Last weekend we went interstate for four days. We were
invited to attend a friend’s wedding. I had mixed emotions when I received the
invitation. I was so happy to hear that my friend was getting married and I was
so excited to attend her wedding. On the other hand, I was nervous about the eight-hour
drive to get there and the eight-hour drive back home.
I purchased many new
picture books and activity books to keep my munchkins entertained. I also
invested in a car DVD device that would only come out in desperation. To my
surprise the little munchkins were really good on the drive up and on the drive
home.
The second dilemma was food for my little Munchkin. It was
easy to organise something on the way to our destination, as I was able to
prepare from home. We had chicken schnitzel and bread rolls. They were a hit.
On arrival I prepared a vegetable soup with risoni from ingredients I had brought
from home.
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| Little Munchkin eating his chicken schnitzel |
The second day breakfast was easy just some Weetabix and
snacks were simple. Lunch was the left over vegetable soup, which always seems
to be tastier the second day. Dinner was going to be prepared by the reception
(this made me very nervous). I contacted the venue and discussed my little
munchkin’s dietary requirements and restrictions. The gentleman on the phone
was so wonderful he was so understanding and told me everything he was going to
prepare separately. Entre was a bowl of homemade pasta made egg free followed
by a main of grilled chicken and chips. I was able to sit back and enjoy the
evening knowing that my little Munchkin ate well.
Day three we went to the restaurant located at the hotel
where we were staying. The layout was a continental breakfast bar. I mentioned
to staff what foods were restricted. The restaurant was so helpful and offered
to cook his bacon and toast separately to ensure there was so contamination. I
didn’t feel it was necessary as every item had its separate dish at the bar. The
staff sympathised and wanted him to feel special by preparing him his own
plate. He was happy to be eating with the family and have his own plate with
the exact meal. Lunch was a treat and dad took him to Nandos to have chicken
and chips. That made his day. Dinner was at our friend’s house where they
prepared a barbeque and sides suitable for him.
Day four breakfasts was a toasted ham and cheese sandwich
from the local café. We drove back home with a bag filled with fresh fruits
which we snacked on. We dropped into a Mc Donald’s and treated him to large
fries and a good play on the playground. With a few hours still to go before we
arrived home I was wondering what he was going to eat for dinner. Luckily my
mother in law prepared a lovely chicken soup.
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| Eating French Fries |
Travelling with young children can be very daunting
especially when you have children with food allergies. As a family we were
hesitant to travel due to food allergies. We let it take control. This wedding
was a good experience for us. It pushed us to take this trip away and opened
our eyes; we coped very well with all our little munchkin’s meals. With a
little organisation it was a success. Food allergies shouldn’t get in the way
of our children’s everyday life. I have to look at it as we can do everything,
the only difference is we may come across a few obstacles, but that’s ok. There
are many ways we can get around them and enjoy new experiences. Now I am
confident to organise a family holiday.
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