Our trip to Cali...

PART 1

We have been in CA for about 5 days now and this is the first time I have gotten a chance to blog. To say that we have been busy would be and understatement! Here is what we've been up to:

On Monday night, we arrived at the airport to fly out. Passing through security went fine but took a lot longer due to the carseat, stroller and various other baby gear. Alana also did great on her first plane ride. She nursed during takeoff and landing and seemed to have no problems with the change in pressure. She did however, insist on being held the whole flight. Every time I tried to put her in her carseat, she would wake up and cry. Rather than disturb the other passengers, I decided to just hold her. When we got to baggage claim, my dad, Tonia and Malcolm were waiting to greet us. What a nice surprise! My mom was there to pick us up and after picking up my Uncle Michael's car, we were at my mom's house. This was a really late night for Alana. She didn't go to bed until after 11:30 (bedtime is 9!) but she held up like a champ!

Tuesday was a day packed full of visiting family. We started the day by going to my grandparents' house were Alana met her Great-Grandma Arnetta, Great-Grandpa Ray and Great-Aunt Debra. Boy did they LOVE her! After a nice a nice visit and lunch it was time to go.

And off we went to visit the Burkes followed by a yummy BBQ at my mom's house with the family. Alana got to meet her other Great-Grandma and her Great Uncle David. Unfortunately, by this point, Alana was on family overload and she was kind of fussy.

Wednesday we played it kind of low key. But Thursday, was a day filled with more firsts... Alana's first road trip, her first trip to Santa Cruz, and her first stay in a hotel. After getting settled into our room, we headed down to the lounge for Alana's Welcome Party. So many friends came out to see us. I think we counted over 30! Everyone loved her of course and she was passed around from one set of open arms to another. Again she did great with all the new faces.

Friday we woke up late and we wanted to hit the road so as to not hit any traffic. So we didn't get a chance to go to the beach... but we did drive by it. All I have to say is, I miss Santa Cruz and living by the ocean. When we got back into town we met my Dad and Tonia for dinner. And after a nice visit, it was time to call it a night.

Today is Saturday. Alana has another party at my mom's house. We are looking forward to seeing a few more people. Let's hope Alana holds up!

PART 2

Home at last!!!