More Planes, Buses, Autos

Well, we have returned from our first trip with three children. What, you say, are we craaaazy for traveling so soon? Probably. When we landed after our final Russia trip, with Owen in our arms (and around my neck), we looked at each other and swore we wouldn't travel again for at least two years. But...there was a little thing called a 50th Anniversary party going on in Florida. And 50 years is big...really big. And I hadn't seen my parents in almost two years! And my siblings in longer than that. So we went. And, surprise, surprise, we had a great time!

I think it was a nice combination of the kids loving their cousins, aunts/uncle, grandparents, having a nice hotel pool, and there being enough family around to keep one or both of the "agitators" (Owen and Natalie) busy enough to not worry about each other. I am so glad we went. Oh yes, and the party was wonderful. I loved hearing the stories from my Dad's college roommate, and meeting my parent's friends. It was all good.

The travel itself, I could do without, but I guess that's the price to pay. I am so looking forward to the day when we don't have to carry two full-size car seats and one booster with us. And for the record, I know there is a story, complete with video, going around the internet about a woman who used a backpack with a leash on her child and now may be facing child abuse charges, and I would like to express my support and sympathy to her. The monkey backpack and leash was a lifesaver in the airport! Yes, he was in the stroller too, but with plane delays, etc., we had to let him out SOMEtime. And right now all Owen wants to do is run like a man on fire whenever his feet hit the ground in an airport (and many other places). I know the lady in the story was dragging her child around a store by the leash...but hey...I saw the video, and the kid was not cooperating at all. I wasn't dragging Owen around, but it did feel like I was trying to walk a large, uncooperative Rottweiler at times. He is so strong.

Anyway, we made it through the travel. Even the part where we had to wait an hour and a half ON the plane before taking off because of lightning (and that was the only part Owen slept through, of course)...and then the plane started leaking all over Natalie...and then Owen...they say it was because of humidity or temperature change or some such thing. I'm afraid I will never get the image of the paper towels taped to the ceiling/overhead thingy with bandaids out of my head. Then the water breaking through the bandaids and Jim and I and several other people had to wait for take-off with our arms in the air, pressing wads of paper towels into the holes around the lights to try and stop the leaking. I fully expected to be asked to push the plane down the runway and then jump in real quick to get 'er started during takeoff.

So, some pictures from the trip. I also updated the header with a picture of the threesome. It's not the best shot of Natalie, and was only possible with Owen in a stroller, but it is progress.

Congratulations on 50 Years Mom and Dad!!

Dressed in party finery.

Owen meeting Grandma, and doing his best to charm her (I think it worked!).

Natalie dancing with her Daddy on the town square. Retirees know how to have a good time with their live music and line dancing! Natalie only wants to "dip" when she dances.

The threesome in the airport. Owen looks a little worried in this shot. Maybe he's thinking, uhmm, the last time I boarded a plane and ended up half way across the world...what now??

They are all ready to retire NOW and ride around in golf carts all day!