Missouri Trip

Well, I did it, I officially went crazy! I took both boys on a trip by myself from Virginia to Missouri. Traveling with two little ones is rough--not only the physical travel, but simply being away from home and out of routine. We drove to DC and flew to St. Louis, so that I would have a direct flight. That's 2 1/2 hours to DC, 2 hours to fly to St. Louis, and then 2 1/2 hours from St. Louis to Poplar Bluff. My philosophy was that the boys could scream in the car as much as they wanted, but I needed them to behave on the plane. 

They were both very excited to fly on the airplane, yet they didn't understand once we got on the plane that we were actually ON an airplane. They kept saying, "I want to go on an airplane!" 

So funny, bu,t not so funny at the time, story...We were flying on a small plane to St. Louis and we didn't have a jet bridge. That meant I had to get 2 boys, a stroller, 3 carry-ons and myself down a flight of steps, onto the tarmac, then up another flight of stairs, onto the plane. I somehow managed to get down the first flight of steps without breaking my neck. Once we got on the tarmac, things were going smoothly until a worker asked to see my ID and boarding pass, again! I just about throttled him. So, I am digging for the items and meanwhile, Kale goes walking up the stairs onto the airplane. The worker freaks out and says, "I have to see his boarding pass first! He can't get on that plane." So I run and grab Kale, dragging him from the top step onto the concrete. (Possibly saying some not nice words under my breath.) I look up just in time to see Liam take off RUNNING across the tarmac (keep in mind planes are constantly coming and going). I run across the tarmac, grab Liam, wrestle him to the ground. I am literally yelling at both my boys, things like, "Don't you dare move from that spot or you will live to regret it!" when about 10 passengers come down the first set of stairs. Talk about embarrassing. I looked like a crazy person, sweating, screaming, wagging my finger...but we made it on the plane. 

The plane ride was about what you would expect. Kale had the Ipad, but I had forgotten his ear buds. I feed Liam so much junk to keep him quiet that I thought we would probably throw up. We landed in St. Louis about 15 minutes early. Thank God, right? We then had to stay on the tarmac and wait for a gate to open. The boys knew we weren't moving and wanted off the plane. At one point, Kale was being very naughty. I leaned over to him and whispered, "You better knock it off or you are getting a spank." The plane was completely quiet, Kale screamed as loud as he could, "No, Momma! You knock it off or I will spank YOU!" 

Kale LOVED playing with all of the animals at Gram's house. 

We spent lots of time playing outside, riding four-wheelers, swimming, playing with the animals, etc.

My mom had a new kitty and this poor cat was so sweet. He let Kale do just about anything to him and he never bit Kale or scratched him. At one point, we even caught Kale carrying the cat around by his neck. 

Needless to say, the cat, whom Kale named "Black" (original right?), was undoubtedly glad to see us go!

My mom didn't have her pool up this year, so she bought the boys a baby pool. 

Kale showed off his swimming skills!

Kale watched the Ipad while Uncle David watched TV.

We went to my grandma's one day. We had a great lunch and played outside at the park. 

We got to see my cousin Ashlee and her son, Cooper!

Liam, Alex, Kale, and Cooper

Can you tell Kale was excited to ride the bulldozer with Poppa? He came tearing into the house when he was done and said he got to drive the dozer and they pushed around trees (logs) and dirt! He was very excited! 

I got to have a wonderful visit with my sweet friend, Heather. It had been way too long since we had a real visit! I left my boys with my mom and drove to Heather's house to spend the night. 

I so miss my best friend. We stayed up way too late (after 3 a.m.), chatting, catching up, and of course, drinking wine. 

The next day, Heather and her daughter Ella, drove down to Poplar Bluff so she and Ella could visit with the boys. We met at the park. 

Heather had her hands full with Liam and Ella (they are only 6 weeks apart). 

I loved spending time with Miss Ella. She has such a sweet, playful spirit. It makes me sad that I don't get to see her more than I do. 

Ella was tough! She and Kale were chasing one another across the field. When she caught him, she tackled him!

It looks like Kale is strangling her, but he's not. I promise they are just playing!

Just a random photo of my sweet big boy!