Weekend with Friends

This past weekend Ethan and I took a road trip up to Pennsylvania/West Virginia to visit with my childhood friend Jennifer and her wonderful family. Let me start by saying that Patrick was supposed to join us (we already rescheduled once to accomodate a last minute change at work for him) and work once again interfered so this time Ethan and I decided to power on without him. Yes, my friends, I took a 7 hour each way road trip with a 15 month old by myself. I know this may not sound like much to many people, but I am pretty proud of myself for taking on this challenge. I am even prouder of Ethan for being such a wonderful car passenger. On the ride up, he slept for about an hour or so, and then woke up and played and entertained himself for about two hours before we stopped in Beckley, WV. I would pass a toy or book back to Ethan, and he would play or "read" for awhile before tossing it aside and I would pass back a new toy or book. About 10 minutes before we stopped he started to get a little grumpy (whining, not much crying thank goodness!) and so we stopped at McDonald's for a diaper change and lunch. Splitting lunch with Ethan was fun - I got him a nuggets happy meal with apple slices (for me), a fruit and yogurt parfait (for Ethan) and a chicken sandwich for me. I had milk for him already in a sippy cup so I got to use the drink that came with the happy meal. I haven't really eaten at a McDonald's in forever, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much both Ethan and I enjoyed our little meal together!

After stretching our legs a bit, we hopped back in the car and finished up the remaining three hours. Ethan did pretty well, and I forgot to mention earlier that he especially enjoyed the tunnels. He went kid-a-tonic in them, just looking all around. It was pretty funny! We were both so excited to finally arrive in PA, and we were warmly greeted by Jennifer, Patrick and my (I know I'm biased here, but it's the truth!) most adorable goddaughter Morgan. We spent a little bit of time catching up and visiting, and then we were off to a WVU basketball game.

It was so much fun! I must say, it is a lot harder to pay attention to a game when also trying to pay attention to a very active 15 month old (who only wants to climb around on all the seats which gave me visions of him taking a tumble) but I was able to pay attention to at least a few plays. Morgan is such a great cheerleader, and is a lot of fun to have around. I'm not sure how you could ever be in a bad mood with this ray of sunshine always shining!

When we got home it was time to put the kids (and the parents!) to bed, and Saturday morning Morgan and I got some serious playtime in. We had a "hideout" that she made in her room for us to play Barbies in, we made up different words on her fridge phonics game (see below...lovely shot of me, ha!) and Ethan entertained himself with Morgan's toy kitchen. At one point he even took out the sink and brought it to Aunt Jen...he literally brought her the kitchen sink :)

Now here is where our story becomes the tale of two Ethans. Up until this point he had been pretty good, and so after a quick nap we decided to go up to the outlets to do some shopping. Ethan dozed off again in the car (this child generally sleeps for about three hours or so in the afternoons) so even though he hadn't gotten as much sleep as usual I figured he had enough that he would be functional. Wrong! He had his first official temper tantrum in the middle of the outlets. We're talking red face, back arched, flailing himself to the ground temper tantrum. Ummm...this rookie mom had no idea what to do. Oh the humiliation! He fell asleep on the ride home, and fortunately by the time we returned to the house my sweet child returned. I told Patrick that I considered leaving his son at the outlets...he was a little terror with zero interest in shopping. Sigh! Morgan was a fantastic shopper and the best part for me was when she and I were in a store that had hopscotch on the floor and she literally spent ten minutes at least hopping around. Oh the energy of youth! Morgan and Ethan did enjoy a ride together, and I have to say that I am so thankful that his godsister is such a sweet and wonderful friend to my boy. She pushed Ethan all around in his stroller and was such a big help all weekend. This young lady is the perfect big sister!

Oh, I forgot to mention the craziest game that Ethan made up for himself. I was sitting on the couch and had a package of goldfish crackers. Ethan would walk up to me and take one from the pouch, walk across the room with it, place it on a shelf, and walk back to me to repeat the process. He did this forever! I didn't quite understand it, but he seemed to enjoy himself so I went with it. Morgan and I got to play Barbies later that afternoon (I was such a Barbie fanatic as a kid) and I did lots of Barbie hairstyles for her. She then lined up all the Barbies in their new 'dos for a class picture. Too funny! It was fun to get to play some girly games, because I have a feeling I won't be giving too many doll hairstyles for Ethan. Just a hunch ;)

I also forgot to mention that Saturday morning Aunt Jen came home with a present for Ethan and Morgan...WVU pillow pets. They were such a hit! Morgan named hers Lucy, so of course Ethan's had to be Ricky. Ethan didn't show tons of interest while were still visiting, but since we have been back in NC he and Ricky have been inseperable. He was even pointing to Ricky (who was across the room in the rocking chair) from his crib when I went to get him up this morning. Morgan made a "leash" for Lucy out of some Mardi Gras beads and she walked her all over the place. We put a necklace on Ricky for his "collar." I love the imagination this girl has!

Morgan also continued to entertain Ethan with a silly face (see below) anytime he looked even the least bit upset. He would laugh so hard (deep belly laughs) at his silly godsister. She was a big help with keeping Ethan entertained all weekend so the adults could visit. I kept asking if she wanted to come back to NC with me, but somehow I ended up having to leave her in PA :(

The ride home Sunday afternoon/evening was pretty uneventful. Ethan slept for the first two hours, and then was able to entertain himself for another two so we were able to make it through all of WV and both tunnels before finally stopping for a dinner break. After dinner he drifted off to dreamland (even though it was only about 6:30) and he slept for the last two hours of the trip, making it a pretty easy drive for me. When we got home he was not happy to see Daddy and kept reaching out his arms for me. I told Patrick that's what he got for missing the trip, but it was pretty heartbreaking because I know how much Patrick missed him while he was gone. All was soon forgiven and Ethan stayed up playing for about an hour or so before he was finally ready for bed. It was such a great visit with such dear friends, and I am sad that it's already over. Thankfully we'll see them again in January, and I can't wait!!!