It doesn’t matter what kind of trip I’ve taken, there’s always been some sort of stress. Truth be told, I’m not terribly fond of travelling. I like the idea of it and the destination, but the bit in-between can wear me down. Emma too has a hard time with transitions. But she has ways of managing her stress.

A blanket from home

is enough to make you al-

most impervious.

• 

• 

• 

Almost everything is manageable IF Emma can face it wrapped up in a blanket. We have worked hard so that Emma will go out without her blanket — but this morning, breakfast just wasn’t going to happen without it. We walked the Trans Canada Highway and underneath the bridge crossing the Columbia River to the McDonalds across the street, wrapped up like a Saturday morning princess.

And then, while we waited for Dad to bring food to the table, we counted fingers. Counting is a good way for Caleb to manage stress.

1,2,3,4,5…

until the dad arrives

6,7,8,9,10

add Emma and start again.

• 

• 

Just sitting is also helpful. Especially if there are sweet chairs set out.

• 

• 

• 

So that’s how you manage a day in the wild with the Archers. Pretty simple, all you need is a blanket, your own two hands, and random chairs. It helps too if you take a meandering pace and prepare to ditch your plans (like trying to get Emma to the hotel swimming pool in the evening – no blankets apparently 🙂 Give it a try – It’s all good.

• 

• 

•