Here's my first mistake... the decision to do the trip WITHOUT a stroller. I thought the stroller would just be one more thing to deal with, not worth the hassle. WRONG. Man did I need that stroller when hiking through the airports!! I had Dylan in a sling, a diaper bag on one shoulder, a carry-on bag on the other, and a rolling suitcase. Luckily their were several fellow passengers that took pity on me and pitched in to help. Lesson learned- always travel with a stroller (even if you have one waiting for you upon arrival)!
Dylan did GREAT his first time flying- he was a real champ! Everyone was so impressed with how well behaved he was. He was AMAZING- didn't cry once!! I was so proud!! In fact, he even went a little over the top and put on an extra cute show for all of the other travelers... he was waiving, pointing at the planes, sharing his toys, and talking up a storm. Adorable!!
Once we got to NC I had to stay in Raleigh to do a few business meetings the next day, so mom met us at the airport and took Little Man back to her house for the night. I knew mom was really excited about the idea of Dylan staying with her... but I did not know just how far her "Grandma Nesting" had gone. Mom had everthing- car seat, crib, clothes, toys, food, diapers, monitors... EVERYTHING! Looking back on it, I did not need to bring a thing! Why did I carry all those suitcases 3000+ miles?!?
After my work meetings we were able to spend the next few days with Dad, Barb, Corey & Caitlin. Again, why did I bring all those suitcases?!? They had everything all set up for the D-Man!! It was like home away from home! Barb pulled out all of the stops and got out all of the girls old toys. Dylan had a ball! His favorite spot in the house was the dog bed, of course, where he liked to keep all of his "very most favorite toys"! Dylan also LOVED the swing-set and all the chickens in the backyard!! The timing of this trip was great because we were also able to attend Caitlin's graduation from elementary school. She won the Principle's Award! Go Caitlin!!
Now those who know him will say, my Dad is usually man of very little words. I have never seen him GUSH the way he did over Dylan this trip! He was totally ga-ga-go-ga over him!! Every chance he got to change a diaper, clean up sit-up, make food, hold him, put him down for a nap.... you name it, he was all over it!! It was so special watching them interact. One of my favorite memories is when we took Dylan over to Dad's office to meet everyone. Dad literally recruited EVERYONE in the building to come see his grandson... He was totally glowing the whole time!
Unfortunately, while we were back in NC I also learned that my best friend's mom had unexpectedly passed away in VA. This was terrible news and I was absolutely heartbroken for her and her family. I felt very fortunate that I was back east and would be able to be there for the services. Mom, Erin and I had originally planned to go to the beach house in SC for the weekend, however with the devastating news we decided it was more important to be in VA. So within a days notice we changed all plans and headed north. We had a few days before the services so we decided to rent a lake house on Lake Anna- just outside of DC. Dad, Barb, Corey and Caitlin also made the trip up north for a few more days of family time together. Uncle Doug and Teri even made the trip and were able to meet Dylan for the 1st time.
We had a great 2 days on the lake- sailing, swimming and relaxing. It was perfect. We even had a good ole southern thunderstorm one afternoon to top it off. Ahhh... I miss those! Oh and how can I forget, one of my other best friends from college, Bronwyn, drove up from Richmond to spend the afternoon with us one day. It was great- I hadn't seen her in way too long! Plus, we able to meet Aubrey, her unborn baby daughter that's due in September. I think Dylan is is love!
After the lake trip, we drove up to Northern VA and stayed at Erin's condo. Dylan loved Erin's place and watching all of the airplanes land at the DC airport. The view atop Erin's building is amazing- like a postcard for America!
I wish more than anything that it was under better circumstances that we were in DC. However, I am so glad that we were able to see Colleen and I was able to be there for her during that difficult time. At the services I was also able to see several other friends from college, which I hadn't seen in forever. Although several years have passed, it seems just yesterday we were all living it up in the sorority house. Now everyone is older with husbands, kids and new lives. They will always hold a special place in my heart, even though we are miles away and aren't able to catch up as often as we should.
Once we were back in NC, Dylan was able to meet his Great Grandma Lou for the first time and several other neighbors and friends. I had a few more meetings in Raleigh with a client and then it was back home to see Daddy. It had been 10 days and a great trip. We were able to see and do so much. Dylan was a perfect angel on the way home. He slept most of the trip and was thrilled to see "Da-Da" at the airport.
Both Dylan and I will miss all of our family and friends in NC and VA dearly. Hopefully we will all, Dustin included, be able to make a trip out again for the holidays.
