Christmas in Illinois

Over our holiday vacation, we made our first two trips away from home with Nora - a big deal! First, we went to Austin to visit some friends. It was a good experience so we could have a little idea of what to expect for our big trip to Illinois, airplane flight included!

Trip to Austin in our burnt orange!

First of all I must say... how do people travel alone with children??!?? There were three of us and it took all six of our hands to get through the airport with all the goods that are required and most of those for the baby. We had seven pieces of "luggage" to tote around! And, my parents had taken the pack and play with them in the car, so that was one less thing to take. Goodness gracious.

So, the flight went alright... I think. I don't know if it was more because she didn't nap well away from home or if it was actually the flight or if it was that we were in a small plane with however many people but there were a few moments I know that I felt a little self conscious. It was a good thing we had some extra bottles because they saved our sanity. Or at least those around us. Considering that we had four take offs and landings in our round trip, I think we did pretty well.

For anyone who is flying with a baby in carrier: they cannot stay in the carrier for take off and landing. Not fun taking a sleeping baby out of it! And, you will be bomb tested.

Happy girl! (pre-flight)

 Sitting with Auntie K on the flight

The night after the flight there was a little shaky for us for unknown reasons, but the rest of the weekend went great! We saw aunts, uncles, and cousins on both my mom and dad's sides of the family, including my grandpa, Nora's great-grandpa Gruben! It was really great to see family that I don't see often and show off the cute girl to them!

Nora got to meet her Aunt Amy and Uncle Joel for the first time!!

Nora with her favorite uncle!

My talented cousin took some pictures of Nora with my Grandpa Gruben!

Four generations photo, part two! 

Nora with her great grandpa!

We learned a lot about traveling with a baby, including that weekend trips are just too short! But, by the next time we travel on a plane with Nora, who knows how old she will be! Things are just changing all the time...

Nora enjoying her new toy from Aunt Diane!