Destination Paradise

Preparing to embark on a 14-hour flight across the ocean, who's panicking? Flying with a little one, especially by yourself, can strike fear in a mom. Recently, a few people have asked about my experiences flying, especially internationally, alone with a child. I flew by myself with Lucas nearly a dozen times before he reached age 3, which means I've seen some of the best and worst of it. I am by no means an expert, and there are braver moms than me who fly alone with not one, not two, but three or more children. Much of what I do when traveling I've learned from them. I figured I'd share my view and the things I do in case any one else is nervous about the prospect. I know I definitely was the first time. Bear with me here - this stuff might be obvious or well-known to you, but for the benefit of those new to flying with kids, or flying in general, I wanted to include info on everything I've been asked by other traveling moms. Experienced travelers, what su...

So maybe I exaggerated when I said the blog re-design was just about ready to be rolled out.  Sometimes I think I'm more capable of awesomeness than I truly am.  And sometimes I wonder why I insist on doing things myself, and having them come out *JUST PERFECT*, and waiting until that elusive standard of perfection is achieved before I release my project to the world.  This statement applies to my approach to our immigration battle, by the way, and I think it's unfortunate. I'm not sure where things changed.  I remember a time when I was a lot less concerned about things.  Let's start with Barcelona, where Carlos and I discovered that our original goal was not going to be attainable.  So we said, "Hey, let's explore Europe and then move to Mexico."  I actually remember the moment when we had that conversation, sitting on an ancient Roman wall in the Barri Gòtic, watching some backpacker slink by, shoeless and slouchy-shouldered.  "Could we end u...

We've lived here for nearly 6 months. It was about time we got out and saw the best it has to offer people when they're not busy working. See the pretty photos here . We got started in the Macroplaza, which is pretty easy to do because it's huge. Here is the Palacio de Gobierno, the State Capitol building. Apparently important stuff goes on in here. I just like it because it's one of few really elaborate older buildings in the city. (1860s I think) Then we wandered around the Macroplaza a bit more, and tried to get a shot of us with the Cerro de la Silla in the background, a shot we've been needing for a long time. This is the mountain that best represents Monterrey, due to its unique saddle-like shape. We walked over to the Plaza Morelos, which is a gigantic pedestrian thoroughfare lined with shops. The shopping choices themselves aren't that spectacular, but the concept is pretty fun. Plenty of street vendors selling wrestling masks and Playboy bunny outfits, ...

A.K.A. "The Real Honeymoon" (Carlos). We had a great time here, everything worked out perfectly, we hope someday we can go back. Our resort was awesome and it's so great to finally be together again. We're in the airport in Cancun right now waiting on our flight to Germany, and Carlos is pointing out that air travel is so much easier when done with a companion. This is very true. No more lugging stuff into the bathroom and constantly struggling with all the papers, etc. I'm so glad we're together. :) Next update will be from Europe, hopefully. Love you all!

The tickets have been purchased, the plans have been made, and it all gets underway in a few weeks! Here is our summer itinerary: July 6 Carlos and Amy go to Michigan to attend Dan Godoy's wedding to Meagan Cammenga! July 10 Carlos flies to his hometown Monterrey, Mexico to assemble documents for Barcelona. Amy remains in the U.S. for logistical purposes. August 17 Amy leaves Chicago and flies to Cancun, Mexico! Carlos fies from Monterrey to join her there. August 17-19 Carlos and Amy enjoy a brief honeymoon in Cancun! August 19-20 Carlos and Amy fly overnight to Dusseldorf, Germany and spend the better part of a day there. August 20 Carlos and Amy fly to Barcelona and settle in for a wild adventure!