Travel, Thanksgiving, Weddings and Basketball

TJ is a bi-coastal traveler. In the last 12 days he has boarded 6 different planes, rode on 5 different shuttles, slept in 5 different cribs, and explored various nooks and crannies of 4 different airports. And through it all TJ was a trooper. I could not have hoped for a better traveling companion.

This Thanksgiving TJ and I went to Nashville first to meet his Great Uncle Bob and Great Aunt Janet, hang out with Grandma and then travel to San Francisco to be a part of the Barnett-Raijmara wedding. Sure it was exhausting, but with TJ being such an extrovert, he loved meeting so many people and getting so much attention.

One of his favorite parts about Nashville was playing with all of the musical toys at the McKeown's house. You know those "press my foot or hand and I will move, dance, and sing" toys? Uncle Bob and Aunt Janet have over eight of them. TJ learned how to operate each one and to dance along. Of course he also liked hanging out with their pet bird, Valentine, who by the way has free reign to hop out of his cage and walk all over the dinner table during meal time. What a sight.

The long flights back and forth to California went very well. He did a good job of napping and reading books with mommy. I found it particular that he actually preferred to sit in his own seat than on mommy's lap (yes, I did get him is own seat so we could strap the car seat in-- good move). He LOVED looking out the window when we were still at the airport to look at the other planes and all the little cars and luggage trains driving around. He would get so excited. During stretch breaks when we would walk up and down the aisle of the plane he would blow kisses to everyone who smiled at him. And yes, he stole many hearts while flying. "Is he always that happy?" people would ask. I had the great opportunity to brag and say, "yes, and I feel very blessed."

I am so thankful that TJ got to spend a good deal of time with his Grandma. I think they really hit it off. It was fun to see TJ run up to Grandma and give her hugs around the legs. I really counted on my mom to help with the travel and play fill in parent when I was busy with wedding stuff. Thanks, mom. I appreciate all the help.

Thanksgiving involved a good nap, a good meal, and good company. Isn't that what the day is all about? We joined the Raijmara and Barnett clan had had our Thanksgiving dinner at a local restaurant. It was nice not to worry about the cooking with so many other things going on. TJ had some turkey, but turned his nose up to the mashed potatoes and the pumpkin pie (thats my boy!).

TJ also got to dress up and go to his first wedding. He was able to be there for the start of the ceremony and apparently wanted to run down the aisle after the bride. Grandma held him back. He was able to run around on the lawn with all the other kids during cocktail hour. He sat through the entire reception without a care. He even had his first official dance with his mommy. He was an excellent dance partner.

And to conclude our adventures, the first night we got home we were able to go to the Syracuse vs. Cornell basketball game in the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. We had third row seats. Man, I could see the sweat fall off of the players faces, we were that close. How excited was I to share my love of college hoops with my son in this way. He would clap when everyone around him clapped. He even ate the standard stadium hot dog. TJ's first basketball game was a good one.

How wonderful that I have such an easy going, good natured child. It makes adventures such as the one we just had much easier. He makes me laugh, smile, and count my blessings each and every day.