Another First for Elyse~Weekend Roadtrip

This weekend was a big first for Elyse.  My little brother was graduating from UMKC School of Law & we wouldn't have missed it for the world.  We were only gone for one night, but you would have thought we were leaving for a month.  Travelling with a baby is hard work! 

Friday night Hubby worked outside in the yard while Elyse & I spent the evening inside trying to gather everything I thought we might need for the 36 hours we were going to be away from the house.  We did manage to take a quick break to go outside & visit with Daddy. 

Yep, I've got the walking thing down! 

Her eyes just melt my heart...and look at those cheeks!

 So...after packing 1 pack-n-play, 1 breast pump, 4 outfits with accessories, 20 diapers, a package of wipes, 1 Sleep Sheep, 1 bag of toys, 2 blankets, 4 burp rags, 3 pacifiers, 1 stroller, 1 cooler bag with frozen milk & 2 bottles, & 1 Halo Swaddle Sack...we were finally ready to load up the small bag we had for the two of us.  We headed out about 8:30 am on Saturday morning & Elyse fell fast asleep for about the first half of the 2 1/2 hour ride to Kansas City.  She woke up about 10:20 and I hopped in the back seat to keep her company until we stopped about 10:45 so she could have her next meal. 

We grabbed a quick lunch @ 5 Guys Burgers & Fries (we have 2 of these scheduled to open near us very soon!) and then headed to the hotel so Elyse could actually have a quality nap before the graduation cermony.  She slept for nearly 3 hours while Hubby watched television & I headed out for a bit of Elyse shopping with my parents.  We got back just in time to change, feed Elyse & make it to the cermony on time.

Elyse had plenty of fans...my little brother's in-laws were there & this was their first time to see our precious girl!

My little brother...Attorney-at-Law

So proud of him and the man he has become!  Way to go bud!

Elyse survived for most of the ceremony but then sacked out in Papa's arms...yup, she's sound asleep like that!

My beautiful family

My little bro & his beautiful wife!  Can't wait for them to be back living nearby!

After the graduation festivities we headed out for a family dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Seriously, this place is ridiculously good and we all ate & ate & ate.  What a fun way to celebrate such a wonderful accomplishment!

Elyse did really well in the hotel, only waking one time during the night to eat & then she slept again until 6 when I went and got her and brought her to our bed for a few more ZZzzzz's.  We spent Sunday morning doing a little bit of shopping @ Buy Buy Baby & Dick's Sporting Goods & then headed home hoping Elyse would be able to get a good afternoon nap.  And she did...she slept all the way home...nearly 3 hours! 

She was definitely at her breaking point from all the weekend festivities so Hubby stayed home from Small Group so she could get in another good early evening nap last night. Catching up on sleep is nearly impossible for me to do, so I can't imagine how difficult it is for our sweet girl! 

Elyse did pretty well over the weekend...I found several cute outfits at Naartjie Kids & Crazy 8 and she also cashed in pretty well at Buy Buy Baby.  And to top things off, when we arrived home this was waiting for Elyse!  Her May box from Mamaw & Pappy!

She got another 5 outfits and four precious Mother's Day books!  This girl is so blessed...and maybe a little spoiled!  ha!

Overall I would consider the weekend a successful first road trip!  Travelling is hard on anyone and Elyse did so well the entire time!  She finished off the weekend with a nice bath from Daddy & some playtime before heading to bed & sleeping from 9:30-6:00! 

Elyse is now holding on to both feet with her hands...it can definitely make for some interesting diaper changes!