My husband and I were driving to Orlando to officially kick off our adventure to the South Pacific. I turned on the radio and Gwen Stefani’s song “Hollaback girl” (the clean version) came on. I fully expected my husband to switch to a different channel, but to my surprise, he didn’t.
It was the silliest thing ever. Here we were, singing as loud as we could, probably all the wrong words. Neither one of us knew what the heck “Holloback girl” term even means, but it didn’t matter. We were having fun as a couple (again).
I knew then that this wasn’t going to be your average family trip where most of our energy goes towards keeping the kids from fighting with one another. My husband has mentioned the other day how nice it was to be able to talk to me without all the distractions during those two weeks. And he doesn’t even like to talk!
This ridiculous song sort of became the metaphor for our adventure, a throwback to our life before kids, back when “Holloback girl’ was dominating the radio airwaves.
Except, of course, we were no longer the carefree couple who couldn’t care less about school calendar or bedding arrangement that will fit four comfortably. Somewhere out there my kids were exploring the world, and I wasn’t there to see it. We did meet up with them in Melbourne for three nights, and it was wonderful.
I got to see the looks on their faces when tiny penguins on the Phillip island were making their daily walk. We also drove the Great Ocean Road and saw the famous Twelve Apostles as a family, all memories I will treasure forever.
But then it was time to say goodbye. Somehow, being in the same hemisphere as my kids gave me comfort. When we were in Tahiti and my in-laws were exploring New Zealand, I was only a 6-hour plane ride away. In reality, due to limited flights out of French Polynesia, getting from Bora Bora to Auckland on a short notice would have probably been just as difficult as flying from US.
Going back to America and returning to my normal life (without my kids around me) was the worst part. Due to time difference, I was sleeping while they were exploring, and vice versa. I was constantly worried that something may happen to them, and that it would take me a few days to reach Australia. Thankfully, everything went fine, but the feeling of not being in control was difficult to manage.
It gave me a foregleam into what my life will be like when the children move out of the house. They will be traveling to faraway places without me and I will be home, worried sick. Why can’t they stay little forever? I will take the whining and the fights over not having them in my life 24/7.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, my advice can be summed up in three words: Don’t. Borrow. Trouble. Bad things happen, of course, but why drive yourself crazy thinking about the worst case scenario before it even occurs? Easier said than done, sure, but in reality, we all have way less control than we think we do.
Despite all of this, I’m happy that we let my children go with in-laws. My kids got to experience incredible things and have accumulated memories that will hopefully last a lifetime. We weren’t there, but we got the photos as a consolation prize.
Like the one where my kids are doing SNUBA at the Great Barrier Reef:
And going in a real submarine to see amazing coral reefs that may not be there when they are older:
Sleeping in a train (converted to a tiny hotel) near famous Waitomo caves:
Petting alpacas in the South Island, NZ:
Taking photos of the mountains in Queenstown, NZ:
Feeding kangaroos in Australia:
Watching koalas:
Going on an all-day cruise exploring Fiji islands:
Staying in a Fiji Marriott resort:
I’m especially grateful that they got to experience all of these things with their grandparents. Truly a priceless gift.
Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
What a great experience for your kids and your in-laws! Looks like your kids got to do amazing, incredible things! I understand what you’re saying about a glimpse into the future…I am going to have a really hard time when my kids are grown up and on their own. I’m such a worrier!
@Nancy It was definitely an unforgettable adventure for them! Though they were quite pooped when they got home.
Eh, I’m such a worrier too. I really don’t want the kids to grow up. I hope they live with us, spouses and all. I’ll add on to my house if that’s what it takes. 🙂
Beautiful post. I’m interested to hear the in-laws impression of South Island (where did they go?) and the island touring in Fiji (How much was it? Did the kids appreciate it or get bored on the boat?).
@Talchinsky Thanks for reading my ramblings!
My in-laws LOVED South Island. They both said it was the most beautiful place they’ve ever seen in their life. I kind of feel bad that we skipped it, but as I told you earlier, it would complicate things immensely. As far as Fiji goes, I’m not sure what company my in-laws used for their cruise, and they can’t remember the name! It was one of these https://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?geo=1&searchNearby=&pid=3826&redirect=&startTime=1536092123327&uiOrigin=MASTHEAD&q=fiji+all+day+cruise&supportedSearchTypes=find_near_stand_alone_query&enableNearPage=true&returnTo=__2F__&searchSessionId=943B8C93F6DACE7F553D68C385CA996C1536092120880ssid&social_typeahead_2018_feature=true&sid=943B8C93F6DACE7F553D68C385CA996C1536092128551 It appears you should plan on paying $80-$100 per person.
I asked the kids, and they said they loved the cruise and were not bored at all. Obviously, yours may not feel the same way. I can’t comment on it, but judging by the photos I saw, it seems like a great way to spend a day in Fiji. I would probably book it. If you don’t think you will be back, it’s probably something to consider. It seems the most picturesque parts of Fiji lie in its outer islands.
Both of my kids absolutely loved Fiji. They commented on how friendly the locals were. My son loved that everyone said “Bula” to him (“hello” in Fijan).
Yeah, I’ve been there before and I agree…the thing to do is get out to a tiny island…and the local culture of friendliness is awesome. People wave at you from their homes just because you are driving by. Everyone is always waving and smiling. I love it.
Unfortunately, we’re not going to make it out to a tiny island because hotels don’t like families of five. We have been condemned to SPG on main island. The torture! Just kidding – with 3 boys – I’ll take any hotel with a free kids club over ANY other option! But Fiji is on our way to the States so I’m sure we’ll have a second shot at it one day. 🙂 I’ll look into the island cruise! Glad to hear your kids enjoyed it and thanks for the link!
@Talchinsky I totally understand the appeal of Kids Club, even if you don’t end up using it a whole lot. Plus, being on the main island will make it easier on everyone. I think taking a cruise excursion is a good compromise. I do recommend you also look into that Marriott resort in Momi Bay as a last night splurge.
Yeah, my in-laws were amazed at the friendliness of everyone in Fiji. You see, that’s what I was hoping for in Tahiti, but it didn’t materialize.