Adventures and Outings: Vivian at Lake Tahoe

During our Escapes month on Ohdeedoh, we are posting great photos and tips for traveling with children from our readers. Please check here for all the details. The first twenty submissions posted will receive the official AT bib. Hope to hear from you soon. Here we have Vivian, who celebrated her first birthday while on vacation on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. Life is grand when you're enjoying the fresh air and the feeling the sand between your toes.

Your favorite baby or child-friendly activity there:

We spent most days at the beach, which was right across the street from our cabin. Being so close to the beach, our primary daytime destination, was key because we could head back for naps without having to get in a car.

Your best tip or words of wisdom for traveling with kids:

Stay someplace with a kitchen! Whether it's a house, a cabin or timeshare, having easy access to a kitchen saves money (less spending on restaurants) and helps retain normalcy for the kids (can have the same foods they have at home, which can be a big help for picky ones).

Your favorite way to make it feel like home:
Vivian loves bath time, so we made sure to bring some of her favorite tub toys. Of course, when we got to our cabin, the tub was missing the plug, so I improvised with a plastic sandwich bag and some duct tape!

An item you MUST take with you when traveling:

Ergo carrier. With the Ergo, I feel like I can carry Vivian all day. And in sandy areas, it is so much better than a stroller!