Going to the United States with kids in tow is a different experience. My kids have never traveled that long in a plane. No yayas were around to look after them. Vic and I took turns washing them and giving them baths. We also took turns feeding them.
Everyday of that two-week trip, I thanked God for modern conveniences like microwavable food, the dishwasher, Disney Junior and Target pushcarts with built-in forward-facing seats. It made my job as a mother and a parent easier. Watching over my boys were not really a chore. They were big enough to be left alone to play. Vic and I could just let them sit in front of the TV so we can pack/unpack and do other chores. I didn't mind doing it until they were being bratty or fighting over toys.
Before our trip, here were some of our considerations:
Car seats. I had those items in our budget. It wasn't expensive at all. In fact, a pair of Nine West shoes is more expensive. Fortunately, I had cousins who lent us theirs. This is a necessity for us since we often took long drives to Ontario, San Diego, Cabazon, Vegas and Boulder City. Due to the pace of freeway drivers and kids falling asleep during boring rides, booster seats with back support were a necessity.
Transportation. We had to get a car that can fit the car seats, stroller and luggage. It was inevitable to get a rental because cars in the US are like appendages of their owners. It was difficult to borrow an extra car from a relative. Thank God for corporate rates, we got rentals at 50% off the regular rate.
Food. Since we were in an unfamiliar territory, I didn't know which food Johann and Javi will favor in a particular destination. I always had their favorite food in our diaper bag. On the first stay, our first trip was to the grocery to get our staples: bread, Nutella, bacon, chicken nuggets, pancakes, pancake syrup, V8 Fusion.
Johann and Javi survived on those for two weeks. Pathetic, I know. Javi is such a picky eater, he wouldn't try anything else. At least Johann had Adobo, Pink's hotdogs, pancit, PF Chang's Orange Chicken and Mongolian Beef.
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We had to carefully choose where to bring the kids. Our first day was practically free to catch up on sleep and recover from jetlag. We had to pace ourselves to give us time for naps. Besides, entrance fees to tourist destinations are expensive. Child rates are only a few dollars cheaper than the adult rate. It was good that Javi got in for free because we were only required to pay for kids 3 years and above.
In California - We drove to San Diego for Sea World, outlet malls, Santa Monica in between visits to relatives. We didn't bother going to Hollywood because the kids wouldn't understand and to Disneyland because the kids are too small for the rides.
Las Vegas - Our access to casinos were limited because we have kids. Wynn dBut The Strip is lined with Handicap access so our walk along Las Vegas Blvd wasn't difficult at all. We took the kids to Hoover Dam, the Ferrari showroom at the Wynn, the Fountains at the Bellagio, the M&M store and of course, the outlet malls.
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When it came to shopping, my kids were very cooperative. Haha, we trained them well!
I made it a point to pack several Nutella sandwiches, chicken nuggets with rice, milk and water every time we go out. Javi is always seated in his stroller while Johann was free to ride along using his Buggy Board. When they got bored, we turned to their iPad and toys.
With them in tow, our first stops were usually Children's Place, Gymboree, the Disney Store or Gap Kids. Once we've gotten them their stuff, they're ready to settle down then Vic and I take turns shopping for our personal stuff.
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I got asked several times, if we even considered moving to the US. I said NO. It never crossed our minds and I never wished it even for a time. I've been treated unfairly because I'm Asian. I've seen too many marriages break up because of everyday stress brought by work and family life. If Vic and I become full-time parents, we just might make it. But that is not realistic.
Living in the US has its ups and downs. For me, I see more disadvantages than opportunities. I wouldn't trade that for our life in Manila.
Everyday of that two-week trip, I thanked God for modern conveniences like microwavable food, the dishwasher, Disney Junior and Target pushcarts with built-in forward-facing seats. It made my job as a mother and a parent easier. Watching over my boys were not really a chore. They were big enough to be left alone to play. Vic and I could just let them sit in front of the TV so we can pack/unpack and do other chores. I didn't mind doing it until they were being bratty or fighting over toys.
Before our trip, here were some of our considerations:
Car seats. I had those items in our budget. It wasn't expensive at all. In fact, a pair of Nine West shoes is more expensive. Fortunately, I had cousins who lent us theirs. This is a necessity for us since we often took long drives to Ontario, San Diego, Cabazon, Vegas and Boulder City. Due to the pace of freeway drivers and kids falling asleep during boring rides, booster seats with back support were a necessity.
Transportation. We had to get a car that can fit the car seats, stroller and luggage. It was inevitable to get a rental because cars in the US are like appendages of their owners. It was difficult to borrow an extra car from a relative. Thank God for corporate rates, we got rentals at 50% off the regular rate.
Food. Since we were in an unfamiliar territory, I didn't know which food Johann and Javi will favor in a particular destination. I always had their favorite food in our diaper bag. On the first stay, our first trip was to the grocery to get our staples: bread, Nutella, bacon, chicken nuggets, pancakes, pancake syrup, V8 Fusion.
Johann and Javi survived on those for two weeks. Pathetic, I know. Javi is such a picky eater, he wouldn't try anything else. At least Johann had Adobo, Pink's hotdogs, pancit, PF Chang's Orange Chicken and Mongolian Beef.
-------------------
We had to carefully choose where to bring the kids. Our first day was practically free to catch up on sleep and recover from jetlag. We had to pace ourselves to give us time for naps. Besides, entrance fees to tourist destinations are expensive. Child rates are only a few dollars cheaper than the adult rate. It was good that Javi got in for free because we were only required to pay for kids 3 years and above.
In California - We drove to San Diego for Sea World, outlet malls, Santa Monica in between visits to relatives. We didn't bother going to Hollywood because the kids wouldn't understand and to Disneyland because the kids are too small for the rides.
Las Vegas - Our access to casinos were limited because we have kids. Wynn dBut The Strip is lined with Handicap access so our walk along Las Vegas Blvd wasn't difficult at all. We took the kids to Hoover Dam, the Ferrari showroom at the Wynn, the Fountains at the Bellagio, the M&M store and of course, the outlet malls.
------------------
When it came to shopping, my kids were very cooperative. Haha, we trained them well!
I made it a point to pack several Nutella sandwiches, chicken nuggets with rice, milk and water every time we go out. Javi is always seated in his stroller while Johann was free to ride along using his Buggy Board. When they got bored, we turned to their iPad and toys.
With them in tow, our first stops were usually Children's Place, Gymboree, the Disney Store or Gap Kids. Once we've gotten them their stuff, they're ready to settle down then Vic and I take turns shopping for our personal stuff.
------------------
I got asked several times, if we even considered moving to the US. I said NO. It never crossed our minds and I never wished it even for a time. I've been treated unfairly because I'm Asian. I've seen too many marriages break up because of everyday stress brought by work and family life. If Vic and I become full-time parents, we just might make it. But that is not realistic.
Living in the US has its ups and downs. For me, I see more disadvantages than opportunities. I wouldn't trade that for our life in Manila.
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