"The Eyes"

Yesterday, my children and I set out alone on a 300 mile trip. We had to drive almost 3 hours away to go to a military appointment, that lasted less than 30 minutes. Doesn't that sound like fun? So, I had things planned out to make it easier and thought I'd share my tips of traveling alone with three under four.

First and foremost, use it as an opportunity for special treats, things they don't get often. Because let's admit it, being strapped in a car seat for six hours is not fun at all. Therefore, I pulled the portable DVD players out of storage and hooked them up. Hannah picked a movie on the way there, Zach one on the way back. That blessed us with Beauty and the Beast (The extended edition ;-)) and Mickey's Christmas DVD. Then I took my stereo and faded it to the front and plugged in my ipod, listening to anything I wanted (instead of ABC's) the whole way. Abigayle napped most of the time. Four happy people.

I also packed the potty chair in case one of them had to go immediately. That would avoid having to unbuckle all three and take them in to a bathroom. Thankfully I did not end up needing it.

Then, we had to eat lunch, so we had two choices. My favorite, and healthier option, Chic Fila, or what the kids really wanted, Mc Donalds. I decided to let them pick, because then the chance was they'd eat better and I wouldn't have to hear they were hungry down the road. I got them out, put Abby in the sling (Seriously, if you have 3 very little ones, you MUST own a sling. That's my biggest tip), held Hannah's hand and Zach held hers, and walked inside, heading straight for the bathrooms.

That's when it started... "the eyes". Everyone staring at us... not sure if it's me, or them. Not sure if it's because they are noticing the three cutest kids in the world for the first time, or if it's because they're looking at me. And if they're looking at me, is it because my fly's undone? My bra showing? Or my whole boob somehow exposed because of the sling hanging off my shoulder? Are they thinking "God bless her"? Are they thinking "That poor woman" or "Where's her husband?" Or are they thinking "I hope she's on birth control now." (Yes, that's been asked to me before, so it's possible people are thinking it.) And if they're looking at the three cute kids, I'm hoping they're not thinking about their behavior (although, they were EXCELLENT).

I have always been one to worry about what others think. It is one of my down falls and one my husband teases me about. At least I know it's a problem. And yet, yesterday, I decided to say I don't care about the eyes! I decided I had three beautiful children attached to me, minding me very well, and eating their lunch perfectly. I couldn't ask for more, I couldn't be any more proud. Who cared what anyone else thought. In my mind, I decided everyone was thinking "What beautiful, well behaved kids! That woman is blessed." I left feeling very happy and thankful.

But back to my tips. Pick the handicap toilet stall, even if it means waiting for it. That's the only way to get all four of you in. And if some handicap person has a problem with it, too bad. They can wait just like anyone else would wait in a regular stall. ;-) Get everyone to use the bathroom, no matter what. Then everyone wash hands- that does take some juggling since they can't usually reach the sink. That's the good thing about having one in a sling, your hands are free to help.

Order something you can eat while helping children eat. I ordered the two cheeseburger meal for the kids. Gave them each a cheeseburger, a medium fry to split, and a drink to share. I absolutely abhor kids meal toys, so that avoided having to get those as well, and was cheaper. Make sure you grab everything you need-straws, napkins, salt, ketchup, plasticwear, etc.

Then, while this sounds nasty, try to sit near a trashcan, and near the high chairs. If you need, ask the employee if they can bring the food to your table for you. You wont have enough hands for all your children, led alone for the food too. (This is something I do love about Chic Fila, they always offer to bring my food for me.) I did use the older two as help. They both carried the drinks, Zachary got the high chair, and they held each others' hands. Get the older two seated and put the baby in. Then, when your meal is complete, you can throw the trash away while everyone is still in their seats and you have two free hands.

Overall, the trip was a complete success in the manners of me going on a long trip with three alone. Which is great, since I'll be doing it again in two weeks. Thankfully that will be four hours one day, four hours another. The most amazing thing is that in the situations like this, where I'm tempted to feel overwhelmed, I remain much more calm and do a better job in parenting. Maybe that's how Michelle Duggar is always calm!