In case you didn't know, Austin took his first road trip last month. Daddy wasn't able to join us (he moved his June vacation time to the week after Austin was born). So, Mommy, and Grandma Cindy set out with Austin to drive 800 miles from St. Louis, MO, to Sumpter, SC for Cousin Evan's first birthday.
To set the scene, everyone should know that Austin HATES his car seat. Some parents put their kids in the car to calm them down, but Austin begins crying, which turns into a bloodcurdling scream, the second he sits in the seat. So, needless to say, Grandma and I weren't exactly excited for this trip. But, we went anyway, because your cousin only turns 1 once, and it was an opportunity for Austin to meet lots of family (Aunt Shannon, Uncle Ryan, cousin Evan, Gram, and Gramps). So, we said goodbye to Daddy, and hit the road.
Grandma played "Baby Whisperer" while I drove. She did GREAT getting him to calm down, helping him find his thumb, and fall asleep. It took us 2 days to drive, but made it in about 19 hours. During that time, Austin cried for maybe 45 minutes TOTAL!! That made for a MUCH less stressful drive for both Grandma and I.
When we got to Shannon and Ryan's house, Evan was happy to see Grandma, but apprehensive about my big camera (I have a Nikon D3000 DSLR camera, lots bigger than the point and shoot Shannon and Ryan have).
He warmed up quickly, after the group of us when to the park. Gram and Gramps had arrived a day earlier. As always, Gramps had brought sports equipment, so we spent some time hitting the volleyball around, and playing smashball.
The next day was Evan's birthday! His party wasn't until the weekend, so we had a great family day at a local farm eating delicious food, picking strawberries and playing on the grounds. They had a huge air filled "blob" that was like a trampoline, along with slides and a giant tractor. Evan and Ryan enjoyed playing on the "blob" and going down the slides. Gram, Grandma and Shannon picked strawberries, and Gramps played on the "blob" as well. Austin was slung up in my wrap, and I played photographer while he slept.
The following day was spent hanging around the house, prepping for the party. Austin got to play with Evan's toys, and Evan was practicing his walking. Evan and Austin also had their first "cousin bath." Evan liked having Austin in the tub, and even helped bathe Austin. At the start of the bath, Austin let out his first real laugh. Par for the course, he did it when no one was expecting, and no video camera was around. We did manage to catch the last little bit though, and quickly sent it off to Daddy to enjoy.
Grandpa Eric joined the group VERY early Saturday morning. His flight was delayed due to weather, and didn't arrive until around 1:30 in the morning. But, he was up early, and Austin finally got to meet his Grandpa. He was in a great mood, and LOVED meeting his grandpa!!
A little while later, the ladies got to work, doing what they do best: prepping for a party. Evan helped where he could, and Austin and I just stayed out of the way.
The party was a huge success. Evan got WAY too many toys.
Everyone was tired. Some of us got to take a nap, while others were busy putting together some of Evan's new toys.
Evan wasn't tired though!! I think he had a pretty good time!!
Sunday was Father's Day. Austin and I face timed with Daddy a few times, and the rest of the day was spent cleaning and recuperating from the party; and packing for a trip to Savannah, GA! Grandpa Eric really wanted to eat at The Lady and Son's restaurant (owned by Paula Deen), and it was only a 2 1/2 hour drive away. (Well, 3 1/2 when driving with Mr. I-Hate-My-Car-seat). That will be a separate post, as this one is getting quite lengthy. We came back from Savannah on Tuesday, and Grandma, Grandpa and I packed up to leave the next morning for St. Louis. The drive back home was much worse than the drive out. Austin was not happy to be back in the car for so long, and forced us to make MANY stops. But, after 2 more LONG days of driving, we made it back home!!
I don't think we'll be making any long-distance road trips anytime soon. (Not until Labor Day weekend anyway when Aunt Emily accompanies Austin and I out to Kearney, NE for cousin Titus's first birthday!!!) Poor Daddy has to work AGAIN! Someday he'll have the joy of a road trip with his son, although by that time I bet Austin will have outgrown his hatred of his car seat!
To set the scene, everyone should know that Austin HATES his car seat. Some parents put their kids in the car to calm them down, but Austin begins crying, which turns into a bloodcurdling scream, the second he sits in the seat. So, needless to say, Grandma and I weren't exactly excited for this trip. But, we went anyway, because your cousin only turns 1 once, and it was an opportunity for Austin to meet lots of family (Aunt Shannon, Uncle Ryan, cousin Evan, Gram, and Gramps). So, we said goodbye to Daddy, and hit the road.
Daddy wasn't too happy we were leaving.
Grandma played "Baby Whisperer" while I drove. She did GREAT getting him to calm down, helping him find his thumb, and fall asleep. It took us 2 days to drive, but made it in about 19 hours. During that time, Austin cried for maybe 45 minutes TOTAL!! That made for a MUCH less stressful drive for both Grandma and I.
When we got to Shannon and Ryan's house, Evan was happy to see Grandma, but apprehensive about my big camera (I have a Nikon D3000 DSLR camera, lots bigger than the point and shoot Shannon and Ryan have).
He warmed up quickly, after the group of us when to the park. Gram and Gramps had arrived a day earlier. As always, Gramps had brought sports equipment, so we spent some time hitting the volleyball around, and playing smashball.
Babywearing Mama Sisters!
King protected the stroller
Evan helping Daddy play smashball with Mommy
Aunt Shannon, the next "Baby Whisperer"
Watching Daddy and Gram play smashball
Playing in the water with Grandma
Look at those feet!
Where'd my feet go??
Pretty sunset!!
Yup, she wins!
Bath time! Austin wasn't too happy, and Evan
couldn't figure out why. Evan LOVES bath time!
He tried crawling into the tub with Austin!
Helping me give Austin a bath.
Aunt Shannon is FUNNY!!!
The next day was Evan's birthday! His party wasn't until the weekend, so we had a great family day at a local farm eating delicious food, picking strawberries and playing on the grounds. They had a huge air filled "blob" that was like a trampoline, along with slides and a giant tractor. Evan and Ryan enjoyed playing on the "blob" and going down the slides. Gram, Grandma and Shannon picked strawberries, and Gramps played on the "blob" as well. Austin was slung up in my wrap, and I played photographer while he slept.
Stylin' birthday boy!!
Playing on the "blob" with Daddy
Gramps being the ham that he is while playing on the "blob"
Slide time!
Wheeee!
Spaghetti for dinner!!
Baby Austin!
The following day was spent hanging around the house, prepping for the party. Austin got to play with Evan's toys, and Evan was practicing his walking. Evan and Austin also had their first "cousin bath." Evan liked having Austin in the tub, and even helped bathe Austin. At the start of the bath, Austin let out his first real laugh. Par for the course, he did it when no one was expecting, and no video camera was around. We did manage to catch the last little bit though, and quickly sent it off to Daddy to enjoy.
See Austin, this is how you play with your bath toys.
Helping wash Austin.
Such a ham!
Deciding if he likes the toy and the Bumbo.
I still fit!!
So much company wore King out!
Grandpa Eric joined the group VERY early Saturday morning. His flight was delayed due to weather, and didn't arrive until around 1:30 in the morning. But, he was up early, and Austin finally got to meet his Grandpa. He was in a great mood, and LOVED meeting his grandpa!!
Birthday party breakfast!
Grandpa, meet Austin!
I think Austin likes his Grandpa!
A little while later, the ladies got to work, doing what they do best: prepping for a party. Evan helped where he could, and Austin and I just stayed out of the way.
I'll help by ramming into your legs Mommy!
Awesome fruit spread
Shannon's the next Martha Stewart!
Yum!
The party was a huge success. Evan got WAY too many toys.
Loving his new pool.
Mustache!!!
Happy Birthday to you Evan!!
So dainty.
Daddy showed him how to tear into it.
He caught on quick!
Here Mommy, you try it.
You too, Grandpa!
Yup, I can have my cake...and popsicle too!!
Presents!
WOW!
"Mowing" the kitchen floor with his new bubble mower
from Grandma and Grandpa.
Everyone was tired. Some of us got to take a nap, while others were busy putting together some of Evan's new toys.
Gramps snoozing on the couch.
Grandpa took the napping spot when Gramps was done.
Even Daddy fell asleep on the floor!
(Evan quickly came over and woke him up!)
Evan wasn't tired though!! I think he had a pretty good time!!
Sunday was Father's Day. Austin and I face timed with Daddy a few times, and the rest of the day was spent cleaning and recuperating from the party; and packing for a trip to Savannah, GA! Grandpa Eric really wanted to eat at The Lady and Son's restaurant (owned by Paula Deen), and it was only a 2 1/2 hour drive away. (Well, 3 1/2 when driving with Mr. I-Hate-My-Car-seat). That will be a separate post, as this one is getting quite lengthy. We came back from Savannah on Tuesday, and Grandma, Grandpa and I packed up to leave the next morning for St. Louis. The drive back home was much worse than the drive out. Austin was not happy to be back in the car for so long, and forced us to make MANY stops. But, after 2 more LONG days of driving, we made it back home!!
I don't think we'll be making any long-distance road trips anytime soon. (Not until Labor Day weekend anyway when Aunt Emily accompanies Austin and I out to Kearney, NE for cousin Titus's first birthday!!!) Poor Daddy has to work AGAIN! Someday he'll have the joy of a road trip with his son, although by that time I bet Austin will have outgrown his hatred of his car seat!
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