“Let’s go to Florida” and other stupid ideas I’ve had.

In three sleeps I am taking my two kids on a plane to Florida.We are so blessed to be able to do this and so excited yet typing that sentence brings up instant anxiety and fear.Why you asked? Well maybe you don't have kids or they are grown and gone or maybe your kids are like perfection and travel pros but mine would be option D - none of the above.I have two routine, particular, like everything "just so" boys (and husband) so the thought of uprooting that for a week is scary. I mean, I could bring 87 suitcases full of favourite toys, bath toys, shampoo, pillows, blankets, exersaucer, sound machines, humidifier, fans, teddy bears, monitors, back up sound machines, lotion, the LEGO table, and the cribs (wait, I could take those apart) but that's just not gonna work so accepting the unknown, rolling with the changes and embracing the adventure is just going to have to work.This is a big step for my little family. This will be our first big out of country family vacation and just the fact that we are going is a huge change from just a few short months ago.Daniel and I have issues (shocking I know...) parenting is tough and adjusting to the fact that life has really nothing to do with you and everything to do with every little need to two mini humans is hard. Let's get real here - it's not all skittles and rainbows and some days it just down right sucks. Adjusting, figuring out roles, adjusting again, reconnecting as a couple, adjusting to a second child, being sleep deprived, reconnecting again and just when we feel like we've figured it out it all changes again. So we have our issues and stuff that needs to be work on and takes time but when thing we wanted to change immediately was how this all affected our boys - we refuse to have them miss out on life because mom and dad want their sleep.It's a hard pill to swallow when you realize you have the power to mould two little lives. I don't mean that first night that you are literally up all night and you realize this is going to be hard - I mean when you really realize the responsibility you have. I mean we can sit here and argue nature vs. nurture or we can just agree that we have the responsibility to raise little world changers who are kind, strong, humble and loving. So when I swallowed that pill, when I toke a look at my life and realized there was a lot that I didn't want my kids to see or be I decided that there's some stuff that's just gotta change.I didn't want my kids to see someone who was scared, nervous and not willing to step out of my comfort zone to enjoy life.I want them to have a life full of experiences instead of a room full of stuff.I want them to be courageous, adventurous and full of life.So I've started to pack our bags (one is literally full of diapers and wipes...) and I'm actually excited to start this journey of giving my kids experiences instead of stuff. I want them to have these experiences with a momma who is calm, excited and encouraging them to explore the world.I mean, let's be real here, they are not going to sleep great, they are probably going to miss some naps, eat too much sugar and have some royal meltdowns but they are going to go on an airplane, see the beach for the first time, meet some storm troopers and be completely and infectiously happy  - that's really all I want in life.So, I am sure there are other parents out there in that same I'm-just-trying-to-get-through-the-next-hour boat and who would never dream of traveling for the next 3-6 years but let me encourage you with this - don't let the fear of the unknown stop you from giving your kids an experience that will bring them pure joy. Maybe it's not a beach vacation just yet and that's absolutely fine but maybe its missing nap time to go to that friend's birthday party or maybe its a later bedtime so they can experience that Christmas parade. Maybe it's packing up everything in your house (because we all know you need everything even for just one night) and going to the next town over and living it up in a hotel for one night, maybe its moving dinner downstairs and having a pizza and movie family night.Whatever that "thing" is, that thing that stretches you, worries you and is just down right out of your comfort zone - do it. What's the worse that can happen?I'm going to start sacrificing my comforts and luxuries as a person so my kids can have life as it was intended to be - to the fullest.So, wish me luck, pray for the poor suckers sitting next to us on the plane and do something for your kids that sacrifices something that you want, I don't think you (or I) will regret it!