What a long strange trip it's been

A long trip indeed (therefore a very long blog post as well). We were gone for 10 days. With an infant. I guess you could say we are adventurous. And strange only because it was easier than we imagined. It helps we have a baby that is adaptable (not adoptable - sorry grandmas) and we are pretty organized people.

Our trip to NY on July 3rd went ok. Nathan slept the first and last part with some screaming in between. But I would be too if I were strapped down for hours with no freedom. We got to Valley Cottage Friday afternoon with a plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day. We had been told over and over about how much rain the north has been getting. I think we brought the sun up with us. The two weather combinations made for an amazing double rainbow over my dads house. What a nice way to start a long trip. We considered it good luck.

Saturday we started out early to make it to Massachusetts in time for the festivities. Aunt Julie and Uncle Paul have a beautiful 67' boat and we were getting on it. We joined them and their friends along with Truck and Babci who were also up for the weekend. When we got to the house I got a quick tour, then we were off, back to the marina for the ride. Poor Nate. He did pretty well on this 4 hour leg but every time after that he mad a face at us when we put him back in his car seat as if to say, "Really? Again?!"

The boat was awesome. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms underneath, it had the similar amenities to our house! We hung out on the main level in the shade as we rode along up through Boston Harbor, right past Logan Airport. It was a beautiful day - again we heard it was the first after so many non-stop days of rain. We cruised around and returned to the dock where we had a late lunch. Nathan was a doll - snoozing and observing his first boat ride.

Back at the house we dispersed to relax for a while. Leo showed me the property his aunt and uncles house was on, right on the water in Cohassett. The sun was warm and the breeze was cool. It was amazing. By dinnertime I was very ready to eat. We were having lobster!!! The cocktails started flowing and fireworks began in the distance. We started dinner late so between the steamers and salad and the lobster, we went outside for a quick peek at the colorful explosions outside. Nathan looked on slightly amused but mostly hungry and so he ate his own meal instead. The lobster was awesome and was followed by some homemade tart and pavlova. It was a lovely evening. We were bushed and I couldn't wait to get some shut eye.

Sunday was a slow and lazy day, as it should be. After hanging around a bit we went to the next town over to meet Leo's friend for lunch who happened to be in the area at the same time as us. We went to a cute little place called The Snug - truly a local watering hole. Afterwards we went back to the house. I intended to get a nice nap in. We all laid down but Leo was the only one who fell asleep. Nathan wanted to play. Sooooo I went outside with him to wear him out. The hammock was put up and I handed Nathan over to his grandfather so I could enjoy the time alone. I have been very much involved in the Twilight series that everyone has been raving about so reading, sipping a margarita and enjoying the weather was just fine for me. I never did get that nap. But really I couldn't have been happier!

Monday we said our goodbyes and moved on to the next leg of the trip - Boston. We met up with friends Simon and Sarah and their adorable one year old Hudson. I couldn't wait to meet him! They were all very patient as we attempted to find our way through the crazy Boston highways. What a mess that place is! We did it eventually only to be slowed by Nathan's lunch time. Rule #317 for going out with babies - make sure your friends have babies too so they understand why you are late, forgetful and crazy!

Finally we were off on a long, beautiful walking tour of Boston. We started at the North End for some killer canoli's (they really were amazing), then made our way through different neighborhoods and parks. We walked through Quincy Market and by Paul Revere's house. We stopped at a little restaurant for a refreshing pint and a snack. We stopped in the frog park to take care of feeding our kiddies and we went through the shopping district where Christmas Shopping must be insane! We decided to then take our party back to Simon and Sarah's place for dinner to give us all a chance to relax. They live a short drive north, almost to New Hampshire. Short as it may be, Nathan wasn't having it and screamed the whole time. But again, how can I blame him? It was a long time and the kid just wanted to get out and play! We enjoyed a little cookout in their back yard then stayed up a bit to chat. The words "roll cake" were mentioned and they were kind enough to share this delectable dessert with us. Simon's mom makes this unique treat that is special in their family. I was honored to get some!

Tuesday night we had the windows open so the fresh air and cool breezes from the overnight rain were very refreshing. But I was fearful we wouldn't get to do a little photo shoot with Sarah. She has recently started her own photography business, mostly photographing babies. She's amazing! (Check out her blog in our blogger buddies list) The rain had stopped and the overcast light was good enough to give it a try. So we stripped Nathan down to his diaper and pulled out all the stops to make my little one smile. We literally did have to try everything - but his cheeks wouldn't budge! He was due for a nap and more or less looked at us like we were the fools, making faces and noises and dangling objects in his face. No luck. He is still as cute as can be and I'm sure we got some good shots. But still . . . one little smile would have been nice.

Tuesday afternoon we were on the road again, Connecticut bound. Just when we made a pit stop for food and gas, the skies opened up and poured heavy rain on our heads. I know all you yankees are over it, but for me it was nice to see a thunder and lightening storm. I don't know - I just like weather.

Leo's college friend Cailyn and her two-month old Ty were waiting for us. We had a relaxing afternoon just hanging out with our kids. It's so fun to just stare at the way they move and listen to their coos. Jarred got home from work for a quick visit too before we were off to the next stop. We went about an hour further to Leo's other college friends Tom and Carole's. Jill and Ryan and their six-month old were there too. More baby visiting and picture taking. Who knew this stuff could entertain us so much?

Wednesday we were off to our somewhat final destination, back to NY. We made it back by noon and brother Matt had a delicious NY sandwich waiting for me. He knows how I miss it! We then made the rounds to see all of Nathans great grandparents. We saw Grandma Garrison first. She was so very pleased to see this little boy but kept asking, "What's her name?". We then went see Mombo and Patta Lydon. We hadn't seen them in such a long time so the visit was really nice for all of us.

Thursday there were few plans on the calendar and for that I was thankful! Nathan and I sat outside under the shade of a tree, him napping, me reading, while Pop and the boys where nearby putting up a new fence. Leo did some work while we were just hanging around. Later we went to see one more grandmother - Gram Gleason. She and her dogs were happy for our little visit. The dogs were anxious to say hello to Nathan. After every house we visited had dogs much bigger than Teddy and Daisy, I wasn't too worried about them getting too close.

Thursday night was a highlight for me, as time with all my brothers at one time usually is. All four of them were present, plus significant others (except one). We decided to play games and hang out in the basement, as far away from the parents as possible knowing we would be loud. And loud we were as we always end up laughing with (ok at) each other. Nathan was a champ and hung around with us. Even after he fell asleep he stayed in my arms and slept through our shenanigans. Someday soon it will be cool to have him enjoy the company (though we will have to eliminate or hide the drinking games for several years!).

Friday started off slow and easy as we hung around the house and slowly got ready for the wedding, the reason we came up to NY to start with. My godparents son was marrying his long-time girlfriend and we were certainly up for a party. Nathan was well taken care of by Grandma Jo. Uncle Matt and his girlfriend Amanda took him for a walk to get him to take an afternoon nap right away. He was pretty happy and easy to care for the rest of the day. The wedding was nice. We were late (thanks to Friday afternoon traffic) but so was everyone else. We took the short ride from Monroe, where the ceremony was, to Stony Point for the reception. We were bombarded with wonderful food and drink (apparently I love strawberry mojitos!). Joanne brought Nathan up for a feeding before the end of the cocktail hour. We were lucky to catch the bride and groom to have a very quick meet and greet. When I later complimented Megan, the bride, on her dress I said, "I love your dress." She said, "I love your baby." I don't think they will need a big push to make the move toward parenthood. Since I am the big sister (who had to care for a baby at the end of the night) I was DD and drove the drunk bus home. We lingered a little while longer before going to bed, bushed. I believe I slept rather well that night.

Saturday we gathered again for a traditional Kepler Breakfast - also another favorite thing when we are in NY. We were only missing Joey who was working. What a good boy. Leo, Nathan and I then made our way to Orangeburg for our last appointment with friends - one last chance to meet Nathan before we returned to NC. It was a nice show of people who came by to love on our little boy. He's so good. He never seems to mind passing through the many hands. I only hope he continues to be so good with strangers.

Saturday night we joined mom and Ed for dinner at one of our favorite places, Mia Cucina. Since we were a big party of 8 (and a half) and there was a baby, they threw us in the back room which we had all to ourselves. It was nice to have the privacy. The food and company were perfect and we all got to hear one of Nathan's first loud giggles. I was so proud I could have cried. Seriously - it's crazy how these little milestones just melt your heart.

Sunday we hit the road by 9:30am. It was a long ride but mentally we were prepared and I guess Nathan was too. He slept most of the way again and I entertained as much as possible to keep him happy. We got home around 7pm and no meltdowns. Yeehaa!

And now we are faced with the summer. Oh what to do. Well, Nate met his cousin Logan last night and we put together an new toy for him. More on those adventures soon. In the meantime, we have to catch up with other stuff. How come you always need a vacation even after vacation?!