Where should we go for the December school break? We had a plethora of ideas swirling around, from hitting up The Great Wolf Mountain to revisiting the cozy cabin we stayed in last December. But this time around, we were craving something different, something special for the kids. That's when it hit us: why not visit my sister and her family in Connecticut, nestled close to the vibrant buzz of New York City?

Packing for our now-expanded family – we've gone from four to five – was a whole new ball game. Traveling with a one-year-old required patience at every turn. So, in organizing the trip, I turned to a trusty packing app that had all the essentials listed, allowing me to tick items off with ease. It was a lifesaver, keeping my mind from spiraling into overload on the day of departure.

But even with all the preparation, nothing could have readied us for the chaos that ensued. Our house was a good thirty-minute drive from the airport, and as we pulled up to the JetBlue terminal at Orlando International Airport, it was clear we weren't the only ones braving holiday travel. The terminal's parking garage was bursting at the seams, forcing us to seek parking elsewhere. Cue the butterflies in my stomach – it felt like a scene from "The Final Countdown."

After being redirected a couple of times, we found ourselves at an off-site parking lot with a glaring "full" sign. Despite the odds, I persisted, and with a stroke of luck, a kind attendant let us through. He guided us to a spot tucked away in the back, assuring me that my compact car could squeeze into any space. Oh, how the kids had teased me about my tiny car – yet here it was, our saving grace. We dashed to catch the shuttle to the airport, but of course, there was still TSA to navigate. Miraculously, we made it through security just in time, reaching our gate with a mere 15 minutes to spare.

As for the vacation itself, I had some plans up my sleeve. I wanted the kids to experience the iconic sights of New York City, starting with a train ride from Connecticut. They were thrilled – until they dozed off, earning their "New York nap on the train" badge. We arrived at Grand Central Station, and I shamelessly embraced my inner tourist as we strolled through Central Park, marveling at the holiday festivities.

Our next stop was The American Museum of Natural History, a dream come true for the kids who adored "Night at the Museum." Despite the crowds, they relished seeing the exhibits where their favorite movie characters came to life, particularly Dumb Dumb.

After a day of rest with family, we ventured back to NYC to visit the Statue of Liberty. Thanks to my husband's trusty train station app, navigating the city was a breeze. We opted for a prepaid ferry ride around the statue, though the grounds tour was unfortunately sold out. And let's not forget the cold – it hit us like a ton of bricks! As "sunny side up" Floridians, we were grateful for hand and foot warmers as we explored the city, snapping pictures of The Bull of Wall Street from a distance due to the endless queue.

Despite the chilly weather, the kids were enthralled by the towering skyscrapers and festive decorations adorning the streets. And amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, the time spent bonding with family made every frozen finger and toe worth it.

Traveling with family is all about creating cherished memories, and despite the chilly setbacks, our adventures in New York will be fondly remembered for years to come.