Traveling Tips - Vancouver,WA

dont' be afriad to use a harness & "leash" on your 3 yr old. I use done in Wash DC when my son was almost 3 - he figured out too quickly how to take it off - but until that time it kept him close. Some people will make faces or snarky comments - but my feeling is that I'd rather make sure my child is safe than worry aout rude comments.
Bring new toys for the plane - things they've not seen beofre. Color magic markers and paper? magnetic play things and a small metal tray ( like a toaster oven tray)? Small action figures that they like. Then hone up on games like "I spy with my little eye...." (I'm sure you can google more kinds liek that) which will often keep them engaged since they get to interact with you. Then as a last resort bring some cookies, pretzels, chocolate or other treats to make it through those final moments on the plane. Ave them for when all other options are exhausted. Also consider investing in a portable DVD player with headphones - and a new movie or two. Works like a charm most of the time.

The time zones were never a problem for us and our little kids. They just seemed to adjust on their own.

For the plane flight, the new security laws won't let you take drinks past the security secion. But you can take empty bottles. I would take empty bottles past security with the right amount of powdered drink mx inside. I would fill the bottles from the water fountains once you have passed security. We traveled with already made up sandwiches in baggies. My wife and I bought suibway sandwhiches before we went to the airport and that was our on board meal.

We took new (new to our kids, not necessarily brand new) games and toys in the kids back pack. Of course, you need diapers and wipes.

Good luck to you and yours.

You didn't mention the length of your flight or how big of a time change, which makes a bit of difference in how we handle things. We fly with our kids all the time (now 16mos, 3 and 5yrs) so here are a few of my nuggets of wisdom:
- Even if there are things you generally don't do in your parenting, like TV and sweets, make exceptions for plane flights. It can be the difference in preventing or ending a meltdown!
- A portable DVD player is a MUST, especially for your older kids. Hopefully they can agree on something to watch. Make sure the battery is fully charged. We usually bring 1 movie, like Nemo or Cars, and something with a few episodes. My boys love "mighty machines." My husband bought a port so that 2 sets of earplugs can be plugged into the DVD player.
- Have lots of snacks. Even if they shouldn't be hungry, they'll be hungry just because they're bored. Cereal bars, cereal, crackers/goldfish, pretzels, etc. Buy drinks or fill water bottles once you get through security.
- Have treats, too. I buy fun-size portions like Kit Kat, Hershey Kisses or m&m's. I use either as reward...or bribery :)
- Books, coloring books, STICKERS
- As for toys in the carry-on, they can bring something that doesn't make noise, like matchbox cars or airplanes.
- If your 3-yr old is likely not to sit still, consider bringing his car seat on the plane (if you were going to bring it). It makes a huge difference in keeping a child strapped in and it's comforting since it's familiar. He'll know the rules for his own car seat.
- Hopefully the baby will sleep and be your "easy" child for this flight.

Our seating arrangement on a plane is my husband sits with the boys, then I sit with our daughter either in front or behind them. Who sits in front depends on which child is likely to be pushing or kicking the seat. Right now, that's our daughter, who can reach with her feet when she's in her car seat, so they'll sit in front of us.

We let the kids sleep on the plane, but once we land everyone has to get on local time, so we try to delay naps.

Good luck and have a great trip!!!

-Buy some new toys they've never seen. Preferrably quiet ones.
-carseat for baby
-animal backpack w/leash for you run-away 3 yr old.
-empty water bottles to go thru security & re-fill on other side
-put toys, crayons, coloring books, cars etc in backpacks for the 3 & 4yr
old to carry on their backs. Buy cute, small back packs they will be
excited about
-DVD player w/split headphones for the older two
-bring several movies they haven't seen yet
-if the airport has a stoller device to rent, rent it to get around easily & quickly
-ask for help if you need it
-bring plenty of snacks for them in your carryon or fill their backpacks
-feed them big meal before boarding

Have a safe flight!