Six weeks at home sounded like a great idea. I had fun but that is a hen of a long time to be away from your own bed and schedule. I know the kids benefitted from seeing family and friends they rarely get to see so it was worth it but it was a lot of work!
The plane ride went pretty smoothly. I was alone with the children and it was a day time flight so it was a lot like hard work at times. I was lucky that they both slept for about an hour at the same time but other than that they were up the entire time. When Esme went to the bathroom I had to take Noah and hope that a flight attendant would hold him so he wouldn't crawl down the aisle somewhere. Both of the kids were really well behaved but each of them had their moments. I am super glad that I invested in toddler head phones for each of them- total lifesaver! Noah wasn't very interested but they were great for Esme. They even had one of her favorite programs, In the Night Garden, on demand.
We arrived in Seattle and settled in at Great Grandma and Grandpa Kennedy's house. They moved out into their motor home for the time that we were there and gave us the run of the house. Grandma Julie and Grandpa Gordy made sure that we were all stocked up on diapers and baby food so we were set! A big thanks to everyone who made us feel so welcome!
I am going by memory so I apologize if I miss anything major. I also rely on pictures taken to remind me what we did! One of the first things I can remember doing was setting up a play date with friends at the Imagine Children's Museum. It was super exciting because I got to see my old friend Kendell and her little girl Harper! I hadn't seen Kendell in a few years and was excited to see her looking happy and healthy! Harper is a little doll and was a ham for the camera- she would pose every time I aimed the camera at her!
Michelle also came with Avery and Kenley. Esme and Aves are best buds and we have already arranged Noah and Kenley's marriage ;)
Great Grandma Mardine was there...
Grandma Julie was there...
Auntie Steph was there...
Auntie/Godmama Tiffy was there...
And Uncle/Godfather James was there...
The kids had a great time there- it really is one of the best places for kids that I have found!
The outdoor play area is great. There is a really tall slide and daredevils Avery and Esme went straight to the top with Uncle James. Avery went first and she flew like a sack of potatoes! It scared her but she was ok!
Here are some shots of the kiddies having fun:
We made memories and I am looking forward to having a meet up there the next time we are in town! After the museum a handful of us went to Tampico's, my favorite Mexican, and had a good laugh! Esme and Avery were dancing around and Uncle James was doing the chicken dance with them.
Auntie Steph caught the girls playing with salt in a hidden booth- you'd have to hear the story from her but it was pretty cute!
