The Traveler

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of spending a weekend date with my littlest man. I know...you are all jealous. He was a perfect gentleman. Of course, he's not big enough to open doors or pay the check, but he was courteous enough to travel 600 miles by car in approximately 48 hours, and did so without crying. Well, he may have cried once, but it was really more of a whimper. He spent much of the weekend like this:

Our weekend trip was in honor of this cute girl:(the one in pink) who is about to have her first child next month. Good luck Rachael! Thanks for giving Shauna and I the excuse to make the trip!

I enjoyed spending some time with only 25% of the number of kids I am usually juggling. Especially since this one is non-mobile still. I have realized that I have to force myself to remember to spend time with Cru. He's such a mellow little dude that he can get forgotten easily. He simply doesn't demand the attention. He gets fed (obviously) and gets his clothes and diapers changed, but he doesn't get nearly the attention he deserves. The curse of the fourth child, I suppose. Spending the whole weekend with just him was good for both of us. He thrived on the one on one time, and rewarded me with smiles, giggles, and coos galore.

It was a great opportunity to enjoy meeting up with friends that we don't see often enough. We also enjoyed delicious vietnamese egg rolls and Bun Cha. mmmmmmmmm, fish sauce.

One of my favorite moments of the weekend was when we first arrived at the house of Ruthie and Pat, who were hosting us. Their daughter Chloe, age 5, was staring at Cru. Finally she said, "Your baby is cute." I said, "Thanks. He has chunky cheeks doesn't he?" (She was obviously staring at his chunky cheeks). To which she replied, "And a chunky belly, and a chunky neck, and chunky legs..." I just had to laugh.

While I was gone, Rick and the kids spent the entire time pouting and crying and lamenting my absence. I'm sure that's what they were doing while they:

• went to a movie
• went to jumpin jacks
• went to pirate island pizza
• went to the builder's workshop at home depot
• went to Del Taco

Seriously, my kids are already begging for me to take a "mommy weekend" again.

Thanks Shauna for doing the driving, and for listening to me chat.

Thanks Pat and Ruth for housing us.

Thanks Rachael for the baby growing.

Thanks Carly and Katie for the super fun shower.

Thanks Tommy and Kristi for the cookies and visit (albeit too short).

Thanks Rick for wrangling the other children at home.

Thanks Shanghai Cafe for the delicious food.

Thanks Eliana for the impromptu song about "Restaurant Manners".

Thanks Cru, for being such a sweetie, so that I could enjoy it all!