Contemplating taking 2 kids under 4 to Europe, thoughts?

God that sounds miserable

That's a more diplomatic way of saying what I wanted

I'll add a positive voice to the mix...We took our one year old to Italy a year ago and will be bringing him back to Europe with us again in a couple months. I'd be lying if I told you we did as much as we used to with just the two of us - or that it was anything like it. That said, it was better than the alternative (not going at all).

We did learn some lessons and will bringing a helping hand on our next trip. It sounds like you will have that for at least part of the trip if you'll be staying with your father-in-law. The flights won't be any fun, but you'll survive.

Go for it. There will always be a reason to not travel.

Only if the kids are out of diapers. Otherwise it'll be a pain. We did Korea with a 1 and 4 year old. Just not worth the hassle.

Do it. Travel with kids whether you are going to the beach, a theme park, Europe or Asia is travel with kids. It will be stressful, involve a lot of logistics, and ultimately not be same travel as what one would have done without kids.

However, it creates a different set of expectations, benefits, memories, and experiences.

Do it.

I live 1/2 mile from the beach. We both work, so we aren't going to take a long vacation without our kids. We've done Disney twice already two long weekends.

The alternative is not go? Outside of the flights which will suck the rest sounds pretty awesome and doable.

Go for it! We always have taken our kids on big vacations since they were babies and they've always traveled well. Just plan ahead and be over-prepared. We were in the UK in June with our three preschool- and elementary-aged children. Things they really liked: Tower of London, London Eye, riding the tube, riding a double-decker bus, St. James Park, Princess Diana Playground in Kensington Gardens, eating at Pizza Express, the Science Museum (lots of cool demonstrations of things exploding, crafty things to make, etc.), street performers in Covent Gardens, eating at Borough Market.
I know some people can't imagine taking kids on trips like you are planning, but I couldn't imagine NOT taking them. Of course, I'm sure the experience varies greatly depending on the behavior/temperament/personality of the child (and parent) and maybe some people just know their children would ruin their vacation. Ha.

Once you decide that you're going and where exactly you'll be headed (other than London), if you need more help, let me know and I will give you more kid-friendly ideas if they're places we've visited (and if you want them!).

Don't travel with kids until they're closer to the 8-10 range. They won't appreciate anything until then, and everybody else on the plane wont hate you.