Hi Mamas,
I'm from Maryland and I'm going to be in Brown Deer, WI for a FIS conference May 27-30. My daughter is turning 3 on the 27th and I've never been away from her for more than a work day. I've been trying to build it up to her that I'll be going on an airplane and I'll be gone for a few days and that she has to go thru 3 times of going to bed with Daddy and big brother putting her to bed and then I'll be home. She keeps saying "Abbie come to" so I told her she can't come but when I go on the plane I'm going to get her a present and big brother too of course. So when I mentioned it again last night she remembered and said "Mommy's going on a plane and going to get Abbie a present" and she didn't ask for her to go too. So, I want to get her something that will represent where I am going. I hear it's a small town so I don't know what's there and that it's about 15-20 minutes outside Milwaukee. Any ideas of what to get and where I can get it from without having to drive very far? I do have a rental car so I have transportation but still something not too far away. My son is 12 so if you have any ideas for him please feel free. If nothing else I was thinking about getting them both something both airplane related from the airports which they would both like as they both love airplanes but I'd like to get something regional. Thanks.
she's only 3. don't build it up to her so much that YOU create the looming disaster in her mind. she's going to be in her own home with daddy and brother, so it's really not a big deal unless you make it so.
the airport will have overpriced but very cool locally themed gifts. just pick something up there.
khairete
S.
get her a tshirt or at her age she probably likes stuffed animals get her a dairy cow. You can get it in the airport. And I agree with Suz stop talking about it. It just makes it more stressful. so leave it alone. She will be fine. As far as your son goes get him the cheese head hat. They are a riot. And maybe a tshirt.
I would get t-shirts from the hotel gift shop or airport. Just something cute like "I'm not a cheese head, just visiting them" or something cutsie involving something Wisconsin is known for.
My sister lived in Wisconsin for 2 years, so my husband begged her to buy him a cheese head hat (like the fans wear at Green Bay Packers games). We still have the pictures but not the actual cheese head hat.
ETA - For most kids, less is more. It really will help to simplify what you say to her. The night before you leave or even the morning you leave, be very simple, "Mommy will be gone for a couple of days. Daddy will be here, and you will be fine. I'll miss you, and I'll be back soon." That's really all she needs.
When I was in Wisconsin on business I got my 3 and 6 year old boys both little cheeses covered in wax and shaped like cows and little stuffed cows that had a patch on the tummy saying "no cow tipping." I travel quite a bit for work and usually pick up a little something that is regional. Helps with the mom guilt, for sure :)
Don't go overboard, you will set this up for the future. Make it routine, so they will treat it as a routine. We used to schedule phone calls.
My mother used to collect Christmas ornaments from the places she visited.
Other people give Tshirts, Gimme hats, postcards that are placed in scrapbooks. I used to purchase a book for our daughter. That was her passion.
I think it is good for our children to see that we can be awesome moms and also be important in our work lives. They tend to apperciate us more, once they realize how much we do and how successful we are in other parts of our lives.
You can head south about 10 minutes and you will be at Bayshore shopping center. You could get them something Packer or Brewer related. Or the typical dairy related stuff or just something cute that they will like. It doesn't have to be WI themed.
She will be just fine! It kind of seems like you are worrying too much. And having dad put her to bed and time with mom gone will probably be great for her. Get her a stuffed deer (Brown Deer, WI). My 4 year old daughter is crazy about her stuffed animals. My son (10) loves new books to read...but perhaps that is boring. Maybe look in the airport for something for your son? Have a fun trip!
Harley Davidson gear?
C., I live in Milwaukee, on the border of Brown Deer. It's not often we see that city come up on a national board!
What a great idea for your kids! I remember when I was a kid, my dad traveled quite a bit for work. He would always come back with a little something for "his girls" (my sister, mom & me). I looked forward to seeing what he got, & what the "story" was behind it. I still have some of the items even now.
For those of us in the area, Brown Deer isn't a stand-alone town, as much as it is a Milwaukee suburb, & almost a part of Milwaukee itself. Milwaukee is known for a few things - Beer, Brats & Brewers (baseball), Harley Davidson, Sprecher (beer & Root Beer). Wisconsin is further known for - Packers (football), Badgers (University football), cheese, hunting, more cheese.
The Milwaukee Brewers just recently adopted a "mascot", Hank the dog, and have been marketing items with Hank on them. That could work for both your kids (although might be expensive)
The Sprecher brewery is right off the freeway as you are traveling from Brown Deer to the Airport, you could stop in & get a 4-pack of Root Beer (or cream soda) to pack carefully, or even root-beer flavored popcorn! Much less expensive.
http://sprecherbrewery.com/soda.php
Cheese is always a good choice. The Wisconsin Cheese Mart in Milwaukee has a huge selection, including the wax-wrapped shaped cheese (Wisconsin, or cow), & is just blocks off the freeway downtown (also on the way to the airport)
https://www.wisconsincheesemart.com/cheese/shapes/
Hope this helps with ideas, enjoy your trip to our town! If you'd like any local info, feel free to message me. T. =-)
How sweet.
While I don't know what's there, I had an idea for home.
I would leave them each a present to open while you are gone.
Or maybe even a small gift each day.
You know what your son would like best (they don't have to be
extravagant) but something to look forward to while you are gone.
For your daughter, you could get her a DreamLight. That should help
while you are gone. A small blanket? A new "lovey" stuffed animal?
Do FaceTime if you have that capability & only if you think it won't upset
your youngest.
Then pick them up something there, too, so they will remember your
trip.
Lastly, do something for yourself there so you will be able to relax (pedicure, massage, nice dinner out etc.). Safe travels.
