We're Home!

Wow.  25 hours in the car and 47 hours in Virginia.  Exhausting to say the least.  It's times like this when you learn how wonderful it is to live near family, and how hard it is when you don't.  It was wonderful to see family again, and it was so much fun for Kennedy to meet the relatives that she has never met.  I just wish it had been under better circumstances. 

The road trip was long and hard.  Traveling with a 10 month old and being pregnant definitely has it's challenges.  After 13 hours straight, we arrived in Virginia around 6:30 Thursday.  And we vowed to drive through the night for our return trip.  My Grandfather's funeral was a beautiful service.  I was brought to tears every time someone mentioned the way that my Grandfather talked about Kennedy and our video chats.  I so wish that he had been able to meet her in person.  Kennedy piped in with a few "dada" comments during the service, but they were a welcome addition from what I heard.  I almost had my husband take her outside at one point, but everyone around us reassured us that it was fine.  She brought smiles to the faces of many, during a time of great sadness. 

Kennedy did amazing through it all.  There were a lot of people, and a ton whom she has never met.  People touching, tickling, passing her, etc.  She never once cried or fussed.  She did however enjoy the rare moments where she was just able to sit on the floor and play.  She also had her first limo ride.  Which means mommy also nearly had a breakdown worrying how to strap her car seat into a limo!  In the end, it was pretty easy, and after the ride we let her play on the seats.  She also had her first real dog experience, and I foresee us owning a dog in the future.  Maddy and Mo loved her - they also loved to lick her face, which she tolerated quite well. 

Last nights drive went much smoother, and unfortunately for mommy and daddy, I think all future road trips will be overnight.  Not only did she sleep for 95% of the 12 hour drive home, but she slept for nearly 3 more hours once we got home, and took a 3.5 hour nap this afternoon!  She must have known mommy needed to catch up on her sleep!  That or all of her relatives wore her out yesterday.

Although there was a lot of family around, there were not many pictures taken.  It just didn't feel like the situation for snapping photos, but I did get a few of Kennedy. 

Mom, are we there yet?  (Stop #3 of 6 - but what felt like 600.)

Mommy, what is this thing?  And why didn't Santa bring me one?

Enjoying a little treat after 13 hours in the car.

Mom, I have my eyes on the frosty, I want MORE!

I'm not sure what it is about this place, but every time we come here I end up sleeping on the pool table. (Don't worry, we moved her upstairs to bed with us later in the evening.)

Mommy, Santa didn't bring me one of these either.  Can we trade in the Explorer for a limo?

There's lots of room mom.  

Mommy, it feels SO good to sit on the floor!  Can you pass me some toys?

I love you Great Grandma.