Spring Break Travels

Easter brought a big birthday for my mom and she wanted to have us all home for her present. So Mark Henry and I flew in from Minneapolis and my brother, Mark, sis in law, Maren and baby Oliver from Chicago.







For those parents of kids with special needs, I will share details on the travel aspect. I know personally how daunting it can be to think about going anywhere out of state with children esp those with special needs and on your own as a parent, and hopefully some of the things I did are helpful hints if you plan to travel.

I was a bit nervous about traveling alone with MH, not about him behaving but the physical logistics of traveling on my own with a child that cannot walk. He is now fully transitioned to using his wheelchair as he out grew the stoller, we use it mainly for transportation to/ from school and on the weekends if we are out and about. He really loves it and can self propel which gives him independence. However, I knew he would sit and possibly sleep on the planes in his car seat much easier if I could manage that too!

I packed one large suitcase which we checked, being careful it was not overweight limits, even those his walker was broken down inside, which immediately adds 15 lbs, the weight of the wheels and metal frame are heavy. I had pre sent a list of necessities to my mom ahead of time, so I didnt need to pack diapers, wipes, food, toys etc. Then I planned carefully all the necessities for travel and squeezed it all into a backpack... enought diapers and wipes for an entire day or more just in case of delays, change of clothes, medications, a few small books, toys, cup, snacks etc.

There are no direct flights to Myrtle Beach or Charleston, so connecting would be a bit of a challenge. I called the airline ahead so they knew we would be gate checking his wheelchair and need some assistance. They seated us at the front of the planes. I also called the place we got his wheelchair from as I was concerned about the wheelchair being damaged, and debating whether to take it apart or not. They recommended not folding it, not taking off the wheels or seat and gate checking it with instructions that it does not fold. The airline actually provided a special handling tag and I was requested to write how much it weighed and not to fold or dissassemble anything. They simply had to take it as it was. It did go into a hold seperately from the bags and was anchored down, and the gate agent documented it was on the plane, each time it seeemed to come out quickly when we arrived at the gates and foruntatley no damage was done.

I was pleasantly surprised how smoothly things went on our travels. We certainly were treated differently with him in the wheelchair vs. previous travel with a stroller. We didnt have to ask to go ahead in the security line, they pulled us out of the main line and helped as much as possible to get through. I was asked if he wanted to stay in the chair and they could wand or pat down, vs carring him thru the metal dectors. I opted to carry him and they wanded the chair quickly. Once at the gate they promised early boarding and assistance. In one case the gate agent actually assisted with getting the car seat into the seat for me, they were very helpful, flight attendants not so much.

I simply wheeled Mark Henry down the jet bridge and picked him up out of the wheelchair and took him to his seat. Not sure how much longer I can physically do this he is over 30lbs, but in the future we can get an airline wheelchair to load him on the plane if needed! I didnt anticipate no jet bridge upon arrival for our connection in Chicago. How was I going to carry him, the backback and a car seat down stairs and then wait while holding him for the wheelchair???
Fortunately, fellow passengers assisted me, and offered to carry the car seat, as the flight attention proceeded to ignore us! Once on the ground, I was greeted by a special assistant to escort us into the terminal building to the elevator and directed to our next gate. She then offered to carry the carseat to the next gate for me which was above and beyond.

On the way home we also managed to get a gate pass for my dad to help us thru security and to the gate, the check in agent when we checked our bag simply offered one to us. Travels were good as we had no delays and no long connections just enough time to find a bathroom with a place to change MH and get a drink or snack and as soon as we arrived at the gates we were asked to board when ready.
I dont like to take advantage of Mark's disability but when you are traveling alone you do need the help. However, I saw several mom's traveling alone with kids and trying to juggle, bags, kids, car seats and strollers and was thinking they should get some help too, often fellow passengers were first to ask if I or they needed help. And the gate agents seemed to as well, while flight attendants seemed to ignore anyone struggling to board the planes, I guess its not their job to assist people? that is what the agents and special assitances are for, but not all passengers know to call ahead and ask for special seating or assistance when they need it.

Once in South Carolina, we had a few days with my parents before the Chicago crew arrived, which was nice. We spent time at the beach each afternoon. My parents invested in a new jogging stroller with the large wheels which meant we were able to get MH down on the sand when the tide was out, and walk on the hard sand for a while. He loved these beach walks and once we were done with the walk, we would then set up camp and let him play in the sand and a bit in the water. He loves water so as soon as he was "free" he would crawl directly to the ocean and get in all the way if we let him. The air temp was in the 70s and 80s most days but the water was still cool, so we limited his time and how wet he got and once he was done it was time to change and get home. Where they live is great its about a mile or so to the beach and the community they live in many people have golf carts, so we took the golf cart to and from the beach and I think MH enjoyed that as much as time at the beach.

Once home from our afternoons at the beach, it was time for early dinner for the little ones, most days Owen his 4 year old cousin was with us for the afternoon while his mom and dad, my sis in law, Stacy and brother, James finished work. Owen and MH had a great time together, MH encouraged Owen to eat, since he is a good eater and Owen is not and Owen encouraged MH to "talk"! They enjoyed each others company and Owen calls him his baby brother cousin, so sweet.

When the crew arrived from Chicago it got a bit hectic, we now had, 5 adults, a 3 year old and a 3 month old all in a three bedroom home! MH was set up in a crib in the office upstairs, quiet and next to my room, and the room made dark with sheets over the windows, as the sun doesnt go down by his bed time. And baby Oliver was set up in the bassinet in the bedroom with my other brother, Mark and sis in law, Maren.
We had 5 days all together, and it was hectic at times but lots of fun! MH had his walker a lot of the time in the house and on the back veranda, the wood floors and decking made it easy for him to get around. Once we MH proofed the area, and moved things out of reach he was able to be very independent. The only challenge was ensuring he didnt run over toes and dog paws as he scooted through the house and did laps from the kitchen to the living room and back!

We went on golf cart rides, spent time at the beach, the shops, our favorite mexican resturant and even had a photoshoot at the beach. We did an Easter egg hunt for the kids Easter Morning and hid 55 eggs in the yard. We set MH's in the driveway bushes so he could reach them. He was in his wheelchair so he had his hands free to collect the eggs and Owen helped him! Here are some pics of the Easter Egg hunt!













Owen had the backyard to find his eggs and found them all really quickly. Oliver was handed an egg for a photo opp with his mom and dad.
Then it was on to the big bday celebration for my mom. We surprised her with a special order cake, balloons, gifts, a slide show of photos throughout the years and we cooked dinner. She said it was the best birthday ever, having us all home.
The week went by very quickly, we did get to see some of their friends and neighbors and thanked those in person who support the 1/2 marathon fundraiser. All in all it was a great spring break!

<a href="http://elliestumbo.blogspot.com/search/label/CP%20connection/" style="border: none;"><img alt="Stumbo Family Story" src="http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh90/ellenstumbo/CP-connection.jpg" style="width: 129px; height: 129px;"/></a>