Vay-Cashe

A few days after Bailey's birthday, we jet-setted off to NY for Chris' cousin's high school graduation (Congratulations Sydney!) and famous pig roast. We spent 12 days together with family, exploring upstate NY, and even getting away to the city for a parent's only night. 

 

Because Bailey was 2, she was in her own seat on the airplane. She really enjoyed it and didn't even notice when we took off. Fortunately, each seat had their own TV and Bailey watched a few episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse before falling asleep. {we took the red-eye}

She woke up after about two hours and I ended up holding her for the rest of the flight. so that she would sleep..so she slept, but I didn't.

 

Right after we got to Chris' grandparent's house, Bailey wanted to explore the acreage in the back yard.

We found a frog and Bailey was very eager to hold it. She was pretty gentle and we let the frog go on it's way a short time later.

 

Elizabeth, Mario, Ella, and Eden got to NY a few days before we did and Bailey was very happily reunited with her favorite cousin!

They had fun running around the backyards and spending time together!

No matter where we go, Bailey seems to find a chicken to hold! Definitely a little country girl!

Chris' Grandma, Chris, and Bailey loved spending time together!

Chris' Uncle Michael, the proud Dad of the graduate.

Chris and his sweet Grandpa.

 

Chris and his cousins with their Grandparents. We were missing Elizabeth and Eden and Ella, but it was so fun seeing everyone together!

 

We spent lots of time outside and Bailey loved being in her bathing suit.

{and I couldn't resist how cute her back looks in this suit!}

The 4th of July was pretty windy and cold (a complete opposite from the rest of the trip) so after a cold morning spent at a local lake we decided to hang out at the house and watch the fireworks on TV.

 

Bailey had fun dancing to Miranda Lambert before the fireworks started.

 

Most days were very warm and muggy, so we spent lots of time outside playing in the pool. After Sydney's graduation, there was a pig roast {yes, there was a whole pig roasted in the backyard} and we got to meet lots of family and friends.

 

Michael has a Harley and we decided to have a little fun with Bailey on it. She loved sitting on the bike and held this pose while we took pictures. I doubt we will think it's this cute if she does it when she's in her teens, but we all loved it at 2 years old!

We even had our own private fireworks! Chris and Michael set them off and we all oohed and aahed as they lit up the sky.

 

The sunsets and sunrises were gorgeous and everything was so green! We had a few thunder and lightening storms roll through but they didn't last very long and it was nice to experience some rain since we are used to hot and dry weather here in CA!

 

Bailey was amazing! Lots of people, lots of changing schedules, new sleeping arrangements and she was a trooper through it all!

 

I love these two!!

 

One thing I have always wanted to experience was catching fireflies.

Chris came in from the porch one evening and called us all outside.

It was completely magical!

Bailey loved holding them {as did I} and it looked like the yard was full of tiny camera flashes going off. Next time we will try to catch some in a jar.

 

We also went to Six Flags Great Escape in Lake George and spent the majority of the day at the water park. Bailey loved the lazy river and they had a few areas for kids, so it was perfect for Bailey and Ella. Chris and Mario went on the waterslide called the Tornado and it was scary to watch! Elizabeth and I stuck to the kids area and a few more tame rides.

 

It's really nice that the waterpark is within the normal park, so after being in the water, we went on some non-water rides.

Chris and Mario took the girls on the swings.

We were heading towards the exit when it started down pouring on us! Chris ran to get the car and as soon as we all got in, there was a lightening strike and thunder so close it shook the entire car!

 

We had a great visit and it was so fun spending time with lots of family. Chris used to spend a month each summer back in NY every year and it was so good to see Bailey enjoying the same environment. Listening to their stories and memories, watching Bailey with her great Grandparents makes me so happy and glad that we were able to get back East.

 

The ride to the airport for our flight home was a lot longer than we expected. The end of the holiday weekend (we came home the Sunday night after July 4th) combined with a missed exit on the freeway made for a 5.5 hour drive to JFK. Our flight got back to LA an hour early, so our flight only lasted 4.5 hours, and we all slept better on the way home! It was wonderful to go, but so much better to get back home to our own beds and routines!

 

Like I mentioned, we were able to get away to NYC for a night...more pictures to come in my next post!