WWYD re: H flying home tomorrow

[countthestars]

H has been away on business since Sunday. DD and I really miss him . He flies into Boston tomorrow around 4pm, which is just over an hour drive for us. He has a car at the airport, but I was considering going in to the city early, potentially hitting up the aquarium and then surprising him at the airport. DD usually sleeps in the car and typically naps between 1-3 (at daycare from 12-2).

We have music class from 9:30-10:30 and could potentially leave right from there, be at the aquarium at noon. Do aquarium type things until she stroller naps and then transfer to the car to go to the airport and meet H. Stay in Boston for dinner with DD and hope that she falls asleep on the drive home (we would have two cars...).

Typing this out makes it more clear to me that it's probably a bad idea. But I know he would love it and I'm always looking for an excuse to go into the city....

[motzie]

It doesn't sound too bad to me. But you know your kid best. Will she be ok to be off schedule for one day?

[kdubs923]

I think it sounds doable (and fun!) if T is a flexible stroller napper!

If she doesn't normally nap in the stroller then it kind of sounds like there's potential for disaster.

[rikki]

I would do it! Eli loved the aquarium when we went a few weeks ago.

[CloudBee]

Are you sure he'll want to hang out in the city and get dinner? He may want to just go straight home after being gone all week.

I wouldn't be thrilled about driving 2 cars home.

ETA: It's less about your kiddo and more about your DH, IMO. I personally would hate being dragged out for a sit-down dinner in the city upon landing. Especially if it were sprung on me. But your heart is in a good place! I always feel gross after flying. And it is SO nice to be home after being away from family. I would want to put my feet up, throw on sweatpants, and cuddle on the couch/play with my kiddo vs. sit in a restaurant.

[Deleted]

None of that sounds so hard to me at all.
I'd do it. You know your kid. If you think she'll at all nap in a stroller or car you'll be fine.
If not just be prepared with an alternate activity? Maybe she'll be so excited about the museum she'll be fine without it and then pass out on the way home. My kids are good for that.

[mpc]

As long as you think your H would like the surprise I'd do it. If he's been gone for a while do you think he'd rather come straight home? It sounds fun though if he's up for it!

[livinitup]

Sounds like a great plan, except I'm worried about the surprise at the airport - how would you manage to make sure you didn't miss him? I can hardly meet folks who know to look for me.

[ECB]

As this involves you driving and you'll have 2 cars, I think i'd rather plan on going out for a nice dinner near home once he got home.  If you want the overall adventure, go for it.  But for some reason, when I got to the "we'll have 2 cars" part, you kind of lost me! 

[auntie]

I wouldn't.

Four days isn't that long a business trip, but if your DH has been attending business dinners and networking, he may just want to get home and have an early night.

Plus, nightmarish Boston traffic with two cars. Nope.

[countthestars]

Thanks everyone! I think we'll do it. Should we go for the aquarium or Boston Children's Museum? ryry rikki drloretta zeewifeandmama @awinter mannah liveintheville mswax (not meant to be exclusive - just tagging a few people that post on the Boston board

CloudBee - good question. He may not want to have a full dinner, but I suppose we could eat quickly at the airport before we head home.

[countthestars]

Jan 15, 2015 10:57:16 GMT -5 livinitup said:

Sounds like a great plan, except I'm worried about the surprise at the airport - how would you manage to make sure you didn't miss him? I can hardly meet folks who know to look for me.

I would text him while he was in the air or tell him when he calls to tell me he's landed.

[Deleted]

Jan 15, 2015 11:00:12 GMT -5 countthestars said:

Thanks everyone! I think we'll do it. Should we go for the aquarium or Boston Children's Museum? ryry rikki drloretta zeewifeandmama @awinter mannah liveintheville mswax (not meant to be exclusive - just tagging a few people that post on the Boston board

CloudBee - good question. He may not want to have a full dinner, but I suppose we could eat quickly at the airport before we head home.

I havent been to the children's museum (keep forgetting to rereserve library passes and I'm not willing to pay full price when I know I can get the pass lol) but we like the aquarium. We are going Saturday actually. But it's not huge so it doesn't kill a ton of time.

[countthestars]

All good things to think about - if we wait until H is home it will almost be DD's bedtime, so I was thinking that if we could catch him at 4:15 or so instead of 6:30 they may get some additional time together. I could also see if my mom wants to come into the city with us to do the day stuff and then leave me with DD and the car seat at the airport, though if we do that I would warn H tonight and make sure logistics would work.

[liveintheville]

Jan 15, 2015 11:00:12 GMT -5 countthestars said:

Thanks everyone! I think we'll do it. Should we go for the aquarium or Boston Children's Museum? ryry rikki drloretta zeewifeandmama @awinter mannah liveintheville mswax (not meant to be exclusive - just tagging a few people that post on the Boston board

CloudBee - good question. He may not want to have a full dinner, but I suppose we could eat quickly at the airport before we head home.

Both are great, but if you're looking to get a nap in afterwards I'd go children's museum. Much more active.

[zeewifeandmama]

Jan 15, 2015 11:00:12 GMT -5 countthestars said:

Thanks everyone! I think we'll do it. Should we go for the aquarium or Boston Children's Museum? ryry rikki drloretta zeewifeandmama @awinter mannah liveintheville mswax (not meant to be exclusive - just tagging a few people that post on the Boston board

CloudBee - good question. He may not want to have a full dinner, but I suppose we could eat quickly at the airport before we head home.

I can't see how old your LO is, but if they're on the youngish side I'd do the aquarium. I went last fall when my two were 18 months ish and 4.5 ish and while the CM was fun for my older one, some things frustrated my younger. The aquarium was universally loved. Have fun

[Deleted]

Voluntarily drive in and out of Boston around dinnertime with a toddler? Nope.

[mannah]

countthestars
I vote children's museum! And afterwards go around the corner and eat at flour bakery. SO good.

ETA there's also a fire truck/firehouse museum just down the street from there that looks cool if your kids like that!

[hermione]

I always vote yes for adventures with the kiddo. Do it!

[chickens987]

My H would hate it - after traveling he just wants to get home ASAP but if your H would like it, do it!

[countthestars]

He's only flying from San Juan (LUCKY) so it's a fairly short flight home. This week has been pretty cushy for him so I don't think he'll be upset about spending another 2 hours away from home

[rikki]

Jan 15, 2015 11:00:12 GMT -5 countthestars said:

Thanks everyone! I think we'll do it. Should we go for the aquarium or Boston Children's Museum? ryry rikki drloretta zeewifeandmama @awinter mannah liveintheville mswax (not meant to be exclusive - just tagging a few people that post on the Boston board

CloudBee - good question. He may not want to have a full dinner, but I suppose we could eat quickly at the airport before we head home.

We are going to the Childrens Museum next weekend, haven't been there yet.

E loved the penguins and all of the fish at the aquarium and I was surprised how long they kept his attention.  His favorite part was the touch tank though.  He flipped out when we had to leave.

[drloretta]

Jan 15, 2015 11:00:12 GMT -5 countthestars said:

Thanks everyone! I think we'll do it. Should we go for the aquarium or Boston Children's Museum? ryry rikki drloretta zeewifeandmama @awinter mannah liveintheville mswax (not meant to be exclusive - just tagging a few people that post on the Boston board

CloudBee - good question. He may not want to have a full dinner, but I suppose we could eat quickly at the airport before we head home.

Children's Museum. Aquarium just had a renovation, but it's the least popular Boston kids attraction, at least in my circle. BCM has stuff for so many age groups, and you can have dinner at Flour around the corner

[rosebud]

Jan 15, 2015 11:00:12 GMT -5 countthestars said:

Thanks everyone! I think we'll do it. Should we go for the aquarium or Boston Children's Museum? ryry rikki drloretta zeewifeandmama @awinter mannah liveintheville mswax (not meant to be exclusive - just tagging a few people that post on the Boston board

CloudBee - good question. He may not want to have a full dinner, but I suppose we could eat quickly at the airport before we head home.

I work downtown, we could meet for lunch! I'd do the Children's Museum personally...

[anna7602]

Is going in on public transportation an option? I lived in Boston many years ago and vaguely remember that you can get to the airport on the blue line, but maybe things have changed. The only part of your plan that worries me is the potential to get stuck in traffic with a small child too close to dinner or bedtime. Otherwise, it sounds quite doable.

[hopecounts]

I don't think it sounds bad, if she'll stroller nap bring your phone/tablet/kindle/book enjoy the aquarium then find a quiet comfy spot to chill while she naps.
Then meet up with Daddy I bet it would be a huge deal to her to see Daddy right away.
Have a nice family dinner bring her PJs and most likely she'll pass out in te way home.
I say do it!

[auntie]

Jan 15, 2015 11:24:24 GMT -5 chickens987 said:

My H would hate it - after traveling he just wants to get home ASAP but if your H would like it, do it!

This would be DH.

He used to travel to some wonderful locations- London, Paris, Nice, Alsace. When he was done, he just wanted a hot shower and to catch up quietly over a drink together.

I'd never surprise him because sometimes plans change last minute, sometimes flights get canceled or redirected. Once I surprised him since he didn't have a car at the airport and I only worked 10 miles away and we missed each other betwwen baggage claim and the garage. He took the train home and called to be picked up. Another time his flight was redirected to JFK and he ended up getting in 6 hours later. Never again. 

[mswax]

I'm sorry I missed this! I'm sure I'm replying way too late, but with a short time line and a potentially tired kid, I'd choose the aquarium. I love that place as much as my kids do!