We just returned from a week long vacation that began with a 15 hour road trip. I can’t tell you how nervous I was to be taking a 6 & 3-year-old on that long of a drive. Dread doesn’t even come close to describing the feeling I had before this trip. It didn’t help that 4 hours before we were supposed to leave my youngest developed a slight fever and tummy ache. Now that is one quick way to turn dread into panic. Thank goodness the little guy was feeling better because we decided to just go for it.

We had toys, music and a portable DVD player to keep our boys occupied until they fell into slumber. (We left in the evening and were hoping to drive a good part into the night.) Well let me tell you something…these little boys were absolute champs! My husband and I were in complete shock over their terrific behavior. It’s not that they are typically horrible bratty hellions, but they have their moments. And we thought there would be nothing like a long drive to bring out those moments.

We did stop at a hotel for the rest of the night, which helped break the drive in half. We made it to our destination with barely a hitch. So when it was time to head home the following Saturday morning, that dread started to creep up again because there would be no long break in driving this time. We were heading home early and not stopping until we got there. We were only going to make necessary pit stops.

Again we were floored by their backseat harmony. We had no idea we had such pros on the road. I’m sure this story would have been much more entertaining had they been holy terrors. But I’m really okay with a dull story and a happy ending to our vacation.

You can find all kinds of resources, tips, and activities to keep your kids happy on JustBreatheMom.com’s family travel page.