Family Vacation

Last Wednesday we headed out to New Mexico to see my brother and sister in law.  We were a little nervous about Cecilia flying so we talked with her about airplanes and seeing Mayo and Leslie a few weeks before.  We tried to prepare for the different environment and I think it worked.  If you asked her who we were going to see she would say 'Mo and Leslie'.  Then we would ask her what we were going to fly on, 'we fly on airplane'.

Little did we know she would be the least of our worries on the way out. 

Playing in the airport play area.

Our little trooper...

She did so good and loved having her own seat.  She watched her movies, looked out the window and had the best time.  Who knew she would like flying?  She did a lot better than me.  I do not fare well on planes.

After having to change our flight twice before we ever leaving the ground, luggage arriving 4 hours after us and overnight accomodations courtesy of Southwest, we finally made our way to Los Alamos, NM.

We love traveling to different places especially when they offer such a different backdrop than what we are used to.

We hadn't seen Mayo and Leslie since Christmas so we were super excited about spending 4 full days with them.  Cecilia loved not only getting to see Mo and Leslie but playing with their cat.

She had a mild obession with the cat and her toys.  She kept throwing the cat's bell and saying 'get it kitty' as if the cat played fetch like her dog!

Cecilia also loved the cat's scratching post.  So much so that we would find her standing on it singing or yelling 'where ares you'.

Mo playing Minnie Mouse dress up with C.

Traveling with a toddler and making sure nap time is still in tact, left us with a limited schedule.  We couldn't really be out all day and night but we were able to do something fun each day.

Thursday we just chilled and tried to get over our horrific traveling the day before.  Friday, we went to a park and feed the ducks and played with bubbles.  Aunt Leslie knew the way into C's heart.

After naptime, we head down to Albuquerque to watch a baseball game.  The ballpark was really nice and even had a playarea with slides, bounce houses and a carousel.

Hanging with Aunt Leslie.

Mo and C having a meaningful conversation...

Cecilia was slightly smitten this trip...

Riding the carousel for the first time.  Daddy being the super trooper and riding along.  Mama knew she would lose it going round and round.

Saturday, we went to Santa Fe to walk around and take in the sights.  The area still holds true to a lot of its culture and it was neat getting to take it all in.  I didn't get many pictures becuase Cecilia picked that day to cut a tooth and was in no mood to do much. We did get a few pictures a dinner.

Sunday, our last full day, Mayo took Brent and I on a small hike to see a couple of waterfalls.

Why is the sky so blue there?

A little close to the edge guys.

Sadly on Monday we had to say our goodbyes.  We hated to leave but we had to get back home.  We had a full day of travel and Cecilia did not do so good on the way home.  Let's just say the people who boarded the plane in Chicago where not happy to find a SCREAMING/CRYING kid already on their flight.  Major meltdown drama.  Thank heavens we had amazing flight attendants who were so sweet and didn't kick us off the flight.

It's not often we get to spend time together with just the 4 of us and we had a blast hanging out with Mayo and Leslie.  And they of course loved having Cecilia around even with all her meltdowns and drama.

Mo and Leslie, thank you so much for having us come and crash your house!  We loved the time we got together and hope to see you crazy kids soon!  Love you both!