Sunday, July 6, 2014

"Go west, young man!"

Our first trip as a family of four is in the books! We ventured west for my sister's wedding in Napa, CA. Yes, I know what you are thinking, "Ah, Napa, what a beautiful destination for a wedding." You are thinking about vineyards and beautiful sunsets while drinking wine. I saw vineyards. From the car. I had a few sips of wine at the wedding, but then Henry or Annabelle needed my attention and well, the wine glass was put down and the wee little ones were tended to.

But we did it! We traveled across the country with two kids, two car seats, a three hour time difference and managed to keep it together! Now, credit has to be given to my Mom here. She traveled with us. The extra set of hands was needed at many points during this journey, so thanks Mom! 

We left our house at 5:30am -- we gave ourselves a break and ordered a metro car to take us to the airport. Cutting out the extra step of parking in long term parking and then getting on a shuttle (With all the crap we had) was and excellent idea and worth the money. If you have kids, I highly recommend doing this. 

We breezed through security and didn't have long to wait at our gate. We lucked out that the flight wasn't full and was able to snap Annabelle's car seat on the plane so we didn't have to hold her the entire time. Prior to getting on the plane, Henry was super excited -- looking at all the plans out the windows of the airport. I was a little nervous how he would react when taking off, but it didn't even phase him. He drank his water to pop his ears and ate some snacks, but wasn't scared or too excited about it. He liked it, but was actually more excited about the turbulence! (I think we have a roller coaster lover on our hands!)

The kids were rock stars on the plane. When we got off, I heard someone say, "I didn't even know there was a baby on the plane," referring to Annabelle. She was so good. Slept much of the way and nursed a lot on take off and landing. She was all smiles and giggles for anyone that looked her way. 


At the gate 


On the plane!


Here we go! 

After arriving in San Fran, we picked up our luggage and made our way to the car rental. Henry had fallen asleep during landing, so his nap was very very short and we knew we had to get these kids to Napa as quickly as possible. Easier said than done. The car rental was crazy and it took over two hours to get our car, install the car seats, and get on our way. With some traffic and some meltdowns, we made it to Napa around 4:30pm California time (7:30/bedtime in Michigan). Ryan scrambled to get some food for Henry/us/my mom, and we got the kids into bed as quickly as possible. We were all in bed by 7pm California time after traveling all day! 

The following morning came quickly. Despite the long day of travel and late bedtime, Henry woke up at 4am Cali time. Ryan, being the best, let me and Annabelle sleep and got up with Henry. They read comic books, colored, and I'm sure talked Super Hero talk that Mama just doesn't quite get :) 

Grammie headed off with Aunt Katie doing wedding stuff/getting the venue ready for her big day. 

After breakfast we found a playground: 



Henry kept saying, "We're in California!" 


What a nice change of weather. 
Dry heat instead of the humid weather we were having in Michigan


At the rental house

Later we found a taco truck, got some lunch and headed home for a nap for Henry. He almost made it, but fell asleep mid meal. 


Sleepy Pies

The rest of the day was spent napping/hanging out, grocery shopping and getting our bearings together. Everyone went to bed early again. The following morning was a bit better, but Henry still work up around 5am Cali time. Poor Daddy!

But today was the Rehearsal day! Henry was Aunt Katie's ring bearer! 



Playing in the barn before practicing being a ring bearer


Practicing for his big job!


Daddy with the kids


The rehearsal


At the rehearsal dinner at a great restaurant, Oenotri in Napa!


Grammie with Annabelle


A quiet morning before the big day!

After getting my hair and makeup done with my sister, it was time to head to the beautiful estate where the wedding would be! It was a perfect day. The day before was very hot -- 95 degrees and didn't cool off, but the wedding day weather was a perfect 78 and cooled off even more during dinner. 

Katie and Garett were married under a walnut tree, had dinner next to a vineyard, and danced their first dance in a 100 year old barn. The food was perfect, and it was great to catch up with old friends. The kids started to melt around 9pm and we knew we were pushing it, but we got to see Katie and Garett cut the cake and have their first dance before everyone turned into pumpkins. It was "pinterest perfect wedding" - everything was just the way she had pictured!



Sister selfie! 


They had games/toys for the kids to play with outside the barn


The view from the reception


After wedding infused water 


It's like a pinterest post. Table assignments on old windows. 


cocktail hour


He was quite the cute ring bearer!


Daddy and Henry selfie -- having a snack after the wedding :) 




Mama and Annabelle before the wedding 



Henry did great!!! I was a little worried I would have to walk him, but he marched right down and passed the rings off like a pro! 


Family shot


Henry loved the dinner. 


My toast to the happy couple


Mr. and Mrs. Chau


Their first dance. (They took dance lessons, y'all and looked like pros!)

I wish I had a picture of Henry around 8pm. He was pure dirt and beyond tired.  He was quite the guy and stayed clean before the wedding, but after pictures and his ring bearer duties, he asked to go play with his cousins, and oh boy did they play! Barn + dirt = very dirty clothes. But playing hard is always good for the soul. 

Our kids turned to pumpkins around 9pm and we rushed them home and tossed them into bed -- they slept in (until 6:30!) the following morning. We then had to pack up and lock up the rental house. 


But we played a little first


Love these kids


And Aunt Katie stopped by with some wedding cake and snuggles for the kids



And then we were off to San Fran! To visit our law school pal, Jeff, for a day and then head back to Michigan. 


Jeff meeting Annabelle


We found another playground 


We went from at least 80 degree days to 63 and breezy. It's crazy what a few miles and a shoreline will do :) 


Law school besties. Jeff will always say, "Sarah was my first friend in law school, and Ryan was my best friend." We haven't seen Jeff in almost 5 years since our wedding. It was so nice to see him, and wonderful to feel like not a moment had passed (oh, except for those two kids we had in tow!)


Lunch with my little man


Our family


Henry falling asleep during lunch


And Daddy had to carry him al the way back to Jeff's


Another park. That's the Full House house! 


And another playground!

On our last night we had amazing BBQ and great conversation after the kids were in bed. The next morning we would be heading back to MI -- just as the kids started to acclimate to Pacific time, we would flip their world again to Eastern time. Yay for us!


Henry was a huge helper by pulling his own suitcase and staying close to Grammie!


I can't believe he will be 3 in just a few short months!


On the train to the airport


On our way! 


After a long flight (had to stay in the air awhile because of weather) we arrived at DTW and headed home. We arrived to happy dogs and a flooded basement. Not quite the homecoming we were hoping for, but nonetheless it was good to be home, in our own beds and ready to get back into our routine. 

And there it is folks -- the story of our first trip. I will not call it a vacation, because that implies relaxation. We had fun, we made memories, and we are so happy we were able to help make Aunt Katie and Uncle Garett's wedding day extra special! For all you parents out there who travel with your kids -- WOW! It's 10x harder than it looks :) 

And someday we will return. San kids to have that glass of wine at sunset :) 

xoxo,
The Beach Family










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