1 – We took the Amtrak Auto Train from Virginia to Florida in 2009. The twins were not quite 2 and 1/2 years old. It was a pretty chill way to travel with small kids. They don’t have to be strapped in their seats for hours – once you close your cabin door, they can squirm and explore. The gentle swaying of the train also rocked the twins right to sleep. Since we were headed to FL in February it was essentially a train full of doting “grandparents” – instead of giving a traveling family the stink eye, many seemed happy to see small kids. The free wine and snacks when you board certainly helped.
2 – I travel with tea bags to make sure I can always get a cup. My grandmother was British and she got me hooked when I was a teenager. I’m always looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a cup. I think I’ve found quite a few.
3 – I used to be scared of flying but now I’m much more chill about it. Oddly enough, the longer the flight, the happier I am – 12 hours is the longest flight I’ve done. Just think – no dishes to do, no meals to fix, no negotiating over what we watch since we all have our own screen, no laundry…You get the idea. It’s nice to just chill out with absolutely no chores to do. The twins are also old enough to not need our constant attention.
4 – I’m afraid of heights. If there’s a sight to be seen from up high, I will likely wait behind and J and the twins will go on up. I made it up to the top of the Eiffel Tower but there was a moment in the elevator where I thought I had made a terrible mistake. My eyes were closed the whole way up. But I ended up doing ok. I was also pretty miserable on the top of the Rock of Gibraltar. That surprised me as I usually do ok on terra firma even if up high.

Look at me all the way down there!
5 – I grew up in Massachusetts as did my husband. In fact, we first laid eyes on each other in 8th grade band class when I moved to his town. I then moved to Florida in high school and stayed there for 10 years. I moved back to Massachusetts when I was 25, where J and I reconnected and feel in love. Oh the romance.
6 – J is a musician. He will always stop for street performers when we are traveling. I like that about him.
7 – We have a cat named Elvis. He’s always well cared for by our neighbors when we are away and I can tell he’s excited to see us when we get home. Maybe not as excited as a dog would be…
8 – I have 53 wish lists on Airbnb. Hotels just don’t work well for us as a family. It’s heaven to have a spot to tuck the kids away and then still enjoy being up. Plus, I hate going out to breakfast. If I have to shower and get dressed before breakfast, it just doesn’t feel like a vacation.
I don’t know why I picked 8 but there you have it.