Sunday, July 21, 2013

Jet Setter


We just returned from a nice, long, two week vacation to Washington. It was the longest trip with P so far, and to be honest, it was a little trying at times. She did very well flying. She was excited by all the noises and lights and new people. Unfortunately, as a consequence, she didn't take many naps on planes (and when she did, the not so helpful announcements by the crew always woke her up). That meant she was overtired when we arrived in Tucson (our first leg), or when we arrived up in Washington. Those nights were rough. because we were traveling 'light' by not bringing a separate crib, it also meant that she would have to sleep between us on a bed, which meant we didn't sleep much. After getting past those little bumps, though, things were great!

We went to cousin Annie's wedding in Tucson, which was really enjoyable despite the 115-degree weather. Copious AC and pools had a lot do with that.  Although missing our flight out of Tucson (our fault) we befriended some nice crewmembers from Delta and Alaska who were able to rebook us on another fllght, free of charge. We roadtripped around Washington state, seeing Sequim and Port Townsend and driving through Mt. Ranier (and staying at a few unsavory motels with unsavory characters). 

And, of course, we enjoyed being full-time parents again. It was also really great to be able to spend the days with her rather than heading off to work. I'm going to make Rebecca do the driving next time so that I can get more backseat time sitting next to Pheobe.
Highlights from the trip: cousin Annie's wedding in Tucson was great, despite the heat. Spending a week in Stehekin with Grandma Bucky, as usual, was wonderful. Eric and sister-in-law Kristin and her family were up there this time too, which made it fun.  No long hikes, fishing trips, or other strenuous adventures, just slow-paced relaxation with family. Which was just fine with us.

We spent a few days downlake in Manson, where we mixed it up with all of the extended family and spend afternoons and the lake or at the pool. It seemed like the first time in a long time, we were able to enjoy eating dinner with others while Phoebe was entertained and held by loving aunties. Perfect! How nice it was to be surrounded by family!
We're looking forward to our next chance to head west and see family, particularly those that like to babysit!!

And now the photos...

Phoebe all dressed up for the wedding. Sure, her dress was short, but it was 100+ degrees

 Lunch at the harbor at Port Townsend. Tremendously pretty
An all-too rare sight: Phoebe sleeping peacefully on the road (usually she should be crammed into bed between us)
 Phoebe and her favorite hangout spot in Grandma's living room
 Enjoying the great outdoors!
 Me with two of my favorite ladies in the whole world!

I am my target audience. Any attempts at humor, offensive comments, captain obvious observations, misspellings, or otherwise inclusions which offend your sensibilities - sorry (shrug of shoulders). It seemed like a good idea at the time.