Travels to Manheim, PA

Early Friday February 12th (and I mean early) Ainsley and I began our first solo plane trip to Baltimore. Thankfully the flight was not canceled or delayed as air travel to the northeast had been for two days. Ainsley did amazing on the flight. And was asleep almost before we were in the air. She sleep through 75% of the flight until the overhead announcment woke her up. Once on the ground I changed Ainsley out of her pjs and our bags made it in right about the time Morgan made it to pick us up. Morgan and I had an enjoyable car ride and Morgan and I talked the whole time. Ainsley enjoyed the new experience of watching a video on the portable DVD player but she didn't quite make it through before the nap monster attacked. Through out the drive I was repeatedly amazed at not only how much snow there was on the ground and piled on the side of the road, but also how well the the roads and driveways were cleared.

Unused parking lot at a Baltimore area mall

Morgan, Ainsley and I went to pick up Andrew and Catheine from daycare soon after their naptime was finished. Everyone knew my name when we arrived because Andrew had mentioned that I was coming at least 12 times that day. Returning home we all bundled up an took the kids out to play in the snow. Well really we took the kids out so I could play in the snow. Morgan and I had fun digging out a snow fort while Catherine and Ainsley munched on the snow and Andrew made snow castles. Very soon everyone was tired, wet, and cold so we headed back inside.

Bathtime with Friends!

Saturday morning Morgan and I took the kids and went to the outlet malls in Lancaster. We made some very wise purchases at the Carter's outlet as well as Children's Place. The kids each picked out a toy from the Disney store to go in the bags we got for a dollar at Children's Place.

Saturday night Ainsley attended and I helped out at a Parent's Night Out outreach that Ray and Morgan's church hosted. It was a busy night and everyone slept well after all the fun times.

I love cupcakes Mommy!

Snacking on snow inside the snow fort

Church at Bethel Baptist Church in Manheim, PA

Sunday after church Ainsley and I traveled to Harrisburg where we got to visit and share lunch with some of our Stratton family. It was so great to see everyone even for a short time. Before lunch we meet at the Bass Pro Shop were Farmer Joe showed Ainlsey the many interesting animals around and in the big fish tank. She was so excited by each new discovery that I just cannot wait to take her to the zoo this spring and summer.

The Girl Cousins!

Ainlsey giving Hannah a Kiss

The afternoon fun continued with another trip with Andrew and Catherine outside to play in the snow fort. Although Ainsley had the least amount of fun the snow pants I found at carters the day before were perfect. For dinner I joined the Stuart's in enjoying some famous local pizza, Ainlsey had an apple.

"I WANNA GO INSIDE MOM! I'M COLD AND THE SNOW GOT UNDER MY GLOVES!"

Monday morning everyone came to visit Aunt Molly/Mommy in the sofa bed where she was watching Sleepy Beauty.

Monday morning we all piled into the car and traveled down the windy curvy country roads to Hershey, PA. While at the chocolate factory we took the factory tour complete with singing dairy cows and watched the 3D show. Afterwards the adults agreed the kiddos were a little young for the 3d show but most everyone's spirits were lifted with lunch and a little chocolate. Of course a trip to a tourist trap is never complete without a visit to the gift shop! Ainlsey got a cute stuffed cow and I found a pair of Hershey socks, a tote bag, and a chocolater bar or two!

Obviously the person who designed the chocolate layout did not have a new walker...or maybe they did...the more the kid pulls out the more the parent's buy. Thankfully it did not cost to carry the candy around the store

Ainlsey practicing her red carpet walk after the 3D Show

Catherine was taking her critters and hitting the road!

Millie the cow and one sleepy baby

After traveling back Ainsley and I took off to see my Grandmom. The trip took under 2 hours and Ainlsey had a very nice nap while I listened to my iPod. Ainlsey had a great deal of fun playing at Grandmom's apartment. Her favorite new toy was an antique stool that was 'just' the right size. After a trip down to the main area of Foulkeways we all took a ride to Olive Garden for dinner. Ainlsey had lots of fun entertaining Great~Grandmom, the staff, and the other guests. Although the visit was short it was again such a wonderful treat to see Grandmom and Ainlsey interact.

Ainlsey talking to "Mimi" and "Mommy" on the Melmo (Elmo) phone.

Playing at "MomMom's" apartment

Tuesday morning we spent around the apartment packing and getting ready for our trip home. Ainlsey was happy to get an actual morning nap even if it was cut short to get on the road. Our lunch stop for the day was a local mall that has a kids play area. Before running around the kids enjoyed their lunch at a table just their size. Ainsley was very distracted by the fact that she could get up, move around, and sample other people's lunch! Ainlsey's favorite part of the play area was the hockey stick but I had get a few pictures with her and the big toothbrush.

Lunch time

Don't Forget to Brush

Naptime all around

The trip to Baltimore was an enjoyable quiet time for Morgan and I to talk with three sleeping kiddos in the back. Once we got to the airport it was again a quick trip through all the steps and time to board. Ainlsey did not sleep on the flight back but we had lots of fun playing with all the different toys that I had packed. Of course she finally started to get sleepy when we were landing in Louisville. After a quick stroller ride to security I got Ainsley out of her stroller so she could run to Daddy. Her excitement brought a tear to my eye. When we came around the corner and she say Brent her face couldn't contain her joy, her whole body lit up. She let out a big "Daddy" and headed right toward him. She was only momentarily distracted by the crowd around her but then she had arms and kisses only for Brent. All the luggage made it safely and we were soon home and back to our busy lives!

I know this was a long note but it was a therapeutic way to process the time away during and after our trip. Also some of the pictures are of lesser quality because they were taken on my phone. Have a great last week of February...Spring is on its way!!!