Family Road Trip Before Our Big Transition

Hey guys! My name is Brandi Harrell and I’m a social media influencer, brand ambassador and I also run my own ecommerce store. As an entrepreneur life can be both beautiful and hectic, simultaneously; especially when you’re a wife, mother of two, content creator and all-around boss (Cheesy wink). Nonetheless, I love my life and the challenges that shape me into a better version of myself! I have a bonus-son, Ryan Jr. 19, two beautiful girls, Riley 7, Bailey 3, and an amazing husband. They all keep me on my toes, while making my heart so full. My youngest daughter, Bailey was recently diagnosed with Autism. As you can imagine my husband and I went through many layers of emotions and questions. What does this mean for her, our everyday lives and the way we care for her?

Little did I know, this diagnosis would open a world of possibilities for us. A new way to view the world through her eyes and appreciate the joy of the simple things. For instance, Bailey’s way of self-stimulating is by holding us close with lots of cuddles and kisses. I can just sit there with her all day (if time allowed) and let her smush my face against hers, while I rock her and sing to her.

Bailey and Mommy, Ocean City, MD

Unfortunately, time does not always permit for these moments extensively. At least without the stress of a full plate and what’s next on my “to do list.” As a working mom, it never really stops for me. At times the thought of a getaway seems so far-fetched. With all the stress of motherhood and beyond, my husband and I have decided to embark on a brand-new journey and big transition!

While our girls are young and our opportunities are thriving in the West, we have decided to move to California! I am originally from there and that is where most of my family resides. This will be so great for my girls to experience family the way I did growing up and I will be able to get the support I very much need.

It takes a village!

Sisters Riley and Bailey, San Diego, CA

With my head so full of what lies ahead, along with the day-to-day challenges, I thought what better way for us all to collect ourselves and unplug, than to take a trip?

While we are still on the East Coast, I would love to take a road trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada. I can just see the sparkle in Bailey’s eyes at the sight of the waterfalls and I can hear the excitement in Riley’s voice as she screams for me to “look mommy!” It’s been a while since we’ve taken a trip as a family. I’m excited just thinking about it.

Summer is near and school is almost out! This would be the perfect opportunity to travel during the week.

What better way to start the summer than a family road trip?

As any mother can imagine, there are far more things needed for a road trip than a suitcase full of clothes. Plenty of snacks, fully charged screens, sensory toys for Bailey, blankets, water, and the list is endless. Preparing and packing a night or two before would be the only way in my book.

We live in South Jersey and Niagara Falls for us is about a 7- 7 ½ hour drive. Heading out in the morning after breakfast would be a perfect opportunity to catch the gorgeous views between New Jersey and New York.

A 7 ½ hour drive is a lot for anyone. There will need to be some fun stops incorporated for my girls along the way. Besides, I want this to be an unforgettable trip for my loves. Aside from the several stops along the way for gas, bathroom and food, the first main stop for us would be in Ithaca, NY.

Ithaca is a beautiful city at the tip of Cayuga Lake. It is known for its gorges and waterfalls. Since we will be exploring Ithaca first, booking a beautiful rental home through Vrbo for the day/night would simply be everything we need!

Securing our two rentals via Vrbo is at the top of my to do list while planning this trip. We will be needing one in Ithaca and one for our main stay in Niagara Falls. Once that is done, I can really explore all the possible stops. With Bailey in mind, here are the features I look for in a vacation home:

• Bright, Bold décor – Colors, shapes and patterns! This will help to give Bailey the visual stimulation she needs. I can just see her little face now. In awe of a new place.
• Spacious rooms – Some of the behaviors of autistic children consist of lots of movement! Bailey loves to rock, spin, turn and run, in repetitive motions. Having the space for her to be herself would be the most ideal. My daughter Riley is also full of fun energy! This warrior princess needs space as well for her Karate moves.
• Kid friendly furniture- When Bailey is stimming and in need of her close cuddles, hugs and kisses, it would be awesome to have soft, plush furniture to relax and bask in these moments. It would also give me peace of mind to know it’s safe and comfortable for the children.
• Internet/TV’s – My husband and I love to pour a cocktail and enjoy a good movie when the kids are in bed! Being able to do this during a getaway is even sweeter than doing it at home. It’s also helpful to allow the girls to watch their favorite shows while laying down.
• Backyard/front yard – I want nothing more than for the girls to be able to play outside in the fresh air. Particularly an area that is fenced in for safety! Lawn and patio furniture would also be a big plus. Sitting out with my husband while we spend that time together and watch our girls play, is a nice step away from the apartment life we currently live.
• Big Kitchen – We cook a lot at home, and I would love to bring this regular family tradition on the road. Being able to have a home cooked meal even amid our travels makes my tummy smile. Also, the ability to prepare Bailey’s favorites will keep her happy.
• Big Windows – I mean who doesn’t love natural sunlight in the morning? I know I do! Natural sunlight is every content creator’s dream.
• Spacious Bathrooms – Like most kids, bath time is a nighttime favorite. Bailey loves her bath time! A nice size bathroom with a bathtub would give her that normalcy routine she enjoys at home. Maintaining your routine and sticking to what works is key with autistic children. There can be a very fine line between what soothes them and what triggers them negatively. Keeping her happy and comfortable will help to keep the trip enjoyable for the whole family!

On Vrbo, I found gorgeous homes and cottages in both Ithaca and Niagara Falls with all the features I am looking for. Open windows with beautiful views of the lakes and waterfalls. Breathtaking displays of the bright and luscious greenery outside. It was hard not to daydream and imagine us already there while browsing through all the properties on the app.

Mommy and Bailey, San Diego, CA

While researching I found that there is so much to do in Ithaca! Here are two of the locations that I know my girls would love so much!

• Ithaca Children’s Garden – This 3-acre public children’s garden is specifically designed for children to help them connect to nature. With Riley’s bold bright personality and Bailey’s curious, inquisitive mind this collaborative, educational, nature-based garden would be perfect! At ICG the children will be able to explore the following:
• -Bees & Hens 
• -Bulb Labyrinth Memorial Garden 
• -Kitchen Garden 
• -Troll House 
• -Bird Habitat Garden 
• -Kid’s Kitchen 
• -Story Walk 
• -Wetlands & Bioswale 
• -Hands-on-Nature Anarchy Zone 
• -Rice Paddy Pond 
• -Wildflower Meadow 
• -Recycled GreenHouse 
• -Farm Stand 
• Buttermilk Falls State Park – A natural cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek in Ithaca, that winds its way down toward Cayuga Lake. There is a perfect area at the base of the waterfall for swimming! With hot summer temperatures, beautiful scenery and splashes of the waterfall, I know this will be a swim to remember for them.

With so much to do at the Ithaca Children’s Garden and a possible stop at Buttermilk Falls, I must note there is always a possibility of overstimulation in autistic children. No matter how much I have planned, much of what we do would be based on how Bailey is taking it all in. We will follow her lead and do what we can!

Upon wrapping up this first day of travel, getting to our first vacation home and cooking dinner is all I can think about! I know the girls are going to be exhausted from a fun filled day. I think it’s safe to say they wouldn’t be up very long.

After dinner, bath and bedtime, this makes for the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with my husband.

Ryan and Brandi Harrell (Mom & Dad), San Juan, PR

The next day of our travels would consist of getting to what I would call “The Main Event!”

After Breakfast and some play time outside, getting on the road to Niagara Falls is even closer! Unlike the day before, I would love to head directly to our Vrbo rental in Niagara Falls for a chill day to enjoy our home away from home. Since we will be staying for a couple days, there is more time to relax and enjoy our time together. The sight-seeing will be saved for day three and four.

Much like the property in Ithaca, I have sought out the same features. Vrbo offers amazing properties in Ontario not far from the water fall and other sites we will be visiting.

I think this night would be a great night for us to go out to dinner. There is a super cool, family friendly restaurant called “The Flying Saucer Restaurant”. This UFO shaped restaurant offers up classic American food with out of this world Sci-Fi Décor. I know my oldest daughter Riley would love this most!

Mommy, Riley and Bailey at the South Jersey Food truck festival Sewell, NJ

Day three and four of our trip will be our time to really explore and enjoy Niagara Falls!

Here are some of the places I plan to explore:

• Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory – Thousands of vibrantly colored Butterflies, sign us up!
• Niagara IMAX Theater – Here is where we will learn and be taken through the history of the falls through an IMAX experience.
• Downtown Niagara Falls – Queen Street District is the perfect area to walk around and learn about the historic architecture, entertainment and delicious food.
• Niagara Falls Illumination Tour – At night the falls are illuminated with bright colors for the best views from any vantage point! Perfect for the kids!

As you can imagine, bringing this trip to a close will be nothing short of bittersweet. On Day five, we would be leaving at the top of the morning to take on a long drive home.

Stopping at parks for walks and some of our favorite family favorite restaurants along the way will help give us the breaks we need.

Getting home Friday evening and having the weekend to unpack and unwind…

Sounds like the perfect end to the perfect road trip!!

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