Trip to PA

July 04, 2015

A couple months ago, my cousin Jennifer who lives in Oklahoma told me she would be in Western PA visiting family in June. Since I haven't seen her (or her parents - my uncle Tom and aunt Betty Jean) in almost two years, I told Mike that we had to meet up with them. He put the time in off of work, and we worked it out with my dad and mom that they would be going too. Since there were no hotels available because of a huge motorcycle rally in town, we made plans to stay with my uncle Denny and aunt Sue. I was really excited about this because I love staying with them - they are HILARIOUS - they always make pancakes and bacon for breakfast for starters - it's a fun tradition!

When Mike brought his schedule home for a weeks prior to the trip I noticed he hadn't been approved the leave that he requested. After looking into it because of staff shortages, his time off had been DENIED.

I cried. Seriously. It has been YEARS!!!! since Mike has been able to make a trip out to PA for us. He managed to take a little time off for his brother's wedding three years ago in PA, but that was the shortest trip ever. I wanted him to go so badly. I was beyond disappointed when we found out he couldn't go with us.

But I decided to make the trip anyway with the boys and my parents. Our last trip to PA was just last year when Easton was about 7 weeks and Grayson was not quite two years old. They did fantastic that trip, so I thought this would be a piece of cake.

However it was one mishap after another.

On the way there we stopped to eat just outside of Wheeling. I was so flustered about getting everyone situated and making sure we all had everything that I completely forgot to latch Grayson into his carseat. I sat him in it and then went to change Easton's diaper and completely forgot to make sure he was ready to go. We stopped after we made our way through West Virginia - my mom was going to sit with the boys and I was going to ride shotgun while my dad was driving.

I unbuckled my seatbelt and started to get out of the car when the car door snapped back in my face and cracked me in the head. I saw stars!!! I had to bend over and hold on to the seat because I thought I would pass out. Meanwhile Grayson gets up from his seat because he thinks he's getting out and I have a heart attack. Completely unbuckled from his seat. He had been holding his large stuffed animal on his lap and that hid the fact that he wasn't strapped in.

Mom of the year right here.

So we get that taken care of and head back on the road. It was a smooth trip. I love traveling on the Penna Turnpike. We get about two minutes from our destination, and we have to stop quickly because of some traffic and Grayson throws up everywhere. He is not a puker, so that he did that shocked me. He doesn't get car sick either. And once we got to my aunt and uncle's he was FINE - jumping, screaming, acting not sick at all. He has been chewing on his fingers lately, and we think he gagged himself when we had to stop quickly.

I don't do well with throw up. I practically had a meltdown. BUT I do think this experience helped me get over my anxiety about my kids throwing up. At least a little bit anyway. Thank heavens for my mom. She took over and helped me out so much!

My aunt Sue was so gracious to us! She tossed his clothes and his stuffed animal in the washing machine, got us a wash cloth, grabbed a basin for us so we could wash him down, blew bubbles for him - she was awesome. She also went on a walk with Grayson and me, and she did whatever she could to make us feel at home. I don't think she reads this blog, but just in case - You are awesome, Aunt Sue! Thank you!

Grayson's behavior was less than stellar. I wouldn't let him drink any milk because he had thrown up and I wanted to make sure he wasn't sick. And he was a mess all evening - wanting to go outside to blow bubbles almost constantly, nothing calmed him down. Until my cousin arrived with a new stuffed animal for him, and he was so thrilled!

Grayson slept that night with my parents, and he did great. I was so glad he got a good night sleep. Easton slept in the same room as me, and he was restless for most of the night. We didn't get a great amount of sleep.

The next morning Grayson had the meltdown of all meltdowns. I have never seen anything like it. After that passed, he went to the mall with my dad and I while Easton stayed with my mom and Sue and Denny. We met up with my cousin and her boys and had a nice time shopping. Grayson fell asleep in the stroller.

We spent some time that afternoon with my uncles (my mom's older brothers), and they had us cracking up. They tell the funniest stories, and they are just some really neat people :)

That evening we went out to eat at our favorite restaurant with everyone. I got to see my Aunt Betty Jean, and she snuggled Easton for a long time. It was so neat to see her and visit with her mom a little bit. It was such a nice evening! It ended too soon. Because of Grayson's behavior, I suggested we go home that night and my parents agreed. So after dinner we headed home and got in around 1:30 am. What a whirlwind of a trip.

All in all, we had a wonderful time, despite some rough parts with behavior issues. We all loved spending time with family members, and they were great with my kiddos. I am thankful that we had this visit. I just wish Mike had been able to join us.

Now some pictures...