On the road again (almost)

Bags are packed. Boxes have been labeled. And the cars are stuffed (to the roof- literally).  This can only mean one thing in my life.

Its almost time to get a movin' again. Like less than 12 hours now! For the 23rd time in my life (seriously) Its. About. Time. Thankfully, this move is a pretty big "final" move. Final for at least the next few years anyways.

The Giant has his final flight test on Monday and then should be heading our way south shortly afterwards WHEN he passes. Anticipated is putting it mildly. A family of three is finally just within reach. Friends, if you've been following me over the last ten months of my family separation, you know how relieved I really am.

We close on the new house Tuesday and then things start rollin'. My parents are kind enough to be driving down with Cheyanne and I to help us for the first few days before Hubs arrives some time later in the week. Poor Hubs has never even actually seen our home we buying (whoever heard of such a thing- ah so is military life), so this should be a fun week. Don't worry, I know he'll love it.

I'll be sure to take some fantastic BEFORE pictures. Fingers crossed, the AFTER pictures don't follow too far behind. Of course, there is the initial move over the next few days, then there is the BIG move of moving things from our storage in Hurricane Beach Virginia Beach, then there is the little princess' first birthday party... then comes the AFTER attempts. Whew, I'm already exhausted thinking of my next month. Thankfully my excitement is taking over my exhaustion.

I'll let you know how it all goes!! Wish me luck!! And send up some prayers for the Giant on his final flight test. Its a doozie and he's sweatin' it. Pray hard because we need him home!

Chicago- Part Two

After thinking it through, I think it would be best just to show you our trip. Get ready for a photo dump.

Have you ever been to an arboretum? I had never even heard of one before Chicago. 

But it was one of my favorite parts of our trip. It was a HUGE outdoor kid-friendly plant conservation. 

 Beautiful. Peaceful. Wish we had one here.

 We went through my first maze. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, anyone? (Ahh, second Harry Potter movie reference! I've got serious HP on my mind. So good. So sad).

The Swartzendrubers gave us a great tour of downtown. (Despite the fact that we walked 100 miles in the blistering heat to get some Groupon free frozen yogurt only to find out it was closed... oh Grant... jk jk). I am seriously in love with this city. Its like NYC without the filth and ridiculous crowds. And I seriously love NYC.

We played in a face-spitting-water-out-its-mouth fountain structure thing downtown along with about a bazillion other people escaping the heat. 

We watched fireworks from on top the John Hancock tower- very late at night- too late for a little miss mini-me but she was a trooper.

We tried to take fun artsy pictures in front of the Bean. 

 We did not take ANY successful fun artsy pictures in front of the Bean.

 Hot day equals too many gross sweaty handprints all over the Bean screwing up every single potentially cute photo. Sigh. Why didn't I have my clean wipes when I needed them?

Thank God for antibacterial gel.

So we gave up and watched this crazy boy instead.

Speaking of a crazy boy, we got to be there for Gavin's 4th birthday party. Monkey Joe's- the mecca of all things that are blown up and able to be crawled on.

The favors for this Mickey Mouse themed party were pretty kick-a if I do say so myself. Mostly because Cara and I stayed up until 4am making them. Tell me they rock.

And there were these delicious ditties made by Cara's friend for the party as well. Cute.

All in all, Chicago was great and the Swartzendrubers were even better. 

Thank you Swartzendruber family for putting up with us Woods for the week!!!

Chicago- Part One

Now that we have caught up on *most* of our sleep, I figured it was time to sit down and hammer this one post out. Its been a week since we've been back and I've been replaying every moment of our trip in my head since we landed. Despite that I couldn't see straight from exhaustion when we got home, we had a fantastic trip visiting our friends the Swartzendrubers.

I could lead you through our trip multiple ways.

I could describe it to you through a timeline of yummy Chicago/ Swartz edibles. From some homemade Quinoa Cara specialty to Giordanos Chicago style pizza

I forgot to take a picture so photo via google

to a big 'ole Chicago dog to to-die-for Asian nachos (TO. DIE. FOR!).

Ending with a mouth-wateringly grand Grand Lux mojito.

Oh, and then there was, of course, this little slice of red velvet heaven.

Before you say anything.... Yes, I did gain 4 pounds a little weight while there, but that's beside the point.

I could describe our trip to you in ridiculous children's antics. There was Cheyanne's big night meltdown on the very night that Cara and I decided to head to the theatre in hopes to see THE LAST HARRY POTTER (no shame while tears stream down my face :( ) leaving Grant to stay home with the little sleepers. GULP! That was a first for me. After she had done so well our entire stay, her crying fit before finally falling to sleep was challenging to say the least. Thankfully, it was "short lived" and we made it and lasted through the entire movie. Awesome!

My movie night necessities. Yes, they are the large bags probably responsible for a few of those gained pounds.

I think I could actually make this entire travel post timeline based on children's crying/sleeplessness. Three children all under the age of four unfamiliar with each other but in love with each other's toys, food, and general presence. Yeah, you better believe there were some serious meltdowns throughout the week.

Yeah, this seating arrangement didn't last long. Poor baby girl stuck in the middle of two very sweet but curious boys.

To Be Continued... Very shortly

Back and exhausted

Chicago wore. me. out. Of course, in a good way. No, great way really. I am entirely too exhausted to type much tonight, but knowing you have been waiting anxiously to hear that we're alive.... we are. (Just kidding- I'm not QUITE that narcissistic but to avoid the Giant's sure-coming comments, here I am).

Here's proof we're alive- just a few quick pictures from our trip.

Obviously we're a little more than just tired.

I've got lots to fill you in on since I've been gone.

I left with a 9 month old and returned with a 10, so expect to see a complete Chicago recap AND Little Miss' 10 month post. Contain your excitement.

Who's had a harder day?

Let's compare.

Me:

• Began my day by awaking from a dream (nightmare) of a very large snake chasing me with nowhere to go- never a good omen for the day
• Leaving tomorrow for Chicago so I spent much of the day frantically going over my checklist of things to bring for baby and me.
• House hunted via internet and phone with Husband looking for future home
• Made many-a phone calls with realtor
• Found new recipe for salmon and stupidly decided to try it out tonight on the fam
• Also stupidly decided it would be a good idea to try out a new pasta recipe as well to go along with new salmon recipe - both turned out yummy but whew that kitchen was a war zone of pots and pans
• Luckily found time to rush visit with family who came in for the day from Florida and show off my baby boo
• Took dog to interview with possible new owner as I will not be taking her with us for our move
• Have been tossing around mental mixed feelings on giving away my dog (first birthday present form the Giant when we started dating :( )
• Nervously praying (and stressing) all day about my first flight with a MOBILE child- alone once again- Yes, I should be an expert at this by now traveling solo with child

Cheyanne: Before I even start this list- she wins hands down- poor baby- pain always takes precedence

• Dealt with frantic mother all day
• Has had no interest in eating any baby food whatsoever. And very little interest in eating finger foods for that matter
• Got hiccups three times today that only pissed her off
• Tried to get into everything that she shouldn't and constantly hears "No no" while doing it which just pisses her off even more
• Fell AGAIN and has a new big ol' bruise on her head- second chair to fall on her this week despite my trying to hide or move all chairs so they are unmoveable- this one really left a mark on her head and scared us both for a while. Its something about the day before a big trip and accidents with her. I'll be wrapping her in bubble wrap the day before our next trip FYI.

• Did not want to sleep today and fought with everything in her to avoid anything that even sounded like the word N.A.P.
• Is going to Chicago tomorrow and has no clue she will be caged up on Momma's lap in a plane for a few hours

Please say a little prayer for us before bed tonight. After a day like today, I have no idea what to expect tomorrow. But, yay for our trip to Chicago!! Can't wait to rub it in tell you all about it when I get back next week :) .... I say that like I'll be able to wait a week. Hubs will kill me for sure if I don't report back on how his baby girl is doing in strange northern Nobama country before then.

I hate when it comes to a close

Oh man am I in trouble? My husband is about to fly back home and go ape on me for not updating the blog in a while. I am such a slacker when I'm on vacation. I meant to post this on Thursday, but I couldn't get around to it being busy vaca'ing and all- so here we are. Update post-vaca.
________________

Why is vacation always too short? No matter how many days I'm away at the beach, its always one day too short. Or ten.

I wouldn't normally blog while on vaca but since I've gotten crap from the Giant for not updating him on what his baby girl has been doing, I decided maybe I should give a quick summary of our adventures at our home away from home "condo beach."

We played.

We sunbathed on the beach.

We sunbathed on the porch in a pretty floaty pool.

We sunbathed at the in-laws beach house pool.

We stood in the waves. We I "frolicked" in the ocean.

We played and played and played with Auntie T.

We visited with in-law family staying a mile down the road. Isn't Cheyanne's big cousin Matthew unbelievably precious? Hard to believe that there are only 9 months between these two cuties. Chey was in awe of him and his constant mobility. Don't worry Chey, we won't show the picture of you two kissing to your boyfriend in 18 years.... really, we wont...

We played with Daddy.

Then we missed Daddy when he left at the end of his 3 day leave.

We did lots more than this, but I figure you don't really want to know about every single fun second of our trip. It truly was a special trip. What I first thought would be just a normal week trip to condo beach with the same Roanoke crew that we see everyday- my parents and grandparents. But, much to my excited surprise, we were joined by my sister Dr. T aka Auntie T who flew in from CA to see Chey us, my cousins who all stopped by on their way down south for their vaca, AND the Giant!!

It turned into a fantastic week with family. I can't say that any of us slept much, or even completely relaxed to be honest, but Lordy it was a good time. It was a nice break for me. As much as I love being Chey's main squeeze, it was really nice to be able to sit back and watch other people enjoy her for a while. And while the Giant was around, it was heart melting to watch my two loves catch up. Daddy/ daughter time is just so special, especially when its as limited as it is around This Wood House.

But, now we're back in Roanoke and counting down each day for the next two months until Daddy is home "for good." I think our trip to Chicago on Wednesday will help break up the wait. 

Poor girl (and Momma) is never going to get back on our usual sleep schedule. Hope you're ready for a crazy sleep deprived baby coming to visit you Cara Marie.

.

.

.

Ah, to be at the beach again