Our Trip In Pictures

Thanks to a bunch of family, friends, and new online mommy friends, we were able to really explore and enjoy our visit to California. We received a ton of recommendations of things to do and places to go, and unfortunately with Blake we weren't able to check all of them off but we enjoyed trying!

In case you didn't read before, Blake's dad was able to join us. Together we agreed it would be a great idea to have an annual family trip for Blake. It gave us time to connect with each other and show Blake all the amazing things around him. His dad was a great travel buddy and made for an easier trip.

Watching Sesame Street on the plane

We arrived late at night on a Wednesday so we didn't get to do anything except pick up our rental car, check into the hotel, and unpack. But the flight with Blake went well... up until the last two hours... it was tough for him to get back to sleep because of all the commotion but his body knew it was bedtime. He cried for about 30 minutes, or maybe less but it seemed long, before he fell asleep in my arms and attached to my milk jugs. lol! Yes, I just whipped out the milk-milks on the plane but I'm sure the other passengers would rather have a happy, quiet baby than a screaming monster. Usually, I cover up but when he's like that it's really hard to because he gets so hot.

The next day we woke up early and went to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Blake absolutely loves water and he has really been into fish lately. I'm guessing it's because we have a koi pond and an aquarium at home. He was able to touch some of the anemones and starfish so he definitely enjoyed his time there. He was more in awe than anything. Surrounded by his fish friends! By the time we finished our rounds at the aquarium, he fell asleep. Perfect timing! So mommy and daddy met up with a good friend and had lunch (and a few beers). ;-)

Mommy and Blake about to head into the aquarium

The really, really awesome Giant Sea Bass was probably the most amazing thing I've ever seen

Blake waiting for his fish friends to say "hi".

We even saw some penguins!

On Friday, we hiked up to the Hollywood sign! When I'm on vacation, I'm not usually one to recommend hiking... or working out... but thought it would be a great memory to make with Blake. It took us about 2 1/2 hours to hike up and back. Blake slept most of the time. It was beautiful weather and it felt great to be out and about. I wish we could have gotten closer to the sign, but at least we made it up that incredibly steep incline! Gotta love the BOB Revolution Stroller!

At the beginning of the trail

The awesome view from all the way up top!

The sign was soooo huge, I couldn't even fit half of "Hollywood" in a frame.

After that hike, we spent Saturday loungin' at Huntington Beach. It was a sunny, but breezy, day so it felt incredibly comfortable just hanging out in the sunshine. We didn't get into the water because it was still too cold, but we brought some back in a bucket for Blake to play with in the sand.

Pointing at girls on the beach

Sunday was a busy day. We had breakfast with my doula (she moved back to California after Blake was born), met up with a couple old high school friends in Santa Monica, explored the pier and then went back to the hotel to unwind. I would post pictures, but I'd like to respect the privacy of my wonderful friends. ;-)

Then on Monday, our last full day in California, we planned a day at... DISNEYLAND! It was truly magical and I think Blake's dad and I were both full of excitement just being there. We rode a few rides. The Finding Nemo ride was Blake's favorite. We also caught It's a Small World, one of my favorites from when I was a little girl. We were hoping to catch some fireworks but found out that they only show fireworks on weekends until peak season. BUT... we found out that there was a parade at the end of the day so we saw that instead. We also just absolutely had to get Blake's first Mickey Mouse ears and a hoodie! He also received a special gift from his friends at Disneyland and we were told to pick it up at City Hall. We went there before the parade and were surprised with personalized, autographed pictures from his buddies, Mickey, Minnie, Peter Pan, Wendy, the Captain, Buzz Lightyear, and Woody!

My little guy was able to nap a bit before his Finding Nemo adventure

A spoiled, tired out little kid

Mommy and Blakey waiting for the parade to start

And... that's all! We really enjoyed our time there and can't wait to go back! It was a fun vacation and two weeks later, I'm still running on all the vacation happiness!

Traveling with Blake

Two weekends ago, I went up to Rochester with Blake and his dad to celebrate BD's cousin's first birthday. I would really love for Blake to know how loved he is and appreciate the company of both sides of his family.

The last time we took a road trip with Blake he was only about 2 months old. During that time he slept for most of the day and would only wake to nurse. Now that he's 9 1/2 months, it's not as easy to get this kid to sleep especially if he sees me in the backseat with him.

The trip to Rochester, NY from Maryland is about 6 hours. When we went up, Blake already had a little bit of a runny nose, but we already made arrangements to travel so we decided to take the risk. We left in the evening around 8 pm and had him in his jammies already. He slept for most of the ride up and woke every two hours to nurse. Then again, we also gave him a little dose of Children's Tylenol since he had a cold. So that may have contributed to him napping.

Now the ride back was a little worse. It seemed like he got a little more sick while we were up there for the weekend, so that may have contributed to it. But we also left mid-afternoon so Blake probably thought it was time to play. He hated being in the carseat, which doesn't happen often. He was screaming and crying most of the way. I tried nursing him in the car and that didn't even work.

We finally stopped halfway home to fuel up and stretch our legs. Took him out of the car to see what was going on and change his diaper.

Mommy had to get some Advil because all the crying and sitting in the backseat just made me feel sick and gave me a headache.

The sun finally went down and around 7:30 pm, Blake started to get quiet. Once it was darker he fell asleep. And he slept for the rest of the way!

I'm sure his cold played a part in his fussiness but I'm trying to figure out how it's going to be traveling with him on a plane.

BD and I agreed that taking a family trip would be a good idea for Blake and would give him memories to last forever. So we're taking a family trip to California in a month. Plus... Blake flies for free until he turns two! Our flights and hotel are already booked. Counting down the days!

If anyone has any tips on traveling with a little one, please share some tips and tricks in the comments!