We took the TheMonk and Swee’Pea show on the road this week as we traveled to sunny thunderstorm-struck Colorado. This was our second trip on a plane with the twins but the first one where they actually had opinions on how things should be. Overall, things went well – mostly a result of planning and luck.

Along the way, we picked up a few pointers that I thought might be useful to those feeling brave enough to travel with twins.

1) When flying, if you can, buy the extra seat. If you don’t purchase the third seat, you won’t be able to sit together. Each row has only one extra oxygen mask so if you have you, your spouse, and the twins on your lap, then the unlucky soul who gets the seat next to you will be one too many people for the number of oxygen masks. As a result, you’d be separated and on your own. Get the extra seat (most airlines give you an infant fare). The airline we used this time asked us to bring on an airline-approved car seat for the extra seat. It worked fine for the baby who didn’t mind kicking back (TheMonk) while we wrestled with the independent, too-much-to-see-to-relax, little one (I’m talking to you Bri).

2) Be prepared. Your carryon should be all about the babies. Forget the magazines, the laptop, or shots of bourbon – what you bring should have one thing in mind: Keep Babies Happy. Pack lots of little toys. Pack lots of Cheerios. Pack a little juice and some sippy cups. Don’t forget your sanity. Then, be prepared to whip out whatever the moment calls for.

3) Pack light. If your final destination is family, have them pick up some baby necessities so you don’t have to pack them. This might include diapers, baby food, even a borrowed crib from a neighbor. If you’re going somewhere where family cannot come to the rescue, call your hotel and see what they can do. Many will have cribs for you to use and will be set up when you arrive. Make a quick trip to the grocery store when you get there and pick up the essentials so you don’t have to pack it all.

4) Be realistic. When traveling with twins, they’re the boss. If they’re used to two naps a day (and ours are, thank God), then you’ll need to get them those two naps a day. Cranky babies makes cranky parents and that just won’t do on vacation. So, when planning your day, don’t cram too much and be flexible enough to end things quick if the babies are not cooperating.

5) Have fun. The best part of being on vacation with your family is getting to spend quality time together. We might not have done much this past vacation but spending so much time with my wife and TheMonk and Swee’Pea was well worth it. Enjoy the ride, wherever it takes you.

I am sitting on the couch as TheMonk and Swee’Pea play on the floor in front of us. Andrea is across the room and as we are chatting over the kids, I lose track of where they are. Suddenly, I feel slight discomfort in my big toe.

I ignore it, thinking it’s nothing.

Suddenly, the pain becomes blinding and I can no longer ignore it. I look down to see what is wrong with my toe. There is Swee’Pea on her belly with her mouth around my big toe, biting down hard with her four little teeth. I cry out in pain and shock as I reach down to remove Biter Swee’Pea from my painful appendage.

As I pick her up, my scream has frightened Swee’Pea and she begins to cry. I hold her close with my toe still smarting and laugh as she cries. I calm her down and tell her biting is not nice. Please don’t bite Daddy.

Somehow, I don’t think she was listening.

Monk, you are standing while holding onto the couch. This is a new skill for you and you look unsure of what to do. I kneel beside you and look into your eyes. You are deep in thought and I wonder what is going on in your little head. I take a toy and place it further along the couch in hopes of encouraging you to cruise. You seem interested in the toy but you glance at me instead.

I lean in and we touch foreheads. We gently rub our heads together in complete silence. The contact between us is firm, yet gentle and loving. Finally, I pull back to give you a kiss on your forehead. We look into each other’s eyes once again and you open your mouth and lean into me. Your soft lips land on my cheek in a loving kiss. You pull away and we look at each other once more. Again, you lean in and plant a kiss with your soft, wet pucker.

I reach down and embrace you and and hold you close – not wanting you to be confused by the tears welling up in my eyes. I breathe in deeply and smell the sweet smell of your hair. I feel your little cheeks pressed against mine and I think to myself how very, very lucky I am to be your Daddy.