Things were chaotic getting ready to go. Jim and I are notorious for bringing way too much stuff with us when we travel! So now with two babies, we need to lighten the load as much as possible because baby stuff is now more important than that extra pair of shoes or the laptop computer. We did pretty good. We were able to make the trip with two large suitcases, a pack and play, one large diaper bag and one backpack and of course the trusty double stroller and car seats. Now that I write it all out, it seems like a lot, but really it wasn't that bad.
You know what else wasn't too bad - the trip through security. I was so nervous about going through security with the babies. But it wasn't bad at all. We did hold up the line a little bit, but it went fairly smooth. We left Abby and Jimmy in the stroller as long as possible and once we were up to the belt, I put all our bags up there, emptied out all the liquid/formula/baby food into a separate bin, popped off my shoes and coat and then we got the babies out of the car seats. They motioned me through while holding both babies (which I didn't think was allowed - but hey, it worked) and Jim put the car seats on the conveyor belt and pushed the stroller to one of the TSA officers. Overall, things went really well and we were through security within just a few minutes!
Here we are - excited for our first trip out of state since Abby and Jimmy came along!
The plane ride was ok. Unfortunately, no matter how much you plan, something always changes last minute. Our flight ended up being delayed almost two hours. The babies were great in the airport; they looked all around and ate their bottles like champs. And luckily, both Abby and Jimmy passed out for take-off - so we didn't have any issues with cranky ear-popping babies during takeoff. Abby slept the entire flight - Jim had her and I was jealous! Why? Because I was holding Jimmy, and he woke up after 20 minutes or so and stayed up until the last 10 or so minutes of the flight. He did okay for the first hour or two, but then he started to get restless (and overtired) and was whiny a lot. I felt quite bad for the people around us. I tried to distract him with his favorite toys, some baby signing time on the iPad and some juice in a bottle. Nothing really worked and he eventually passed out at the end of the flight (from shear exhaustion I am sure!). Looking back on it now, it really wasn't too bad. But Jim and I decided that next time we fly, we will definitely be buying at least one extra seat so we have more room and can at least be in the same row.
Texas was beautiful this time of year. The weather was nice; near 80 degrees everyday with some sun occasionally throughout the day. I thought is was quite warm, but everyone else thought it was wonderful.
The nice weather allowed us to do many new fun things with Abby and Jimmy; their first time (well, second really) sitting upright in the stroller, their first ride on the swing, and their first time riding bikes (well, being pulled while we rode the bikes). It was so great to be outside, enjoying the fresh air! We have pretty much been cooped up inside since November, so it was wonderful to be outside! And I do think the fresh air helped both Abby and Jimmy sleep better- then seemed to be exhausted at the end of the day.
Both Abby and Jimmy loved to sit upright in the stroller. The both quietly look around and enjoy all the sights as we stroll on by. Abby is so relaxed in the stroller she tends to pass out and take a quick nap. She passed out on our way to the park, so unfortunately she missed the first swinging experience. But no worries, she was able to swing later on.
Look at how cute these too babes look in their summer hats (notice how their trusty pacis made the trip to Texas too!):
At the park (the first time), Jimmy enjoyed his first swing ride and loved spending time with his cousins (and Aunt and Uncle)! He loved the swing and we even took him down the slide- which he was unsure of for sure! Abby, well, she slept the entire time!
Later during the trip, we were able to go back to the park and Abby was able to experience the swings too. She loved them as well!
Jim and Michelle (my brother and sis-in-law) were so nice to give us their pull-behind baby cart for our bikes. We didn't have bikes with us (ha - could you imagine trying to bring bikes on the plane too!) so we borrowed theirs for a quick trip around the block - where we followed our trusty tour guide Amber (thanks Amber!). Jim and I enjoyed the bike ride, as did Abby and Jimmy initially, but I think the too-close-quarters (and Jimmy's tendency to grab at anything Abby) made both babies a little cranky by the end of the block. I think the bike rides will be nice with the cart as the babies get more used to sitting up, and sitting so close.
Hmmm....what else...
Jimmy enjoyed playing a game of soccer with Avery and Amber.
Abby enjoyed chilling in the walker that Amanda generously let us use with we were visiting (thanks Amanda!).
And of course, Jimmy enjoyed the jumper that my Mom's friend Cathy let us use. He loves any and all jumpers it seems!
But all-in-all, we all enjoyed a nice time visiting with family. Here are a couple more pictures from the trip!
After a fun and playful week, we were back at the airport and on the way home. The nice part about the busy week was that the babies were exhausted and slept most of the trip home. Check out my sleeping beauties:
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