Long Weekend Get-a-Way

This past weekend, we headed to the coast to celebrate my oldest sister, Christine's 40th birthday. Since the drive to Virginia would have been at least 10 hours, probably 12 or more with baby breaks along the way, we decided to grab a direct flight out of Atlanta. So, on Thursday, June 29th, Zachary experienced his first airplane adventure...and I do mean adventure!

What should have been our simple 1.5 hour flight from Atlanta to Norfolk, turned into a dreadfully long 8 hour trip due to severe weather. Our flight was diverted to Raleigh, NC, where we sat on the tarmac for about an hour waiting for a gate, then sat on the plane at the gate for another hour or so, while the pilots were trying to get clearance to depart. All the while, Riley didn't have a clue, as we packed the portable DVD player (with her Dora videos) and Zach...also was being sooo good (except on 5 min. fussy spell when he was trying to get comfy for a nap). JD and I on the other hand, were anxiously awaiting news from the pilot, for we were down to only 2 diapers each and zero bottles remaining for our little man (and all extras were in our checked luggage under the plane-for this was supposed to be a simple direct flight). With no final decision whether do deboard, we were forced to discuss our concern with the flight attendant and request access to our luggage...easier said than done due to TSA! Around 9:00 p.m. (15 min. from when Zach was due for another bottle), they decided to get everyone off the plane. With much uncertainty, our luggage was sent to baggage claim, where we were able to get the items needed and wait for news on the remainder of our trip. Zachary had his bottle sitting on the floor in the baggage claim area, and Riley drank her strawberry milk that we had packed (thanks to Horizons organic single serving containers that do not need to be refrigerated)...did I mention she was in hog heaven watching Dora videos for hours upon hours straight (shame on her parents). At approximately 11:30 p.m., after storms had passed through Raleigh, we finally reboarded the plane, and safely arrived in Norfolk around 12:30 a.m., where my sister Mary rescued us and took us to our hotel.

I can honestly say Zach's first flight was most memorable!!!

After sleeping in on Friday morning, as late as the kids would allow, we headed to Aunt Christine's house where she had the chance to meet her new nephew. Grammy had just the magic touch to bring out Zach's sweet smiles!

Once the party preparations were complete for the day, we took the afternoon to have some fun at the Virginia Beach.

The weather was perfect...sunny, with almost no humidity and cooler temps, which made for perfect conditions for everyone to have fun.

Aunt Mary and Grammy spoiled the kids with the best beach toys which were perfect for a ride in the surf.

Zachary was quite peaceful at the beach and even dipped his toes in the cool water. (Aunt Mary has most of the great pics.)

Saturday was party day! Aunt Christine, you don't look a day over 21 or so!!!

Everything turned out perfect for the party, despite efforts from the swarm of flies that set up camp around our food tent. After a few glasses of wine and some killer margaritas, I don't think anyone even noticed.

Cake and ice cream were a bit hit with the kids, and they had a ball helping to blow out the oodles of candles.

Happy 40th Christine!

Sunday, it was time to recoup - resting and relaxation were on the agenda, along with a dinner outing to Chix for JD's crab cake dinner.

Monday, we hit up the most beautiful botanical gardens before we prayed for a much quicker flight back home to Chattanooga. Although the weather was drizzly and cool in the morning, it quickly cleared up just in time for our adventure home.

Loved the long weekend get-a-way, thank you Aunt Christine, but it's always good to be home-sweet-home! Now, when does vacation from our vacation begin??? (I must admit...traveling with two little ones is not the easiest mission I have encountered!)