Chaos, in three words that start with the letter 'A'. Annaka, Adelyn, and Andrea.
We had the wonderful opportunity to spend a few days on the west coast of Washington during the last part of Naomi's spring break. Knowing how hard it is to travel with a baby and two very very active children we opted to cram as many events into the few days as possible. What is the worst that could happen right?
We started with an uneventful car ride west. Uneventful really means that we made it without having to listen to a screaming child(ren) during the last couple hours. The grand plan was that if the baby was happy then we drove... and that is exactly what we did (sorry Annaka and Adelyn). Even with our ingenious plan the trip took well into eight hours with a few dictated stops.
We rolled into Lacy (Tacoma area) for our first couple nights lodging with Naomi's uncle. We had a wonderful time visiting with them in the evenings. All the girls quickly took to their new found grandparents and were as lively as ever. During the days we enjoyed the Seattle Aquarium, a Harbor Tour, Woodland Park Zoo, and the Crab Pot. Our stay with the in-laws would be incomplete without a trip to the Honey Pig and some wonderful Korean fare. A wonderful time was had by all especially with baby Andrea's first time visiting her great aunt and uncle.
Part two was a bit more stressful but well worth it. We headed up to Bellevue for my youngest cousin's wedding. We managed to get a little time with family and a trip to the Pacific Science Center and Space Needle all while enjoying a mini game of leap frog through Seattle area traffic.
The wedding was amazing. It was quite beautiful and so much effort was put into the entire evening. Congratulations Kyle and Kristen! (So much went into this evening I cant even describe them all but I will at least mention a few of our favorites). We enjoyed: Family Photos, Ceremony with cousin Bryan officiating and all the Edwards cousins as flower peoples, a Photo Booth, a Candy Bar, a pasta dinner, Drinks, Dancing, Ceremony, Toasts, and much more. We decided that we would stay at the wedding as long as were were physically able. (i.e. how long would the girls last?) The next day would all be traveling back home, tired children would be welcome.
All three of our girls, with all the other events of the week under their belt, did a pretty darn amazing job. Annaka and Adelyn danced nearly all night long. They each loved it oh so much. Annaka only broke down when cousin Zane was so tired of dancing with Annaka that he didnt want her to grab his hands anymore. Andrea, such a blessing child, was her always charming self. Snagging any passerby with the batting of her eyes and easy smile. We finally headed out after Cinderella's coach would have turned into a pumpkin. We somehow managed (painfully) to get all the girls tucked away for the night.
The ride home was uneventful and we enjoyed a few random detours and missed turns. However, it was not painful as the girls slept... a lot... Thank you lord for your blessings, we needed it.
So much into so few days. Needless to say we are tired and feeling the financial pinch. We are still recovering and will probably be recovering for a few more days... or months. To prove my point this morning after getting all the girls dressed, fed, and in the car and everything else needed for a Tuesday morning. Naomi frantically turns to me.
Naomi:"Hey, *frantic* Where are my keys?"
Caleb: "In your coat?"
Naomi:"No..i checked"
Caleb: "Did you wear that coat yesterday?"
Naomi: "No, i wore that one *pointing to other coat*. But I already checked those pockets."
Caleb: "Well... is there anywhere els...*interruption*"
(At this point I am not sure if I notice or Naomi notices that her keys... were in her hand. THE ENTIRE TIME. I guess Wonder Woman has her moments too!)
We have some pictures we will try to post that show the girls doing their thing in the west. All in all it was a very successful trip. To reiterate something we already knew but is now very fresh in our minds... traveling with three young children is quite the chore. Now back to work before we travel again to see April graduate.
