Trip to Santa Barbara

Anna, Claire, and I took a trip to Santa Barbara. I was really worried about flying out by myself with the two girls. It was a lot of work hauling everything we had through the airport, including Anna's car seat. People were so helpful in getting us on and off the planes (had a connection in SLC). The girls were so well behaved. Having Anna buckled into her car seat made it so easy. She never asked to get out and was so good. Then Claire, being only two and a half months old, slept most of the time.

It was nice to escape the cold weather in Atlanta. It was great to be able to enjoy the beautiful California sunsets too. Anna loved playing in Juliette's kitchen making cookies. She loved having "big sisters" around giving her so much attention.

This trip Anna learned to climb out of the pack 'n' play and open doors. She was up before six most mornings and walking out of the closet she slept in and coming up to the side of my bed saying, in her most cheerful and happy voice, "Good morning, Mommy!" When we returned home I thought that she wouldn't be able to climb out of the crib, but the first time she tried she did it easily. Life hasn't been the same since, or at least sleep hasn't. Claire was so great taking three to four hour long naps almost every day.

All of my sisters that still live in California came up to visit us while we were there. Amber and her three kids and Heather with her two came up for the day. It was our first time meeting Kate, Heather's daughter, who is just a week older than Claire. Julia came up with her daughter Annabelle one night and then Lora came up another bringing some yummy cupcakes. Thank you sisters for taking the time to and making the trip up. I love spending time with all of you.

(Sorry for the lack of pictures. I am really bad at remembering to take them. I am working on it.)