Family Vacay: Day One

Well, today was the day boys. The first day of your first real, big vacation. We were off to Gulf Shores, Alabama with Nenny and Papa Donnie; Aunt Callie, Uncle Matt, and the boys, Boo; Pappy and Carl; and Jason, Regann, and their kiddos.

Our alarm was set bright and early (2 AM) so you could get some sleep in the car and so that we could drive straight though. As soon as we picked you up out of bed, Ryan, with sleepy eyes you looked around and said, "Beach? Beach?" You boys were excited!

You then spent the first 35 minutes of the trip asking, on constant repeat, "Mommy beach? Daddy beach?" Your daddy and I began to panic that you excitement might keep you awake all morning! Eventually you couldn't fight it any longer and slept for the first 4.5 hours of our trip or so. 

After stretching our legs at a quick breakfast, it was back into the car where you car seats were waiting, facing forward. You were so excited to be experiencing the world from a new direction! Games (thank you, Pinterest), movies, and snacks helped keep you boys occupied!

We were amazed at how well you did on such a long trip. Once the beach finally came into view, we couldn't wait any longer - three minutes from our house we had to stop just to show it to you. Ryan, you kept whispering, "Wow. Oh my gosh," in true awe of everything around you. Those five minutes of seeing you boys experience something so new and amazing and my trip was already complete. I just love seeing the world through your all's eyes.

 

Once we arrived to our house, it was time to unpack, get settled, play with your cousins, and eat some dinner. By this point it was already 7:30 our time (bedtime). It had been a long (napless!) day and emotions were starting to take over, but we had to go see the beach once more - this time with cousins and grandparents!

We weren't down there but 5 minutes when a bigger than you were comfortable with wave hit your legs Ryan. You didn't fall, but you lost your balance and Daddy caught you. It was enough to shake you though. You spent the rest of the time happily watching Wiley play from high up on the sand. Wiley, you were fearless for the most part. By the end, you were trying to sit in the crashing waves.

 

 

Our long day, ended with bedtime routines and story time with all the boys crowded onto our bed listening and then hugs and kisses good night. 

Now for the moment of truth - would you sleep in your pack n plays? We had done a couple practice nights at home in your "new, special, beach beds," and you did it. However, a couple nights we had to put you back in your cribs because you kept climbing out. Ten minutes later, with very little of your typical chatter, and you were both out! Thank goodness pure exhaustion trumps the excitement of trying to climb out. Let's hope this continues all week! 

It was a full and wonderful first day. We can't wait to see what this week has in store for us.