Trip to SC / GA / FL

What a whirlwind it was last week...10 days on the road, starting in Charleston for the 4th of July weekend with Philip's family...then staying over in Savannah with Kristy, Christian, Mark, and Kelly and seeing Kelli and Raymonds new place there as well...then off to Amelia Island to stay with Jennifer and John in the days leading up to Jenny and Casey's wedding in Jekyll Island...whew. See what I mean? It was a lot of driving, a lot of cities & states, and all totally worth it! Kinsley did great...we were constantly unpacking and packing and off to someplace new, but she was a champ. I have always heard that if you want your child to get used to doing something, do it early. So far, she is proving to be a great traveler. We are just sure to keep somewhat of her routine the entire time...making time for daily naps, bathtime, and consistent bedtime..and she even slept through the night every single night on the road. So lesson #1: keep to a routine. Here are some other things that we learned along the way:

• Leave for a car trip right after finishing a bottle.
• Baby = LOTS of stuff to pack, but we used every single bit of it!
• I have never loved our Honda Pilot more...great car.
• Add 1.5 - 2 hours to any trip over 4 hours. Period.
• Never underestimate this winning combination: Mylicon drops + paci = silence.
• When that doesn't work, feeding baby a bottle while in the carseat works wonders.
• Kinsley loves her Sleep Sheep in her crib, so thought we would try it in her car seat...worked fabulously!
• While traveling, Cracker Barrel is one of our favorite spots to stop, eat, (shop), and let everyone, esp. Kinsley, stretch...it was our favorite place pre-baby, and still is post-baby.
• Speaking of places to eat: it's amazing to me that some restaurants do not have changing tables in the bathroom...seriously...changing tables in all public restrooms should be "code."

Anyway, here are some photos of our recent adventure!

Playtime before the trip to Charleston.

Ready for her first long car ride!

Pooltime!

Mary and Aunt Ann with the twins, Philip blowing up a float, Kinsley just a swinging away by the pool!

This is how Kinsley spent most of her time at the pool, swinging under the shade by the ocean (and fan) breeze. Ahhhhhh.

Mommy and Kins

First time in her new float in the pool...it was suprisingly cool water, and caught her a little off guard...look at that face!

All 3 of us in the water!

Daddy and Kinsley taking a break from the fun.

Phil feeding Kins, getting ready to leave for July 4th festvities.

Family photo on the 4th!

A new favorite piece of jewelry! So special.

After bathtime

Getting ready for bed after the 4th

Out at the marina before dinner

So sleepy

All the little ones together...Kinsley and her cousins: Julian, Lilly, and Alex

Mary & Tom and all 4 grandkids

Stanford family shot! All together!

Kinsley with Kelly and David

The 3 Stanford girls!

In Savannah with Kristy and Kelly (and her baby boy on the way)!

Our favorite family pic...at least it's near the beach...maybe we'll get some photos on the beach during next month's trip.

Me and Jennifer

Up close

That is one fully-loaded stroller!!!

All tuckered out

Me and the beautiful bride!

Would you just look at those cheeks!

Just before the wedding ceremony

Family pic at the reception...nearing the end of our trip, heading home the following morning.

And then finally, home sweet home.