The England Adventure Begins!

The day of our big trip is finally here! Wohoo!  Isaac had a good nights sleep and a full nap this morning to make sure we set off on the right foot.  I've also spent the past few days attempting to explain to Isaac that he would be going on a big plane in a few days.  Since he knows a few basic sign language signs he's been learning airplane and makes the sign every time he hears a plane go by.  I know he has a basic understanding of planes but actually getting on one for the first time is an entirely different experience.

When we got to the airport Isaac arrived in style in his carseat.  Papa got a Roll 'n Go Car Seat Transporter.

This was the best investment ever!  Talk about ease! Isaac was comfortable in his own seat and it was super easy to push/pull and maneuver through the airport.   Airport security was a breeze too.  Knowing how terrible security can be this was the first hurdle with potential to be difficult.  But, we had a plan.  Frazer had all of the electronics in his bag and we both had our travel liquids easily accessible.  All of our jackets and belts were packed in our carryon bag so we didn't have to deal with them either.  Slip on shoes helped too!  Isaac got to keep his shoes on and he held my hand when we walked through the security check point.  The biggest obstacle Frazer and one of the security agents had was explaining to other agents that a hand check was needed for the car seat.  A couple of them kept saying to just put it on the belt to put through the scanner and they weren't getting that it was too big!  There was no waiting in line either.  It all worked out and we were on our way in minutes.

The next adventure was the tram to our terminal.  Isaac was having a great time until the tram started.  It  was a quick ride but very jerky and the look on Isaac's face said it all.  He lost his appetite for his snacks, his eyes were super wide but Frazer and I both reassured him he was okay and the ride would be over soon.

Next up was some dinner!  We all needed to have full tummies before boarding the flight and you never know what the food is going to be like on the plane so its always better to be prepared.  We stopped at Fridays since it was the only sit down option aside from fast food.  Isaac kept himself entertained with a calculator while we waited.

Once we had full tummies we made our way to the lounge to stretch our legs, let Isaac burn some energy and freshen up before the long flight.  We sat by the window so Isaac could watch the big planes.  He, however, was more interested in the tables with lights and outlets.  Then it was time to change him into his pajama's so he was comfy for the flight.

We took advantage of the early boarding to make sure we had plenty of time to get the car seat installed, all of our carryon bags stowed away and I pulled the essential items out to make sure they were handy.

Once Isaac was strapped in he enjoyed his bedtime snack....a nice cup of milk.  He really seemed like he was having a great time.  He smiled and waved as passengers boarded and walked by to their seats.  Before we knew it was time to close the doors and get ready for take off!  Let's hope little man sleeps!

Christmas Tree Training

Frazer's travel has certainly picked up and he'll be traveling from now until almost the week before Christmas.  When I mentioned to Frazer that I wanted to put the tree up early he thought I was crazy.  My rationale....(1) Frazer was going to be traveling for the next several weeks and wouldn't be here anyway...(2) Traditionally we would put the tree up the day after Thanksgiving but since we leave for England on 11/18 and are essentially skipping Thanksgiving this year....why not put it up early?

So, that's what I did.  While Isaac was sleeping last night I put up the tree.  First I had it in the foyer.  I put all the lights on and the garland....stood back to take it all in.... and realized it looked a bit small.  This morning when Isaac came downstairs he didn't even notice the tree.  Then while he was napping I moved it into the family room.  It still looks a bit small.  It was perfect for our apartment but I think we might be getting a new tree for next year.

Anyway, when Isaac woke up and came back down he certainly noticed the tree this time! He immediately walked right over and gazed at all the sparkling lights.  He only reached to touch a couple of ornaments but after telling him "no touch" he left everything alone.  However, one of the ornaments caught his attention and he couldn't resist the temptation.  When I wasn't looking he taken one of the small angel ornaments.

I'm sure from his perspective he's thinking I put this tree that's at his level with shinny lights and little objects that fit perfectly in his hands but he's not supposed to touch them??  Last year he was too small to really understand the process of trees inside let alone reach any ornaments.  I guess were tree training this year!  After a brief explanation he helped me put the ornament back on the tree.

Isaac still getting some wear out of his Halloween pajama's :)

Big Boy Upgrade

Isaac has made the next transition in big boy status.  He's now using big boy plate with divided sections!  I had been using our regular dinner plates but Isaac kept insisting on putting his yogurt and sippy cup on the plate instead of the table.  I guess since he had been using the tray on the highchair this was his preference.  So I decided to buy a couple of divided plates to see how he would take to them and it was an instant hit!

He's even using his own, little guy sized, fork now too.  I must admit I kind of like the plates too.  I can make sure he's getting the correct portions and I don't like empty sections so it helps me to make sure he's getting all his food groups.  I'm never worried about his fruit consumption since I don't think there's a fruit he dislikes.

Since papa is away we made some spaghetti and Isaac had fun slurping it up!   I always have to get my fix of all things tomato based while Frazer is traveling and I added artichokes and mushrooms to the spaghetti and Isaac liked it.  It's another way to help him get his veggies in.

Love this kid!  He's growing so fast!

Neighborly Goods

Yesterday afternoon while we were outside playing and spending time with our neighbors Isaac was the recipient of neighborly generosity.  Christine, next door, has a seven year old son who is super sweet.  While we were all outside enjoying the sun she started to pull out a couple of old toys for Isaac to play with.  That led to her pulling out totes of son's clothes, shoes, books and toys.  After a couple of hours Isaac and I helped her clean out space in her basement and she provided us with an overwhelming amount of goods that we're so grateful for!

Isaac loves his new tool truck!  The truck speaks in spanish and english and comes with a little tool kit to keep the truck in working order.

With a full workbench in the back, he's full prepared to change the spark plugs and air filter along with the items in the bed of the truck such as the toaster, clock, fan and camera.

We have  a small cabinet in the family room to keep Isaac's toys in and the entire left side is now full of books!  There are so many great books that Isaac will enjoy not to mention to the blocks, the fire engine, vtech piano, trucks, etc.  I was truly overwhelmed by the generosity and I know these are items that Isaac will enjoy so much!

Fall Fun in the Leaves

Today papa had to leave for Sweden.  While Isaac and I were very sad to see papa leave again we spent some time outdoors with our neighbors.  I decided to rake some leaves into a pile for Isaac.  I wasn't sure what his reaction would be but I think it's just a natural instinct of childhood to be drawn to a big pile of leaves.

At first he just shuffled his feet to hear the crunching and rustling sounds. And then he took the plunge and flopped down right in the middle of the pile.

Instant giggles resulted from picking up and throwing leaves.

Pure joy.

There is nothing greater than the sound of his giggles and seeing him so happy and having fun!