Several readers have written asking me how it worked to bring our 2 and 5 year old along on our most recent adoption trip, and so I thought I'd share some of the highs and lows to possibly help other puzzle out their own travel decisions.

Probably the most difficult thing, and one I did not really think much about beforehand, was the jetlag that both of my little girls experienced. Yes, they napped in Ethiopia, and went to bed early every night. But still there were times when the jetlag made them overly tearful and/or cranky.

About the time they got over that, it was time to head home, and go through jetlag all over again! There were times both in Ethiopia and during the first week home when the new girls would have benefitted from my attention, but instead I had to pacify a cranky younger sister, which was frustrating at times. Thankfully the girls we adopted were old enough to understand and wait awhile for mom's attention.

One of the best things about bringing the little girls to Ethiopia was the jump start all four daughters had on getting acquainted. The little girls were great ice-breakers in the early days when things still felt awkward and unfamiliar. Even at home, when the new girls were suddenly getting acquainted with 6 new siblings, I think they enjoyed the fact that two siblings were already somewhat familiar. (Of course it also didn't hurt that the little one worship the bigger ones!)

As far as the actual traveling part of the trip, it all went really well. Some of the most fun things we packed were the simplest. Both little girls enjoyed having their own bag of goodies to get into at will. We brought a small backpack for the 5 year old and a fanny pack for the two year old. I started them with some small toys, snacks, gum, and chapstick. Then I added a new little something every few hours of airplane travel. It was fun to see them carefully zip each new treat into their bags.

Other simple favorites included silly putty, familiar snacks in no-spill cups, and simple beading kits. (I used pipe cleaners instead of string for the two year old.) I wish I had remembered to bring some small story books-- for some reason I didn't even think about that while packing.

Despite some cranky times, overall the trip went exceptionally well. Some people might be more comfortable leaving little ones home in the care of a capable grandma, and certainly it would make some things easier. But for us it truly was the best decision to bring our youngest two along with us, and I am very glad we were able to do so.

Related links
Occupying kids on planes
Leaving children home