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!

It’s that time again.

Where should we go?

Right now, we’re leaning towards Cancun.  Despite the monstrous cheese factor, there are actually some excellent hotels to be found, some good restaurants to discover (and I do not mean Senor Frog’s, thank you, even with the kids).  And for what we are looking for right now, it fits the bill.  Our needs are (and yes, they are all needs):

• a direct flight under 4 hours
• a beach that is fairly calm for the kids so that they can play themselves into tired oblivion
• insane poolside service
• the ability to stay at the hotel the entire time and not feel bored (I should note, this is not usually how we operate.  The last vacation we took like that was when I was 5 months pregnant and wanted to pamper my swollen self – and even then, we went offsite.  And we may this time too – but we are so fried that we are seriously considering one of those vacations where we see nothing outside of the hotel)
• good dining options on the property
• another country (Pudding needs another stamp in his passport – he has some catching up to do)

That said, if you have any suggestions (we are on the East Coast),  I welcome them.  I might not use them right now, but I’d love to hear where you’ve been with your kids, if you liked it or not (property or destination) and anything else you care to share.

This is the one of the few Thanksgivings in recent years that has found us at home instead of gallivanting about the globe. With all of the anticipated airport drama, we’re actually a bit relieved to be sitting this one out, but still hope that next year will find us somewhere wonderful and, of course, welcoming. For now, from us and our little Children of Leisure to you and yours, have a wonderful Thanksgiving.