This was Hailey’s and my last hoorah before Baby Boy arrives. I just had to get outta town and go somewhere new. Philly beckoned since I have three near-and-dears living in the area.
Our itinerary started with a visit with some friends who lived in Louisville: Joanna, Nate, Landon, and Ellie. Ellie was just a wee one as of our trip, so I had high hopes of helping Joanna keep up with the two kids. Little did I know the tables would be turned. I had come done with a nasty cold as we embarked on the trip. And Hailey was determined to stay awake the first night we stayed at Joanna’s. It was awful. One of the most physically grueling nights of motherhood I had experienced. I literally let Hailey watch Frozen at 3am when I still couldn’t get her to sleep while I slept. Couldn’t have been more thankful to Joanna for entertaining Hailey as I got some much-needed zz’s later in the morning.
Aside from this, the trip was awesome. Joanna planned some excellent festive family fun. We toured some local botanical gardens that were decorated with some amazing Christmas lights and rode a festive train with Santa. More than anything, just connecting with a good friend and seeing the kids together was a joy.
Hailey and I managed to sneak into the city between events to meet up with cousin Caryn. This was when Hailey finally decided to sleep, so at least we got a nice girls brunch in. It was a long overdue catch-up. Then off to see the Liberty Bell, an interesting step back in history. Our brief taste of Philly was positive. So much to do there it would definitely be worth a return visit some day.
Our final stop was a relatively short overnight stay with Summer, Nvart, Liam, Kat, and Nick. This was my first visit in a while on Summer’s turf. How fun to get a glimpse of the family’s lifestyle. Summer and Nvart were gracious hosts who definitely went out of the way to welcome a preschooler into their house and make it an enjoyable visit for all. The kids were a blast and they were awesome friends to Hailey.
I started out this whole trip wanting to somewhat limit my stays just to make sure we didn’t overdue it, but ended it wishing we could have stayed longer. (Though I am writing this over a year later, and I have this vague feeling that I was relieved to get home and be able to put Hailey to bed in her own crib.)
Hailey was a great tourist with cousin Caryn. Too bad we didn’t get any photos of the three of us.
Landon and Hailey hang with Tug
Train ride with Santa
Traveling with a two-year-old. Even a train ride with Santa can be woeful.
That’s better!
Moms and kids. To think our hang outs used to be to watch movies and make Derby hats.
Good byes are always tough!
Summer teaches Hailey how to build a fire.
Kat and Nick were awesome with Hailey