to take around the good old U.S. of A.