CR Goes to CR (FL)

Last week Charlie Ross and I took our first plane trip together to visit Mom and Dad in Crystal River, FL. Charlie had to stay home and work - we missed him a bunch, and I have to admit I was nervous about flying by ourselves.

We had some trouble staying occupied in the airport it was really crowded and a bunch of planes including our flight were delayed due to fog - I wished we could have found a little corner for CR to run aroud in - that would have helped use up some energy. But I had a great surprise when we got on the plane - it was half empty - so we had a whole row to ourselves. Yea!
Mom and Aunt Evie met us at the airport, and we spent the rest of the day relaxing at the house with Dad and Grandpa. The weather in FL was beautiful and CR soaked it up with his unlimited stroller and wagon rides - thank you Grandma and Aunt Evie!

Aunt Evie, the neighbors (Mason, pulling the wagon is just 10 days older than CR), me, and CR in the wagon

We need more bars Great Grandpa - I have no coverage out here!

On Thursday we went to the beach, it was really chilly to me, but there were people in the water - you can guess who they were - Northerners! While I thought they were crazy to be swimming they probably thought we were crazy in our jackets. Regardless, CR enjoyed watching the big kids swim and build sandcastles, and getting his toes wet in the waves and sand.

On Friday we went to Homosassa Spring State Park where CR got to go on a boat tour, it was directed by - his Grandpa! We saw all kinds of wildlife on the boat (turtles, alligators, birds), and in the park/zoo we saw manatees, hippos, wolves, owls, more alligators, otters, the list goes on...

Charlie Ross, who's that? Your Grandpa!

This manatee was really big, we also saw her from the inside of the underwarter observatory, CR was pretty brave about it till she came face-up to the glass - even I was a bit nervous, seriously she was HUGE!

On Saturday we went to the Citrus County Fair, where we saw other kinds of animals (cows, pigs, rabbits, ducks, goats, etc.). CR got his first pony ride - he was a bit iffy about it, but I enjoyed the experience. When CR started to crank it up (he wanted to climb on the bleachers at the horse showing) Grandpa saved the day with what may be CR's favorite food yet - smoked turkey leg! He could not get enough!

Saturday night we went to dinner at Enricos (Osso Buco, my favorite!) with Uncle Mike, Aunt Nan and Mr. Tom - dinner was wonderful and the company was fantastic.

On Sunday we went home, it was the end of Spring Break so I knew we would not be so lucky with the plane situation. Sure enough it was packed full, and CR did ride on my lap. Luckily they let Mom come with me to the gate, and she helped while we scouted out a corner for CR to run around in - and for all my worrying he was a champ on the plane. We (quietly) sang some songs, read books, ate snacks, looked at the other passengers, then squirmed and protested a bit, then, 15 minutes before landing, went fast asleep. (...and when those wheels hit the ground I finally let out a sigh of relief...)

One lesson I learned the hard way from this trip - when the baby/toddler has a set routine, break it at your own peril. While it was bad enough he was recovering from an ear infection from earlier in the week, and breaking in some teeth (note all the paci's in these pics), by Friday the all new location and my cavalier attitude toward the change in regularly scheduled programming brought on (quite suddenly) the biggest cranky fit I ever saw from him. The rainclouds eventually passed and back came my sunny day CR, but it was enough to encourage me to to change plans to fit around his eat and particularly sleep schedule as much as possible from then out, even on the plane. You live you learn I guess.

This was actually pre-trip (post-packing and getting ready)...

We had such a good time - looking forward to visiting again - we are getting our swimming lessons all scheudled so next time when it is warmer we can swim in the pool!

Hope all of you are having a wonderful Spring!