Leaving on a jet plane

This past week was a big week for us, our first time flying as a family of four and this little ones first flight! We flew up to Connecticut to Mike's grandparents house for a couple of days. Flying is stressful enough but adding two little kids in the mix makes it even more crazy. But I am happy to report the flights went well. Our flight up was during Maddie's nap time and she fell asleep right when we took off and I thought, great, she will sleep the entire flight. Well, the nap only lasted for about 5-10 minutes but at least she woke up happy. She didn't want to miss her first flight! And it didn't hurt that our flight actually landed 30 minutes early, yay for fast pilots.

And who doesn't love to fly when you get to eat 2 lollipops and watch a movie on Mommy's kindle. Yes, we totally bribe her with whatever she wants on a plane to keep her quiet and happy and so far that means candy and movies!

Once we got up to Connecticut, we had so much fun hanging out in Great Grandma and Grandpa's pool and screened porch.

Maddie Grace in her cute new fourth of July suit! She was pretty excited about it!

Ella relaxing in her ladybug towel!

Ella and Maddie had so much fun with all their relatives. Most of them were meeting Maddie for the first time. Mike's grandfather is 92 years old but you would never know it. He is so active and just loves all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren so much. He loved holding all the babies and making them laugh.

Ella getting some loving from Aunt Kelly!

Ella had such a fun time playing with her cousins and second cousins. She especially loved playing with Connor. She would follow him everywhere and this night, they pulled their chairs up and decided to have their own little party!

And then sharing grapes by the pool! I wish we lived closer to them because it was so sweet to see them playing them together but at least they picked up right where they left off in December.

Maddie even got in on the pool action. She still doesn't love the pool but after a lot of time getting adjusted to the pool temperature, she finally let me put her in the airplane float.

 Ella is still a little hesitant around the water, she loves to be in it but she wants someone holding her at all times. Her favorite thing to do at the pool was jumping off the ladder while holding onto our hands. Mike was able to convince her to let him throw her in the air.

Grandma with Ella and Connor!

The kids table!

Ella and sweet Andrew!

There were a lot of adults and children that made the trip up and many who were just meeting for the first time. I think we counted there were 12 kids all under the age of 6. The newest 4 little ones were haming it up for the camera.

Noah and Owen (twins, 7 months old), Maddie 4 months and Max 6 months

There was a tradition started a long time ago where every year when all the grandkids came up to Grandma and Grandpa's house for the fourth of July, they would line everyone up on the diving board oldest to youngest. Since it had been so many years since they were all together, they had to re-enact the picture.

As you can tell, it was fun weekend and the weather really cooperated so we spent a lot of time around the pool. The pool sometimes got very crowded with all the adults and kids.

Great Grandpa with the sweet little twins. Owen was checking out Great Grandpa!

But sometimes the heat and sun were a little much for the little ones so we escaped inside into the air conditioning.

The return flight home went well also, it was very late and we were all tired but we had such a fun trip. There was a professional photographer that came and took group pictures so once I have those, I will post them so you can see everyone. It was so great seeing everyone and meeting new little additions and having everyone meet our new Maddie Grace.

Now back to home and our regular routine. We are staying busy the next couple of weeks with Ella in a couple different camps. Now, only if this extreme heat would break a little bit so we can enjoy some time outside!