Big Trip Highlights

We had a great time on our big trip! The girls were SO good while driving, I almost couldn't believe it. The portable DVD player that we borrowed from my sister was a big hit and clearly saved us a couple of meltdowns. In total, the trip should have taken about 9 1/2 hours. It only took us about 13 hours over two days but we made it!

We made the mistake of telling Holland that we were going to visit Elmo at "Sesame Street Place" on Sunday morning before we left. That was 3 days before we actually got there. On the road, every time we stopped for a break or to use the restroom, Holland would get so excited and start yelling "Sesame Street...I'm coming Elmo!!!" It took a lot of explaining for her to understand that it would take a few days.

Once we actually DID get there, Eden was all squeals and pointing. She can name almost all of the Sesame Street characters, and we heard a lot of "wow," and "look" from her.

I worried a little bit that the girls would be afraid of the big characters in costume, but I worried needlessly. Holland ran full steam, arms outstretched, right up to every one of her friends. She was so excited and thought it was all about her. We saw the parade twice, and both times she was certain that she was supposed to be part of the entertainment. She even tried to run right into the parade route and I had to chase her down! She spent the whole time dancing, clapping, and calling out to the characters "how about ME???" Eden was very happy to sit on Daddy's shoulders pointing to everyone and clapping her hands. She was also good for a hug and handshake, and not at all afraid.

The character dinner was a major hit, and definitely worth the money (although it is a little painful paying full price - $16.97 each - for a buffet dinner for tiny kids who don't eat). I rationalized it by thinking in terms of paying for the entertainment! We got lucky because it was not sold out, and we had plenty of time to spend with a lot of attention from each character. The food wasn't bad either.

We had a couple of minor mishaps, such as Holland losing a screw on her glasses, forgetting to pack pajamas for the girls, and pushing some meals too late and not getting good participation, but we handled everything in stride. We were very happy to find a Pearl Vision open at 8:45pm, so the glasses were repaired and ready to go for the next day!

Another unforgettable part of our trip was the opportunity to meet Hallie and her mommies, Abby and Sharon. I knew from their blog, and from "talking" with Abby in our Preemie Blog Moms group, that they were kindred spirits, but they are even better in person! I am flattered that they are such big fans of H and E, and that they have found this blog to be such a source of inspiration. I hope the "real thing" met all of their expectations! I was impressed by their family, and the love that they clearly have for their little girl. They are quite ga-ga over her, and understandably so, since she is incredibly sweet and has the most amazingly beautiful eyes!!! Thank you both for the visit, the fabulous conversation, and for being so kind to Holland and Eden! Connecting with other micropreemie parents has been one of the best things I have done for myself in terms of my mental health. It's so nice to have someone to talk to who really "gets it." Know what I mean?