Trip to VA

While Michelle and Maddie were visiting us, we rented a minivan for the week (since we had three carseats to deal with) and we all drove to Norfolk, VA together for our cousin Kate's wedding reception. It's about a six hour drive from our house and the kids did very, very well. We bottlefed Nate in the car and only stopped for lunch on our way down and on our way back. Quite impressive for a carload with three children! Of course, they all had fussy moments but on the whole, they did great. Here they are in the car, all set for the big voyage. Ben loved being able to sit in the third row of the minivan! The big boy of the bunch...

Here's Ben in our hotel room in his own bed. It was the first time he had stayed in a hotel bed and he had a blast jumping up and down and playing in the covers. Both nights we were there, he was playing and jumping, talking, laughing, etc. when we turned the lights out...and about ten minutes later he was passed out to the world for the next twelve hours! I guess wearing him out during the day was a good idea since I had been worried about how he would do in the bed alone.

Here's Ben and his hero, Uncle Ron. He developed an immediate liking for Uncle Ron but was even more impressed when he found out that he is a truck driver and drives a car carrier, Ben's favorite truck! All he kept saying (and still is saying!) is "Uncle Ron...car carrier...WHOA!!!" all weekend long. Oh, and yes, Ben is in his pajamas for breakfast in the hotel lobby. They're his favorite so we decided to give in and let him hang out in them one morning :).

Aww...our two babies fast asleep in the car.

Peek-a-boo! Madelyn with her new stuffed elephant, Ellie.

Here's Nate all decked out in his button-down and tie for the wedding...awake and then after he fell asleep in his carseat!

And here is Ben passed out sleeping on our ten minute drive to the wedding. Yes, it was a very busy day for him so this catnap did him good (especially since he normally naps for 2-3 hours during the day and did not have one this day). We know he is exhausted if he actually falls asleep in the car these days.

Maddie and her mommy at the reception.

Ah-ha, Ben found Uncle Ron again at the recpetion!

We thought this picture was so funny. It's Ben right after we got to the reception after he had been awakened from his nap in the carseat. He is still very tired and was basically staring off into space for the first few minutes of the party.

Here's Aunt Cinty holding the little man Nate with the groom Ricky. Her daughter Kate is the bride but all of my photos of her came out too dark so I have no pictutes! :(

Aunt Cinty and David during a mother of the bride photo shoot.

Andrew holding Nate. Of course he had to wear semi-formal attire, even at 10 weeks old. Every baby needs black loafers, chinos, a button-down and a tie!

Michelle and Maddie stayed with a friend during the trip but came to hang out with the family during the days we were in VA so here we are in the hotel room with the two youngest kids.