Spring Break Road Trip

Leah survived her first road trip with flying colors. We headed to Lubbock for Spring Break in order to meet some family. It was also a good time for us to visit - once the summer starts, we tend to be busy with the swim team an other activities for most of the summer. What normally takes us about 8 hours, only took us about 10 with a baby. Leah did great. She didn't really cry except for about the last 15 minutes going to Lubbock and coming home. We stopped twice to feed her and she slept the rest of the way. Ryan and Luke are pros at this trip, so there are never any problems with them other than the iPad battery not lasting long enough.

Olivia was very excited to meet her youngest cousin - she is the oldest of the grandkids so it is neat to these two together-they are 12 years apart.

Jacob was great with Leah. I wasn't sure how he would react, but he was so eager to meet her.

Once the cousins had made their introductions, the 4 older ones took off and quickly bonded again and created their own crazy games. The weather was nice and they spent most of the week playing outside riding scooters and bikes. It is so nice to have them all at this age where they can roam free outside with minimal supervision and adult interference. There are always conflicts, but they've gotten so much better and settling things among themselves.

Conny had planned to visit us and meet Leah, but she got very sick right before Leah was born - she ended up burning through all of her time off and really should stay close to home and continue to get better for awhile. I think she's excited to have a second niece, we've been surrounded mostly by crazy boys.

Another reason for our trip was to introduce Leah to her Great Aunt Jane and Great Uncle Charlie. They have both been a big part of my family growing up and they've always been very supportive and loving in all things. Leah's middle name is in honor of Jane-I hope she will develop Jane's selfless and loving nature.

Jane has many great qualities - one of them being an excellent cook and a chicken fried steak expert. She knows that is my favorite and had us all over one night for dinner. The day before, I spent time with Jane while she taught me how to make MeeMaw rolls (my grandmother's recipe). The dinner was excellent!

My dad came along for the lesson and spent part of the time sleeping with Leah.

We have visited the pottery place during many visits to Lubbock. I like to make mementos with my kids' foot/handprints - so this time was Leah's turn. She was not happy to have her feet painted with purple paint. The other kids had a great time painting their own creations - Grandad joined in the fun, too.

Overall, it was a great trip. I loved spending time with my family and introducing Leah to the beauty of Lubbock (which would be the people, not the scenery).

 Leah continues to make her case as the world's greatest baby.She is laid back and is usually fine with going along with anything.