Caleb and I went on our first adventure alone a couple weeks ago. I think we were both a little nervous about the trip. He seemed to be more worried about where he was going to sleep, while I was more worried I would forget Caleb somewhere in Alabama.
We woke up bright and early on Thursday (5:30) and drove an hour to the airport in Providence. The first test was figuring out how to get the luggage, car seat, laptop, carry on, and (oh yeah) Caleb into the airport. I tied up a few things and was able to wheel on in. Unfortunately Caleb wasn't one of the tied up things. We checked in and that freed one arm as I didnt need to carry the luggage or car seat. The first potty break was next. Caleb likes to stand and pee now since he is a big boy and all, he just has a little height issue. Lucky most bathrooms have the short urinal for him. Just feels a little odd to have to wait for that one guy to finish while there are 5 open urinals. Anyways, after being entertained by automatic flush, automatic sink, automatic soap, and dyson hand dryer, it was time to go through security. He did a great job. I was a little worried about that, but he took his shoes off just fine and didn't beep when he went through the metal detector. Now, its time for second potty break. I dont think he really went again, but he wanted to see what the bathroom looked like since it took all that security to get to.
Our plane was one of those little ones that you have to actually walk on the run way to board. That was a little tough. They dont really make those pull down stairs to be as easy to climb for a toddler. Once we got on the plane, we headed to our seats and waited for take off. After we took off, it was time for potty break four. While standing in the aisle waiting for the lavatory to be free, I ran into one or my Co-Worker's brother. He was telling me all about how difficult its been getting back to Washington DC because of the T-Storms that have been happening there. Caleb and I squeezed inside the little room and just stared at the crazy toliet. He obviously didnt have to really go, but it broke up the flight a little.
Next, we hung out in the DC airport a little. Checked out their bathrooms. Ate some fries and got on the next flight. Caleb was excited because this flight required us to take a little bus out to the plane. The plane looked the same as before, so I think that is why Caleb didnt care to check out it's bathroom.
Finally, we landed in Huntsville, Al. B-lined over to the bathroom and made sure we were all set. Then down to get the luggage and carseat. Now I'm back to having the mother load to carry around. One last task, get the rental car. They were not especially fast in filling out the paper work. Caleb was pulling on my shirt, giving me the line "I gotta go potty". I knew we just went. I told him to just wait. Then he clarified, "I need to do poop". Back to the bathroom.
Well, we drove to Grandma D's house and Caleb finally decided to sleep. So, when we got there, he was a little shy. Grandma quickly changed that by offering him a gift bag. He said he really liked the bag.
The rest of the trip was a blur, I think my sister got married or something.
Actually, I do remember the rest. The uncles and aunt came over to say hi. Caleb showed them what being a 4 year old is all about. I think it involved making them do his bidding and laughing as they did it willingly. Tony found out what happens when you don't do what he wants, CRYING! It was a first offense, so he didn't cry long. Let him off easy.
Grandma D had twin beds set up for us. Caleb picked his bed based on which one bounced the less. I would have thought he'd want it the other way, but i guess he didnt want to accidently bounce out of the bed in the middle of the night.
Mornings were great. Grandma and Aunt Debbie would prepare a great breakfast feast. Caleb loved the fact that Grandma had eggos just like at home.
Friday we went to Grandma Jardine's house for Melissa and Josh's rehersal dinner. Caleb decided he did not want to look or talk to anyone there. So, he buried his head in a movie on my iPod.
Saturday was the wedding day. It looked like it was going to be a complete wash out. All morning long it poured. When it was time to head to Huntsville, the rain ended and the sky revealed the sun. It was beautiful and I think Melissa and Josh couldn't ask for anything more. Their whole wedding was beautiful (ok, maybe not the karoke). It certainly was hot for us northerners, but well worth it. Grandma D had so much fun that when we got home, she feel asleep while talking to me.
Sunday was a nice day to relax in the morning. Caleb was missing home and ready to see Sawyer and Audrey. We got to the airport and discovered our flight was delayed. Unfortunately, it was delayed past our connecting flight. So, we called up Grandma Jardine and had her pick us back up. We got to spend another day in Alabama. Caleb enjoyed the extra day. He taught Melissa and Tony how to play Bingo Bunch.
After one last night in Alabama we were on our way home. This flight was delayed again, but after re-routing we were headed to MA. Vacations are nice but arriving home is always nice too.
