Some time ago, I put this blog on hiatus, with the intent of coming back with a fresher look, cleaner layout, and lots of wonderful new posts about traveling with your kids.

Once again, I’m announcing a shutdown.  But this time, it’s permanent.

Not being able to do things the way I would have liked proved to be increasingly frustrating, and yes, it finally defeated me.  I don’t think it had to, but for now, it will be less stressful to let this go and possibly come back to it at some undefined date when I can make this be the thing I envision.

That’s a maybe, though.

For now, thanks to the subscribers – there were only a few but I appreciated the support.  Thanks to BlogHer for allowing us to be a part of a wonderful community – I hope to return soon, perhaps in a new way.  And thanks to the pr firms who provided us with news of note that showed how fast this market of family travelers is growing – not just any family travelers, but families for whom some level of sophistication, even if understated, is required.  It can be done, and there are hotels and destinations out there that are making it easier and easier every day to travel the way you want – and not necessarily at high expense either.

Enjoy your travels, and live life well!

Swine flu.  The mere name sounds vaguely Dickensian for some reason.  It’s not something I want to have any dealings with whatsoever, especially when I consider that I and my two children just got over a nasty stomach virus that had its fair share of aches and pains along with the requisite other stuff one has to deal with when stomach bugs hit.

Oddly enough, the Westin Lagunamar in Cancun just called to say that they magically have an opening and would like to know if I’d like to come!

Well, when I look at the villas, sure, I’d love to!  But not in 2 weeks, thanks.  I can do my due dilgence with hand washing and all that, but I can’t know that the staff is doing the same.  And while the same can be said for any restaurant or store I visit right in my own neighborhood, the difference is that I haven’t used up precious vacation time and flown several hours for the privilege.

So, dear Mexico, I think you and I shall have to meet some other time.  Were it just hubby and I we might brave it, but I won’t put 2 kids under 6 who need to regain the weight they lost, at that kind of risk.  Maybe next year?

How nice of the folks at Kimpton Hotels to pay our taxes!

From now until the end of the month, if you stay at a Kimpton property under the Sweet Tax Relief package, they will pay your taxes.

On your room, that is.

With the Sweet Tax Relief Package, you’ll get

• deluxe accommodations
• a grab bag filled with appropriately named sweets like the 100 Grand candy bar or the Payday
• late checkout when available
• paid room tax

And if you dine at the hotel restaurant during your stay, they’ll pay the tax there too.

Speaking of restaurants, all Kimpton property restaurants have highchairs and boosters for the little ones that can also be delivered to your room for private dining.  And when dinner is over, kids can wrap up in pint-sized animal print bathrobes, loaned for your stay or available for purchase.

Hey! Maybe you can pay for it with the money you saved on your room tax!