The Trailmomma family recently traveled back to New Jersey
to visit Jersey Dad and attend my brother’s wedding. This was the first flight
for Squeaker, the third trip to NJ for the Peanut and Van’s fourth east coast
wedding.
From past experience I knew that flying out on a redeye was
the way to go. What I didn’t know was that we would be flying on a puddle
jumper from Sacrament to San Francisco. That flight basically sucked. The long
leg however to New Jersey was decent. It was long enough that the girls could
sleep and not be disturbed by having to get off and change planes. However, the
plane was extremely uncomfortable for adults (especially one with two kids
sleeping on her).
While in New Jersey we attended the rehearsal dinner at our
favorite Italian restaurant, Frank’s. I think Frank’s is pretty much the only
reason Vans truly flies to New Jersey. He isn’t a great traveler, especially
when flying long distances overnight. I think his meal of spinach filled
ravioli and home-made cannoli’s really helped.
The wedding took place on a Friday and my brother’s fiancée
looked like a princess so, from here on out, she will be called Princess Mayra.
The Peanut was in awe. This was her first wedding and she has been so excited.
We bought beautiful dresses and tights and she could not wait to wear them.
She’s is equally excited to wear them again on Christmas Day. Princess Mayra
did a fantastic job with the wedding and my brother (Tom Green – not really but
he looks like him) looked very handsome. The rumor is that he had a lot to do
with the appetizers being handed out after the ceremony. They were super
cleaver. Small shot glasses filled with tomato soup with teeny tiny triangles
of grilled cheese on top. So clever!
Unfortunately, Squeaker started the trip off with a nasty
fall at daycare (literally, 2 hours before take off) and her bad luck continued
while in New Jersey when she developed a cold, tummy issues and started
teething majorly. Maybe they are all intertwined but needless to say, she was
clingy and emotional the entire trip which made things a little difficult.
However, with all her troubles, sleeping (with her sister)
was a breeze. The two of them snuggled together for three nights. It was
precious and some of my favorite photos.
The trip was way too short (as always) for me. I miss my
family very much and I miss New Jersey. I know people might laugh and say
“really?” Despite the reputation that New Jersey has, the people there are one
of a kind and they are honest, tell it like it is people. I admire that.
The devastation from Sandy was evident. So many fallen trees
and damaged homes, it was heart breaking. My house is not anywhere near Jersey
Shore so I can only imagine what that area must look like.
The weather was cold, the temps were in the low 30s and high
20s most of the trip. I forgot how much that temperature can be both unbearable
and yet refreshing at the same time. The girls had a rough time adjusting at
first but the Peanut had her heart set on building a snowman. She did the best
she could with the snow she had (and no gloves).
Our flight home on Sunday was not overnight. I find this is
the best way to readjust to the time change. Despite being stuck on the tarmac
in Newark for almost two hours and almost missing our connection in Denver, the
flight was okay. The Peanut was completely entertained and is quite a good
traveler. Squeaker however, is quite a handful. I can’t blame the kid entirely
as we didn’t book her a seat and instead carried her 25 lb body on our laps …
when the Peanut flew to NJ at the same age, she sat in a car seat which limited
her range of motion. In hind sight, we probably should have bought Squeaker a
seat. Next time.
Now we are back and getting into full Christmas mode. Elfie
had arrived while we were gone and the Peanut is beyond thrilled. She woke up
this morning groggy and fuzzy and instantly searched the house for him.
I love this time of year. I wonder where Elfie will show up
next?
Happy Holidays from the Trailmomma family!
ps: I'd post more photos (I have tons) but I am out of picasa space. :( I still have not figured out a way (other than purchasing more space) to keep the photos I have and post new ones. I think I might have already deleted some past photos to allow the current ones.
