Overnight Trip with the Boys

Awhile ago Bryan petitioned to our readership for advice on purchasing a vehicle. We wanted something that I felt comfortable driving in big city traffic, as well as parking in tight hospital spaces. We also wanted something that accommodated two growing boys and their everyday and vacationing needs. We really only received one serious response from one of my Clemson roommates, Megan, and, at the end of July, we ended up purchasing the very vehicle she suggested, the 2012 Mazda 5. (Thank you, Meg!) I feel great about our purchase. Not only did Bryan and I research, investigate, and negotiate well, but the Mazda 5 is a fantastic fit for our family. Yes, it's a small minivan, and Bryan wasn't thrilled about a minivan option, but he seems okay with the concept since it doesn't really look too much like one. Ayden named the van "Elly" after Ellyvan on one of his favorite shows, Jungle Junction; I thought that was a very clever unprompted name, considering their shapes and colors are the same.

So with Elly only two days in ownership, Ayden, Brogan, and I traversed state lines and went on our first overnight trip. We spent three nights at my parents' house three hours away. The road trip was initially a little scary for me. I'm kind of a pee queen right now, so I kept thinking about the implications of a scenario in which I needed to use the restroom. I practically dehydrated myself on both legs of the trip to keep from having to haul both (potentially sleeping) boys out of the car and into a nasty bathroom. We left during afternoon naps. Brogan slept the entire trip both ways. Ayden slept maybe 30 minutes on the way there; his nap was interrupted by bridge construction traffic, but he handled the awake traveling time well. On the return trip, Ayden, like his brother, was practically unconscious. Phew! Survived that part.

When we arrived at my parents', Ayden was glad to see his G and CeeCee; he marched along in G's meticulously groomed spongy grass (something he would excitedly do throughout the visit; he loves walking outside) and entered their home without trepidation. The rest of our visit followed suit. He was happy to be somewhere new with people he loved and trusted. The only aspect he was unsure of was their dog, a chipper Boston Terrier named King. (Tangent: Those of you that know me know I'm not a huge fan of family pets (allergies, etc.), so it bothers me not at all if Ayden doesn't like them either. In some ways it will make my life easier if the boys don't want a dog or cat; I won't have to crush them with a firm "absolutely not.") Anyway, the boys even did well with sleeping somewhere new. Ayden slept on a super cool toddler air mattress complete with Mickey Mouse sheets and matching pillow, and Brogan slept in the crib used for my brother and me. They did great... I, on the other hand, slept terribly because I slept in the room with Dinosaur Brogan, the noisiest sleeping baby on the planet!

These chairs totally rock!

My teeth hurt some while on the trip;
rare was the occasion that I didn't have something in my mouth!

The first full day started with some time with friends from Clemson, Kyle, Meribeth, and their three precious daughters. CeeCee bought a pool complete with waterfall, as well as a special sprinkler, and the girls and Ayden played most of the morning in the water. I wish I could explain to you the memory those children created for my parents and me. Though Ayden didn't really play with the girls-- more like around them-- he was with other children doing what children do. Hanging out with Kyle and Meribeth and meeting their girls and then seeing our children together having so much fun... it was truly a blessing.

Another wonderful adventure was when we took the boys to one of the neighborhood parks. This particular park was tricked out with an awesome oval bike track. Ayden was supposed to drive his truck on the track, but since his driving skills aren't that predictable, he ended up traveling more in the small grass field in the middle of the track. Once he had gotten his fill of G-Daddy running after him in his truck, Ayden was then eager to play on the playground. His favorite part was walking up and down the stairs, occasionally taking the slide route instead. (He's obsessed with stairs these days, and I've been so proud of how much his stamina has increased and his abilities have improved as a result of his efforts to climb!) Brogan spent most of his park time with CeeCee. CeeCee strolled him around and held him in the standing position. He had his first swing experience, which proved a little scary for him; he may be too little still. Overall, both boys just loved being outside.

Ayden learned to open and close doors at CeeCee and G's. He was already obsessed with doors, so this discovery was super exciting for him and super annoying for me. Ayden spent a lot of time going from door to door and letting us know if one needed to be opened or closed. Since Ayden said "door" and "CeeCee" and "G" about a thousand times while we were there, I know the house must have felt extraordinarily quiet once we were gone.

Fun with Uncle James!

The whole trip was awesome. A lot of thought went into making the visit manageable and fun. Not only did my parents and brother work many hours to provide appropriate accommodations for us, but their neighbors also pitched in to make the stay comfortable. My parents had a high chair, beds, baby bathtub, diapers, burp cloths, toiletries, etc., and they also had age appropriate toys for both boys. Ayden even had a left-handed desk, which is probably very appropriate for him. (Many of our family members are left-handed, and though he does many things with both hands, I won't be surprised if he is officially a lefty.) My daddy was shocked at how little I had to bring to their house, but, honestly, they provided everything... and more. My parents have been so supportive and encouraging and thoughtful and selfless and loving and nurturing and helpful and fun over these three years (well, really, my whole life!)... and I hardly know what I would do without them!

I played with one of my mama and uncle's old Ghostbuster toys!

If we put our heads together, we can get this thing built!

MORE PICTURES AFTER THE BREAK...

 

I wasn't sure about the piano at first...

I warmed up!

Ayden is so cool.

My turn to look at you.

Finally! A good one!