Road Trip 2014

So a little over 2 weeks ago, we took a road trip to visit our family in Augusta. For all inquiring parties, 1,150 miles separate Rockport from Columbia County, Georgia (which is really moreso home to family) and all three of us survived the trip. If you're scratching your head, here's the rationale: Mr. Isaac had a birthday recently, which now means he's old enough to need his own airline seat (not only that, he's also much too big to carry in my shrinking lap for a few hours at a time.). We aren't made of money and flying with a 2 year old is kind of a nightmare. There's an inflexibility that comes with air travel and despite spending about 18 hours in a car, I LOVED the ability to stop and go as we pleased as we crossed 5 states.

My biggest tip for road tripping with a 2 year old: a million distractions. We had snacks, toys, movies, and coloring pages. We sang songs, counted cows, checked out all the other cars and trucks on the road, and made plenty of stops, even just to get the wiggles out.

Enough about the travel, the trip itself was wonderful! It might have been one of the most fun trips we've taken back to Augusta. We had lots of time to spend with our family and friends. I felt the least rushed and the least spread-thin (therefore, less frazzled and exhausted). That being said, we still missed seeing some important people, my ankles looked like sausages each night, and I needed a few days to recover when we finally got home.

It was so much fun to see Isaac really bonding with our family members and dearest friends there in Georgia. They are all people that we unfortunately don't get to see very often and I think this was the first time he was old enough to really appreciate his Grammy, Big Daddy, Aunt Jenn, Mary, Christopher, Papa Ed, Grandmama, and all the other people we were blessed to visit. Not only was that a really sweet thing to witness, but I got lots of sweet friend time in... and a baby sprinkle too!

And now, the obligatory photo dump! (don't worry, 88% of the pictures are of Isaac.)

We went to the park several times

Cheeks for days.

The infamous Cheese("KEEEEEES"!!!!) Face

Boll Weevil Carnage. 

Isaac had a BLAST on all of Big Daddy's "toys." Here, he's driving a dump truck!

And now he's on one of my dad's two tractors. Little boy heaven.

We had a ton of fun during our trip to Augusta. The travel went smoothly and I can easily see us making the drive again in the future... the post baby #2 future!

Tired but Joyful Hearts

We are back home again from a whirlwind trip to Augusta. As always, our time there was just not quite long enough. I desire leisurely visits with quality conversations, but so often our visits home are hurried.  Our days are jam packed full and rarely do we ever get to see all the people we love. Despite this conundrum of time, our trip this time was wonderful. Absolutely exhausting, but wonderful.

Isaac hanging out with his namesake, Papa Ed

Isaac sitting in the very place Jordan and I were married

We specifically went to Augusta to help host a baby shower for one of my dearest and most wonderful friends. She is expecting her first girl in June and I wouldn't have missed this opportunity. This sweet baby Hannah is so very loved. It also allowed for some awesomely fantastical girl time, which was so good for my heart!

3 of 4 generations: Nana, Grammy, and Isaac

Papa, Me and Isaac

Isaac could play on the pool table all day long. 

We stayed at my dad's house for this visit, which thrilled Isaac to death. My dad gave him full reign over his pool table, so that meant pool balls flying through the air. I'm pretty sure that by the end of the trip that he had learned the difference between rolling and hurling the pool balls. He also had access to a golf cart (his favorite! He still says golf cart over and over and over again during the day), a dump truck and a tractor. Basically, he was in boy heaven. And my dad was equally tickled to entertain him.

Me & My sister

The Two Hollie/Hollys

We introduced our favorite game to some new people, which meant that every night we stayed up until the early morning hours playing Killer Bunnies. Holly and her husband, Andrea, and Casey's husband Duane all got to play for the first (and then second, third, and seventh) time. Maybe these perpetually late nights had something to do with our exhaustion by the end of the trip. Regardless, it was a majorly fun time, even if the game is baaaaad for my competitive ways. 

Isaac and Dad on the golf cart

Thankfully, we can now rest for a little while. A nap would be lovely.

ATX

We spent this past weekend in the Austin (or more specifically, Cedar Park) area. Jordan's closest guy friends are 3 brothers and we were able to meet up with 2 of the brothers and their families. Jordan loved the guy time, I loved the girl time, and there was even another boy who is close in age to Isaac. So basically, it was the perfect weekend for all of us.

There's nothing cuter than boys in PJs! (L: Ethan, R: Isaac)

Isaac hanging out on the porch

Philip & Ethan

Philip, Ethan, and Samantha

Philip, Samantha, & Ethan live in the Chicago area, so I was especially excited to see them this weekend. I think the break from the polar vortex was really great for them! The weather was amazing and we were able to spend a lot of time outside at several different parks around the area. Samantha is expecting her second little, and I'm desperate to know whether baby #2 is a brother or a sister! Jordan and I just adore this little family.

We need to get our kid some sunglasses! I only got squinty face photos while we were at Zilker Park

Sam & Ethan

Andrea (and baby Hudson) & Aaron

Aaron & Andrea live in the Austin area and were our amazing hosts for the weekend. They kept all 6 of us under their roof, fed us some delicious food, let us break in some of their baby gear, and were pretty much just awesome. Not only this, but they also put up with our scheduled nap times, early kid bedtimes, stinky diapers, and kid meltdowns. Baby Hudson is due in the next few weeks and I am so excited for this next chapter in their lives. Aaron and Andrea will be fantastic parents; this boy is blessed!

They are so stinkin cute!!!

These boys bring out the crazy in each other.

The Austin skyline from Zilker park

Isaac doing what he does best.... "finging!" (swinging!)

Checking out an old tree stump. I love that little dirty booty!

The ladies and their men (including Hudson!)

The dudes and their dudes.

We had such a good time, I'm hoping that we can arrange another family meet up again next year. I am so thankful for our dear friends. Jordan has known and loved these brothers for 25 years! Maybe next time we can get the missing brother and his wife (Nathanael & Brittany!) to join the party too.

Twinkies

Just in case anyone was wondering who Isaac resembles, check these photos out:

(Here's a hint: That's not Jordan in the Easter dress & bonnet.) #mylittledopplegänger

It was a whirlwind kinda weekend. But this is the take home: I went out of town overnight without Isaac for the first time. Cue the gasps and tears. Driving away from the house on Friday morning, I kind of felt like vomiting, but I eventually got to the point where I could function without him and even had fun! Even though the weekend was all about saying goodbye to one of my dearest friends before she moves across the country, we had a really good time together. Many apologies to my friends up in the metroplex who I didn't get a chance to see. It was a superquicktrip, but it was just what this momma needed to recharge (woohoooooo for sleeping in!), reconnect (sweet time with friends), and add some new pretties to my closet. #southlakeftw

Being away from my child for a weekend did nothing for my "mom brain." In fact, being consistently preoccupied thinking about how he's doing and what he's up to may have made me even more scatterbrained than usual. Need proof? I left all of my toiletries in the shower of the hotel that I stayed in. Shampoo. Conditioner. Face wash. Clairisonic. There was much weeping and gnashing of teeth when I unpacked my overnight bag this morning and realized that ALL of my shower stuff was still residing in the shower at the Hampton Inn. What's even better? I finally got around to buying a 2-pack  of brushes for my clarisonic this weekend. That's a big fat smack right in the middle of my forehead. Luckily, I got friends in low places who dropped by the Hampton Inn and grabbed my Clarisonic. Depending on the speediness of the US Postal Service, I should have polished skin again soon. #suchadummy

Anyone who knows me knows i've been floundering around trying different stylists basically since we've moved to south texas. For two years, I drove back to north Texas and had my hair done in Mansfield. Unfortunately, aintnobodygottimeforthat anymore. I definitely didn't have time to go this weekend, but fingers are crossed that stylist attempt #5 is a success. Because when you're rocking the ombre look, but it's unintentional.... it's time to get your hair done. #rootsyall.

#theend.

Tips for Traveling as a Family

Today on the blog, I'm hosting the fabulous Kendra Thornton. She's a traveling expert and has some fantastic tips and tricks for traveling as a family. Enjoy!!

5 Tips To Make Family Travel Hassle Free

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It's summer time, which means its time for the family vacation that will leave lasting memories for both you and your children.  Think of hot summer days spent playing in the pool, traveling to unique locations, and spending time with family.  Traveling with children is more complicated than traveling alone, but with a bit of planning the trip can be relatively hassle free.

1. Home Base For Vacation

The key to a successful vacation with the family is choosing a family friendly hotel.  Research hotels before booking to make sure they have the amenities needed for kids.  Some things to check for: an in-room fridge to store food and bottles and possibly a small kitchenette.  Eating out every night with an entire family is a sure way to make a vacation go over budget, so fill the fridge with snacks for the kids.  For an all-inclusive option, consider a family friendly resort, which will provide your family with kids meals and family entertainment round the clock.  My family’s visit to Hawaii was a huge success in large part due to our family recommended Honolulu hotel.  You’ll also want to know whether your hotel offers a highchair or portable crib for your smallest.  There's a ton of tools and maps online to help you find the best location as well. Look for routes to your vacation destinations, such as theme parks and restaurants. Is there a playground nearby? What about a grocery store to pick up those last minute items? Being familiar with the area beforehand will cut out a lot of stress later.

2. 4th of July Fireworks

If you're traveling on the 4th of July, consider booking a hotel room where you can watch the fireworks display from the balcony.  While watching fireworks from a crowded stadium or park may be good for the entertainment factor, it is often not worth the hassle with kids.  Having a more controlled environment is safer and less stressful which can ultimately lead to a more enjoyable experience.  Kids just want to see the fireworks and don't need the additional entertainment.  Viewing fireworks from the hotel room also allows little ones to go to bed early allowing everyone else to watch the entire show.

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3. Routines Lead To Happiness

For adults traveling, half the fun is the spontaneity.  Unfortunately, for little ones skipping nap or snack time can lead to disaster.  They will not understand that it's a good idea to forego lunch to fully appreciate dinner later that night.  Being on vacation also requires a lot more walking for little legs than they may be accustomed to.  Increased activity levels make naptime even more important and sticking to a normal napping routine will keep kids, and therefore their parents, much happier in the long run.

4. Be Realistic With Your Expectations

As fun as it may be for you to sightsee all day, chances are it won’t be as enjoyable for your kids. Don’t try to pack a lot of activities into a short period of time. Add in breaks and playtime throughout your day. Toddlers can’t sit for long periods of time so make sure that you schedule activities that will allow them to move around. This will allow them to use some of their energy and likely make for a sound sleep, allowing for some adult time at the end of the day. 

5. Power Of Movies

Often times, the best way for a kid to pass time while traveling is watching a movie.  Portable DVD players are perfect for long car or airplane rides.  They can be used to calm down anxious kids or help with bedtime in a new place.  Check to make sure that the battery life of the player is long enough for the trip.  When traveling overseas, bring additional DVDs as DVD compatibility changes from country to country.