Caution-Infants May Shift During Travel

The Uppys are just back from a nice trip down south to Santa Barbara. We went for Anthony and Elizabeth's baby shower, and decided to make a longer trip of it that usual. Normally, these type of events bring together the three or four(if we are lucky) couples for about two days with every one's conflicting schedules.

Lucky us, we got to stay with the Luis' for five days! It was the first time we got to see their little home and city. The last time I got to visit Liz down south was during my freshman year of college when she was in San Luis Obispo. Tyler did great on the way down, considering that we woke up a little after 4 in the morning to head for the airport. He slept for an hour and a half on the first flight which was an hour and 46 minutes, and played happily for the 20 minute hopper flight.

It was so good to spend some extended time with the Luis', eat In and Out (twice!), go to the botanical gardens, dip around in the pool, rub the big baby belly, watch Lizzie make candles and eat (mostly) like vegetarians. Santa Barbara has some nice real estate and mansions, and shamefully nice weather.

Friday, we all really loaded up their Camry to head for SLO and Anthony's parent's house. They gave us an amazing room, were comfortable and easy to get along with. As soon as word got out that Matt is a hunter, he fit right in with Anthony's Dad and two Uncles. We had a good time at Avila Barn, which is a cute place with lots of produce, and old fashioned sweets shop and some animals for kids to look at. Amazingly, Tyler found these animals to be much more amusing than those at the Portland Zoo where last trip all he acknowledged was the Rhino's bum.

River Anthony Luis' baby shower was held in the same barn where Anthony and Liz had their wedding reception four years ago. I kept looking around the barn expecting the long tables and candle light of the previous night, only to see balloons, blue and brown decor! The food was AMAZING and the gifts were great! Tyler found the best amusement to be outside eating rocks and old cow pies. Yes and this wasn't his first cow pie eating experience. He is totally a B-O-Y!

We got a chance to spend a little time with the Iwen clan, which gave me a chance to see Aubrey for the first time since she was 2 weeks old, and Matt the first time ever! She has grown so much and has such gorgeous eyes and a sweet, calm disposition. She got her first taste of the beach after the shower, and Tyler got soaked and dirty like the little coasty that he is.
The way back was a bit more torturous. Ty didn't seem to think sleeping seemed like a good idea, so we had our hand full to keep him from screaming with frustration at not being able to crawl around. Daddy did an EXCELLENT job at entertaining the little man, who was not finding Mom to be all that funny that day. I was soooo happy that Matt was able to find time in his schedule to come with me and spend time with my friends. I felt like our families got a good chance to bond in a new and awesome way!