One of the most frustrating parts of the adoption process for Daddy and I, amongst many many other things, was that we couldn't take Little Miss out of the state. Daddy and I travel frequently, taking long weekends to see National Parks, family, fun places, relax, etc. No travel made for Grumpy Bates! Finally... finally... finally... the time came. Daddy's last boyhood friend was getting married in Denver. That is also where most of Daddy's family and old friends live, so there was much much to do on our long weekend. Here is the story of our trip:
Leaving the house with our suitcases was very exciting. Little Miss wanted to know when the airplane was coming to pick us up. Ummm.. no. The airplane goes to the airport. Well, she replied, how do we get to in? This was the first of many confusions for our first traveler. She thought the airplane, bus, and train all came to the house... that every airport was one Airport...
Little Miss took her first ride on a bus, airplane, and train this trip. She walked along with her backpack, watching every single step of the process. She thought it was nice of the Security people to keep us safe. She didn't understand why Apple Juice was unsafe and had to throw it away. But the biggest worry was putting her shoes through the x-ray machine. She was not quite sure where her shoes were going. After much much much convincing, she put them on through!
Once on the plane, Little Miss wanted to play her Leapster, get a drink, put down the tray table, and color. After each request, I told her "After Takeoff". It took 3 times before it occurred to me that Little Miss didn't know what that WAS. She was a great flier and loved the experience... thank goodness... since we fly so much!
When we arrived in Denver, Daddy's best friend and family picked us up and we drove to their house. We stay with them every time we are in town. Little Miss and Anta (our 6 year old God daughter) were fast friends in the car.
They built a circus tent on the couch at the house and stayed up until well after 1am whispering and giggling. We stayed 3 days in their house. Little Miss stayed up past midnight every single night.
We watched Sam play softball, went to Cris's wedding and saw Daddy's old friends, and had a BBQ the next day. It was a very relaxing and fun time. We learned that Little Miss and Anta are both bossy Stink Face givers, and that they are TOO much alike to be friendly for very long. They fighting lasted all weekend. We learned that I watch a little too much SYTYCD at home, as Little Miss danced all night long at the wedding... by herself, to the beat, and totally oblivious to everyone watching!
Ramz and family took us to the Denver Zoo on the way to Daddy's uncle and aunts house. The day was perfect and was the best end to our time together, minus the rain delay that we waited out in the penguin exhibit!!
We said sad goodbyes to our friends, and Hello to Daddy's family in Denver. We stayed one night. Annie took Little Miss for pizza (after she refused to eat dinner of steak, asparagus, and cheesy rice) and came back 2 hours later with stuffed animals. I think Annie got a little more than she had bargained for. 4 year old stubborn, exhausted, nervous and scared will is too much for the uninitiated!
Daddy had a late night catching up with his cousins, while Little Miss and I had a battle of wills in the basement... which was fine because I finished my journaling for the trip!
Our first trip was great. Little Miss didn't miss a beat. She met a ton of new people, stayed in new places, and tried a TON of new things. We were worried she might overload, but she was fine. We missed the boat on that one! Going on a fun adventure wasn't too much to handle.... COMING HOME WAS!
Honorary Mention goes to Ramz... who got a visectomy in order to have the time off for our trip... Crazy Ramz.. CRAZY but we love you!
