travel bug

Sean and I have been fortunate enough to travel together to some pretty amazing places. Once we got pregnant with Teags, we decided that we'd try our best to continue exploring, even if that meant that our trips would look a little different.

Teagan's first trip was to Texas to visit family when she was about 3 months old. Since then, we've been back to Texas a few times and to Colorado to spend time with family. In order to get some adventure squeezed in, we've been able to take advantage of some of my work travel, turning those trips in to extended vacations (which also means that transportation costs were half price!). Our favorite places so far have been to New York City and to Turkey. While it took some logistical planning to coordinate all that we needed in advance (travel gear, baby shots, etc.), I'm so glad that we took these trips with Teags before she was full-on crawling or walking. It made carting her around so much easier! Here are a few of the items that we've found super-handy when traveling with an infant:

Phil and Teds Travel Cot. Breaks down to about 3-4 pounds and can easily fit into your luggage or be carried separately.

Maclaren Globetrotter Stroller. Another light-weight, must-have travel companion.

AND.... this Kelty baby backpack carrier. Also works well as a seat for the baby if your back needs a rest.

NEW YORK CITY:

Amtrak from DC to NYC! First time on a passenger train.

Times Square: Wide Awake.

On top of 30 Rock. 

Central Park Cutie.

 TURKEY:

Mommy multi-tasking.

The baby bassinet was a life saver on the 11 hour flight.

Fun times with our buddy in Istanbul.

Hot, sweaty, and tired after an early morning domestic flight into Central Turkey.

Entering the Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul

Taking a break in our private tour van.
 (This is one of the changes that we had to make when traveling with an infant. It was this or a four wheeler...)

It's been one year this month since we've taken a big trip as a family and needless to say, the travel bug has definitely bit us. Luckily, we have a great excuse to spend Christmas vacation in one of our absolute favorite places: New Zealand! My sister and her family will host us for 3 full weeks and we could not be more excited. I've also been able to squeeze some work activities in with the NZ government, so I'm looking forward to that, too! It's going to be so wonderful for Teags to spend time with, and get to know her Kiwi family in person rather than through Skype. We are so thankful for this opportunity!! Never stop exploring, y'all!! xo