Terry's Take Seattle

Because my creativity is lacking, and I'm struggling to keep up on this space in general, I'm stealing Tiff's titles of the blog posts she wrote recapping her visit and just going with it. 

It's been three weeks since The Terry's (and Aunt Sherrie!) visited us and just typing that out makes my heart hurt a little bit.

I think it's (sort of) funny to read Tiffanie's recap of their visit because it's a very different experience for the person that's traveling versus the person that's hosting.  I think you'll see it if you read our posts after we traveled to Michigan last September (yes, almost one year ago).

I'll just tell you now that her posts are much better than mine and have more pictures.
{part one} {part two} {part three}

While Tiff was braving flying standby with two young kids and her aunt, I was over here pacing and watching their airplane icon travel across the continental United States on my flight tracker app in anticipation.  She was keeping me updated on their progress but the suspense was killing me.  I just wanted them to be here!  They arrived late on Tuesday night and because she is super-mommy-woman, she stayed up and chatted with me for a bit before retreating to bed.

Lucky for her, my children rise with the sun, so while Huck and Elsie woke along with Michigan time (aka early in the PNW), we were not far behind.

It's no secret that Camden and Huck are funny, busy little boys.  So, why I was sort of shocked when they started feeding off each other's energy and stepped over the line between busy and crazy is beyond me.  I have never seen Camden act or behave the way he did while Huck was in his presence. It sort of blew my mind.  And embarrassed me.  A tiny little bit.  As evidenced by the number of times I apologized to Tiff for his behavior.

Oh, you'd like an example?  On multiple occasions, the boys were wrestling with each other and Camden was body slamming Huck and giving him noogies.  Again, embarrassed.

Wednesday afternoon after naps (and lots of coffee consumption by the adults), we took the boys to the park to let them try and release some of their never-ending energy and if I remember correctly, it sort of worked.  Maybe it's because they spent a majority of the time dodging some crazy pre-teens that were running amok on the playground.  I may or may not have yelled at one of them.  Don't endanger my kids, alright?!

Thursday morning we hopped in our separate cars and made the 30 minute drive to Point No Point - a seriously beautiful, sandy beach just north of us.  We got there nice and early to see the tide was high and there was a lot of people fishing.  I can only imagine how thrilled they were to see the boys frolicking in the sand and into the water.  The water was cold but the boys didn't care.  They were happy to splash and throw sand (ahem, Camden).

On our way home from the beach we stopped in Poulsbo to browse, eat pre-lunch cookies and buy donuts from Sluys, a local bakery), and have some lunch.  I don't have any pictures from this little adventure because... Survival.  Zoey was asleep in the Ergo and Camden was inching toward a "I need a nap, like 20 minutes ago" meltdown.  Thanks to iPhones we made it through lunch unscathed and the Peters family headed home, leaving Tiff and her crew to look around more.

Thursday evening, Ryan and Sherrie held down the fort while Tiffanie and I escaped for drinks and dinner at a local restaurant and I cannot tell you how lovely it was to sit, eat, drink, and talk without interruption.  I'm pretty sure we talked about the kids and our husbands the entire time, but let me tell you - uninterrupted conversation with your best friend is priceless no matter what the topic.

  Why we didn't ask our waitress to take a picture of us together at this juncture is beyond me, so I'll blame it on exhaustion.

On Friday we hopped on the ferry and headed to Seattle.  Tiff bought the boys matching shirts that said "Wild One" and boy, were they appropriate.  I just realized we didn't get a good picture of them together in their shirts, but I promise, it was adorable.  

We navigated through Pike Place Market, got some lunch, and ate on the lawn outside the market so the boys could run (wild).  Because I am a chicken shit and don't trust my elder child to get through a nap-less day without imploding, the Peters family again retreated home to try and rest up for the afternoon.     

That evening we proclaimed it "time to play outside" because... Sanity.  We brought out the ride-on Hummer, chalk, the baseball bat and equipment, and bubble machine, and went nuts.  

Because they flew standby, there was some uncertainty as to when they would fly back to Detroit.  Long story short, flights out of Seattle were full and they wouldn't be able to leave until Tuesday.  Selfishly, this was absolutely fine with me, but I knew that they were ready to get back home and get the kids back into their routine.  Both Elsie and Huck (especially Huck!) impressed me with how they adjusted to the time change but I think it was all starting to catch up with them.  We decided their best bet was to fly out of Portland.

Saturday morning, after successfully getting pictures of all four cherubs together (as well as a super unattractive one of the six of us in our jammies that I'm posting because... memories!) we again proclaimed "time to get out of this house," and took the boys to the indoor play center where they became best friends with the big blow up slide and farm.

These sweet girls, I tell ya.  They lived in the photo-shadows of their crazy big brothers the entire time.  Thank goodness they are two of the most relaxed, happy, go with the crazy-flow babies ever. 

The boys were incredibly fun to watch play together.  They played with trains and tractors, played on the little indoor slide, watched a little TV when the mommies needed a little quiet time (that lasted all of five minutes but... silence!), and found themselves hysterical when they repeatedly took turns hollering "hellooo?!" up the stairs.  Huck kept calling Camden "Griffin" (because of his similarly built, blonde haired cousin) and Camden would say "I'm not Griffin.  I'm Camden."  Of course, I think it was Saturday before Huck was saying "Camden" more than "Griffin." Anytime Huck said my name (it came out sounding a little like "Warnen") I pretty much melted into goo and would have given him anything he wanted. 

Even though the girls didn't interact, just knowing they've "met" makes me incredibly happy.  Some day they will see each other again and will do more than lay on the same blanket or swing next to each other.

As much as it pained me (and not because of the drive, but because I didn't want them to leave), we saddled up and drove to Bainbridge Island to take the ferry to Seattle so Tiff could return their rental car and we could make our way to Portland.  Camden was still napping when we left, so I was so sad that he didn't get to say goodbye to his Aunt Tiff, Sherrie, Huck, and Elsie.  You know he was asking "Where Huck?  Where Elsie?" for the next several days.

We made it to Portland safely and after we got all of their stuff unloaded, I couldn't keep the tears away.  Thankfully, I saved the ugly crying for the first few minutes of my drive back home, but I was incredibly sad for them to leave.  Tiff is my person, my best friend.  We talk/text every single day, so getting to have her in my home, talking to her face-to-face, and seeing our kids together was priceless.  Our friendship has come a long way from trips to the mall and dates at Panera, talking about softball, boyfriends, and Grey's Anatomy.  I rely on and cherish our friendship daily.

We were so busy with the kids that we didn't get many photos together, but I'm holding tight to the ones we did.

I can't wait to get to see The Terry's again.  Hopefully sooner rather than later, of course.  Until then, we'll just keep texting each other about our kids' sleep habits, our husbands, our television shows, Grace Patton, and everything else under the sun.  Our conversation frequency has gotten to the point that if Ryan sees me tip-tapping away on my phone he'll just ask, "Tiff?"

Always.

Take Luck,

LP

Effing Cold Midwest

I mentioned before that we spent the long, President's Day weekend in the effing cold Midwest while I was being inducted to the SIU Athletic Hall of Fame.  While the induction experience was pretty incredible, it was made better by getting to spend time with Ryan's family and see a few of my college teammates.

In the six plus years since I left the Midwest, I forgot just how bone-chilling cold it could get and how the wind can whip through the wide open space.

Ryan, Camden, my parents, my sister, and I all flew out to St. Louis on Thursday morning.  I felt like a completely different person than my typical high-strung-pre-flight-self because I knew that it wasn't just up to me to keep Cam entertained on the three and a half hour flight.  I had six extra hands (eight if you count sleep-deprived Ryan) and just knowing that was like a belated Christmas present.

We got settled in our seats, Ryan immediately fell asleep (he is on graveyard so got home from work at 6am and we left for the airport shortly after), and then we waited on the plane for an hour while some mechanical issues were fixed and a sick passenger was taken off the plane.  I could tell that Cam was getting really sleepy at this point, but I couldn't strap him into the Ergo until we took off and were in the air.  He ended up drifting off to sleep just sitting in my lap -- totally one of those singing angels moments.  This was our first air experience having to pay for his seat (since he is over the age of two) and I'm pretty sure he sat in said seat for maybe seven minutes.

He slept and I sat uncomfortably in my seat, patting his bottom, and sending death stares to the extremely obnoxious family sitting in the row in front of us.  Seriously, loudest kids ever.  Cam slept for about an hour and 15 minutes or so and after he woke up I happily passed him across the aisle to my family to entertain him.  He wanted to watch a show so I reached into my backpack to grab my laptop - only to find that his milk had leaked (I assume from the altitude change) and had taken residence all over my Mac.

Lovely.

It was hard to tell just how much milk had seeped out and how much actually got on the laptop, so I wiped it off, booted it up, and was happy to see that it turned on no problem.  I handed the spritely child and laptop to my sister so they could watch Bubble Guppies and it was only a few minutes later that Rachel hesitantly told me, "It shut off."  Mother effing eff.  Knowing there was nothing I could do while flying at 32,000 feet, I told myself to let it go and not worry about it.

We landed in St. Louis, got all our crap, walked outside to be greeted by 20 degree temps and wind, and made our way to Ryan's sister's house.

Camden was so excited to see his cousin Liam, who turned three in October, and I'm pretty sure the feeling was mutual.  The two of them were really entertaining (not to mention heart melting) to watch  interact the whole weekend.

Friday morning was quiet before we headed south to Carbondale.  Cara captured the pajama-clad boys looking out the window to make sure their daddies weren't leaving their sight. 

Saturday morning in Carbondale we got to see my teammate, Krystal, and her husband and daughter, Bella, when they joined us for a chilly swim in the hotel pool.

I am kicking myself for not getting a picture with Krystal, but glad we at least got a picture with the kids.  They last saw each other at Becky's wedding.  

Speaking of my college roommate, Becky, we got to see her when she came to our hotel and then again when she and her husband ate lunch with us at Quatro's.  Clearly, I really suck at documenting reunions with my girlfriends because I didn't get a picture with Krystal or Becky.

On Sunday morning we headed back to Columbia.  My parents and Rachel were flying back to Seattle, and Cara was hosting an open house baby sprinkle for us (and baby sister) so Ryan's friends and family could stop by and visit.

I always make sure to get a picture of Camden with his great-grandparents.  He wasn't interested in sitting with his great-grandma Midge by himself (jerk) so Ryan and I got in on the picture too.

The boys were the primary entertainment during the open house, so come the early-evening, they were ready for some cozy, quiet time and settled in to be adorable and watch a movie together.

 Weathermen and women were calling for five to nine inches of snow to fall starting Sunday night and carrying on through Monday.  Considering we were scheduled to fly out Monday night, you can guess how elated I was to hear this forecast.  I hoped and hoped that it would miss us or at the very least, that the roads would be clear by the time we had to head to the airport.

It never ceases to amaze me just how entertaining certain things can be to kids.  These ladybug balloons, for example, kept the boys bopping busy for a good hour on Monday morning.

(Seriously.  Are these not the most adorable cousins you've ever seen?)

We got bundled up and ventured outside into the snow.  Liam was totally digging it, while our little Pacific Northwesterner was completely stoic for the first five minutes or so.  He was even less impressed after his cousin hit him in the face with a baby snowball.  Is it bad that I thought the snowball incident was hysterical?  I'm pretty sure Cara was horrified.  There were very few smiles from Cam during our time in the snow.

I wish I had asked someone to take a picture of me in my makeshift snow attire.  I packed light and didn't bring much in terms of warm clothes (I forgot socks for goodness sakes) so had on Ryan's romeo shoes/boots, yogi's under my pajama pants, Ryan's heavy dress jacket, and Cara's green (and floral) headband.  I looked absolutely ridiculous.  

After about forty five minutes of play time, we all came inside to warm up.  Ryan's mom's parents live two doors down from Cara, so they came over to visit.  Much like with Midge, Cam wasn't interested in sitting still for a picture with them all by himself with his great-grandma and great-grandpa, so we improvised.

I was compulsively checking our flight status the entire day to watch for any delays or cancellations.  Thankfully, the people of the Midwest know how to handle snowy conditions and roads much better than the people of the Pacific Northwest.  We made it to the airport in plenty of time.

Thankfully, the flight home was (on time) and really smooth.  Camden was awake (and sat in his own seat!) for the first half of the flight, and then slept on me in the Ergo for the second half.  My back was killing me, but it was a small price to pay to have a sleeping (and quiet!) child for those two hours.

I can't say enough about how thankful I am to have been able to go back to SIU, where everything truly began, and spend time with Ryan's family.  We don't get to see them nearly as often as we'd like - so any time we do get to visit is very special.

As good as it was to spend time with them - we couldn't have been happier to be welcomed home by nearly-60 degree temperatures.

We'll head back to the Midwest in August for Ryan's cousin's wedding.  It's hard to believe that we'll be traveling with another child in tow, and will get to meet a new nephew.  In August, instead of complaining about the effing cold, I'll be complaining about the effing heat and humidity.

Take Luck,

LP

Michigan (Part Two)

Where was I?  Ah, yes.  Promises of puppies, farms, parks, shenanigans, and sap.

Friday night after Huck was in bed, Tiff, Hammy, and I drove out for something right as it was getting dark, and coincidentally, right as a storm was rolling in.  Tiff thought the car ride might help lull Cam to sleep (she's a genius) so he got to tag along and listen to us chat.  The clouds were dark and ominous, and my blood pressure was rising.  I may have spent four and half years in the Midwest, but I'm a big sissy when it comes to storms and bad weather.

The good news is, we survived.  

Saturday morning, we took our time guzzling coffee, eating breakfast, and being entertained (in between episodes of Bubble Guppies and Yo Gabba Gabba, of course).

We finally got our shiz together and made our way Ryan's Aunt and Uncle's pumpkin farm.  I've heard Tiff talk a lot about it over the years so I was really excited to see it in person.  Even though they hadn't opened for the season yet, it did not disappoint.

Camden was, of course, in awe of the farm equipment, generally happy to frolic through the property, and terrified by their giant Red Cow.  He was much more interested in the sow, piglets, sheep, and chickens.  And rocks.  And puddles.  Cam even got to take a baby pumpkin home as a souvenir.

(Tiff bought the boys matching outfits that say, "I'm batty for mommy."  So precious!)

After nap time, we ventured outside to see the English Setter puppies that their bird/hunting dog recently gave birth to.  Thirteen of them to be exact.

Camden was allllllll about these puppies.  He toddled around the pen wagging his finger at them, saying, "no no" (for whatever reason), and was happy to hug them and kiss their noses.  If I remember correctly, Sir Huck was more interested in a broom - but I think to him, the pups were just old news.

Ryan's parent's farm is only a quick Gator ride across the highway, so we all hopped on to go say hi.  More farm equipment for Hammy to fawn over and more cows to terrify him.  He's becoming quite predictable at this point.

The boys loved to climb all over and play on this one particular chair in Tiff's living room.   Clearly, as evidenced by the number of pictures I have of them sitting in it - it was the only place they would sit still long enough (together) to get a picture.

Several times during each day and every night after Huck was in bed, Cam would scramble on over to his Aunt Tiff and insist that she hold and/or snuggle with him.  My heart became this big pile of goop every single time.

Our last morning on the farm was pretty quiet and included coffee (are you seeing a trend?), a walk, and the park.

When I take Camden to the park, it's usually by myself.  Let me tell you how much more enjoyable it is to be with a friend for the both of us.  It's crazy enjoyable.

We made one last stop at Panera, whipped out our phones to keep the boys quiet for the last five minutes of the meal (don't judge us), and went back home to get packed up.  The boys took a very short nap, and we said our goodbyes.

I had been worried about how Camden would do on the flight to Detroit, and I knew that it fell in line with his nap time.  The return flight didn't fall anywhere near his nap time, so to say I was worried is a giant understatement.

I let him run wild (not even exaggerating) around the open gate next to ours until the final boarding call was made.  I've learned that we don't board when they offer early boarding for parents with small children - we board last.  We board last to minimize the time on the plane.

I wish I could have video-recorded the death looks I got as we walked down the narrow aisle.  Everyone loves a baby on-board and love was in the recycled air.

He didn't do as great as he did on the flight there, but he did pretty darn good considering he was awake the entire effing four and a half hours.  I worked my booty off (although unfortunately, not literally) entertaining him and keeping him from flying off the handle into tantrum town.  I knew it was close.  The guy in front of us told me that he didn't even realize Camden was behind him, so I considered that a success.

I say the little bugger didn't sleep a wink during the flight, but as soon as we touched down and started taxiing to our gate - I felt his little body get a little heavy and looked down to see that he was zonked out.  I moved him into the Ergo and he proceeded to sleep until 6:30 the next morning.  Blessed be a tired baby.

So, that was our trip.  Our totally awesome trip.

And don't worry - I haven't forgotten the sap.

Aside from Ryan, of course, Tiff is my best friend.  It's incredible to me to say that we've now known each other for 10 years.  We talk nearly every day and I know that all people say this about their best friends - but I really can talk to her about whatever.  Nothing is off limits, nothing is TMI (especially after pregnancy and having these wild boys).  I could call on her anytime for anything and I know she'd be there.  She is my person.  We're at the same stages of our lives and being able to talk to her, knowing she can relate and assure me I'm not (totally) crazy has saved me from drinking an excessive amount of wine.  

Even better than all that?  Is seeing her, someone I love, love my son because he's my son.

The greatest of all?  Seeing the son of someone I love (who I love because he's her son), chase after and invade the space of my son.

Did that make sense? My heart is full.

I made memories that will last a lifetime on this trip.  Unfortunately, Camden won't remember any of this, but I have plenty of pictures to show him just how much fun he had.

Take Luck,

LP

Michigan (Part One)

Camden and I set off for Michigan this past weekend to visit my best friend, Tiff.  

The little man has three previous flights under his belt, but since the last one was when he was newly one-year old and he's now nearing two, I was a little worried about how he would handle the four hour flight from Seattle to Detroit.  We don't call him Camnado for nothing.

I packed our carry-on's with new toys (including new choo-choo's, a magna doodle, and a Mr. Potato Head), his favorite books, and more snacks than he would usually eat in three whole days.

We got to our gate and were greeted by balloons and a band.  Apparently we would be on Alaska's inaugural flight from Seattle to Detroit.  My dancing queen (er, king?) was totally digging the music and shook his booty until we boarded.

Much to my surprise, he rocked the flight and was pretty easy to entertain.  He even slept for an hour and half and would have slept longer had it not been for a particularly cranky baby sitting two rows behind us.

We landed and practically raced to baggage claim to meet Tiff and Huck.  I was so excited to see them, I could hardly stand it.  We got our bag and headed for Tiff's house.  But not without a pit-stop at Panera.  What else do you expect?

We got back to Tiff's house safe and sound and the boys were more than happy to be out of their carseats and ready to play.  I got us settled in and I'm pretty sure we were all exhausted from the day.  Cam and I got comfy-cozy in the bed together since he was not interested in falling asleep in the pack-n-play in a new environment.  Lots of giggles, feet in the face, and "shhh, time for night night's" later and we fell asleep pretty darn close to his normal bedtime.

Friday morning came quick.  As Tiff puts it, Huck has only one volume - loud.  Apparently, Camden just couldn't sleep after hearing his buddy's voice at 7:30.  In case you were wondering, that's only 4:30 in Seattle.  The morning was nice and quiet, full of coffee refills, and the boys got to play and invade each other's personal space.  Well, that might have been more Huck Boy, but I think Camden secretly liked it.  Seeing these two play and interact was extremely entertaining and heart melting.

Because it was going to be hizity-hot, Tiff suggested going to play at their local splash pad.  This mama did not argue.

Camden was really hesitant to join in on the splash pad fun.  I think the water was a little too cold for his liking and he might have been a little overwhelmed in general.

Huck Boy was game though, and after a few renditions of "I'm Going Fishing," my Hammy Boy was ready and splish-splashing his heart out.

We stopped to get the mamas Steak & Shake milkshakes on the way home and the boys crashed.

We used this glorious quiet time to relax, chat, and recharge the batteries.

Remember when I said that Huck likes to invade personal space?

We'll just consider it a post-nap snuggle.  Cammy later returned the snuggle with a big side-hug.

After the boys woke up, we went outside so Tiff could show us their property - which was truly, truly amazing.  Cam's favorite part was the farm equipment.

His least favorite part?  The cows.  He was terrified and clinging to me.  He finally insisted that he sit with Aunt Tiff, who was driving us in The Gator.

Humidity and Hammy's hair don't mix.

I'll be back later with Part Two.  Prepare yourself for puppies, a pumpkin farm, the park, shenanigans courtesy of Henry and Camden, and a sappy reflection on how good this trip was for my heart.

Take Luck,

LP