36 hrs in Mississippi

During our move week, Parker & I hopped on a plane for MS to attend a friend's wedding. I was a little stressed from the events & craziness of the week itself, but was hesitant for the flight as well because it was the first flight I was doing by myself without Parker's Travel Car Seat/Stroller. Clay & I had decided it was time to try out the travel straps/toddler seatbelt for Parker. I packed light & prayed for speedy legs (for me, not Parker) in case I had some running to do through the terminals.

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. The entire flight & time at the airports went terrific. Parker made me one proud mama that day. We left in plenty of time (30 min earlier than we typically would with me pushing him in the stroller) to allow for curiosity & dawdling little legs. :) I figured that with this complete newfound freedom of getting to walk from car to plane, Parker would enjoy full advantage of all the sights & experiences...I was right. We used the entire extra 30 minutes. It was completely stress free & might I even say...relaxing?! Well, maybe not totally relaxing, but as relaxing as traveling with a two year old can be!

Since the flight was immediately after lunch, we stopped for a special treat at McDonalds, so that tummies would be full during our "naptime" (which just happened to be flight time! :)) Not sure why, but I was in the mood to take pictures of Parker eating McD's. I took quite a few, to which my little man got a little exasperated with --as you can see by the picture below. I was thankful I messed up the order by ordering more than intended because not only did P enjoy his chicken nuggets, apple slices & juice, but he also devoured my extra cheeseburger & a few of my fries. Growth spurt? Nah, how about a look into my future and what I have to look forward to when cooking for boys.

When arriving at the terminal, we boarded practically immediately. Thankfully, I was one of the first coach passengers to board. It makes my life so much easier when I can get our bags put away, Parker's goodie bag/travel bag out & ready, & Parker & myself strapped in while everyone else is strolling onto the airplane with their one little carry-on. With that routine, we finish everything just perfectly & I don't feel as if I'm holding anyone else up (or the entire take-off for that matter).

I will never forget one of the times a not-so-friendly gate agent had me wait & be the last one on the airplane (even though I already had confirmed seats). The flight was already running a little behind schedule & you can imagine how flushed I was as we boarded the aircraft to approximately 150 anxious & ready-to-go, strapped-in-their-seats, individuals. The flight attendants were quite beyond ready to get off the ground as well, so all of that combined did not make for happy times. People just sat there & stared as I tried hopelessly to find a space for our carry-on bag (which we ended up having to put underneath the plane), get Parker's stroller folded down into the car seat & strapped in to the aircraft, help him as he was calling for his Nunu, his trucks & little animals, his blankee & his juice & get myself situated & buckled in. It was not the happiest of times. All that being said to say, I am extremely grateful for the polite & caring gate agents out there & I make sure to let them know how much I appreciate them when they so graciously allow us to board a little early. Happy mama's & happy babies on flights make for happy passengers & happy flight attendants.

On this particular trip to MS, Parker decided--just before drifting off to sleep for his naptime--to review the flight safety charts & ensure he was prepared in the case of an emergency.

Rassie and great-grandparents Mama Sam & Shorty were there to greet us at the Memphis airport. Parker enjoyed having "buddies" in the back seat with him for part of the car ride home. The highlight was the tickling of the toes between Memphis & Batesville.

This was a special trip in more ways than one as I got to meet sweet, precious Jack for the first time. One of my best friends recently had her first baby & was going to be in town that weekend. I couldn't wait to get my hands on that precious little boy. Terra was just radiant & Jack was even cuter than pictures portrayed. I am so happy for Terra & Allen on this new addition to their family!

I am so thankful that I was able to attend Mindy & Richard's wedding. Mindy is a childhood friend of mine back before even our preschool days. We always had such fun on our weekend sleepovers & playdates. She is one of the most genuine people one could ever hope to meet.

The day was a beautiful & special one & the couple just spilled happiness & joy from their smiles. I wish them blessings & happy memories in their future. Thank you for having me be a part of your special day, Mindy.

The reception was such fun in that I got to see sooo many friends & people that I knew & hadn't seen in awhile. Summer, one of my college roommates, was there with Virgil, her hubby & their two sweet girls. (They are actually related to the bride.) Ann, another college friend was there with Nick, her husband & their two children (also related to the bride.) It's always fun to catch up on lives & see how your friends are doing. I can't wait to see many of them again this summer since our visit was so short this time.

And of course it's always a joy to get to stay at mama's house when in town. A warm comfortable feeling when I walk in the front door, my bedroom with childhood remembrances, soft candles burning, daffodils displayed on the kitchen table, sweet smells drafting from the kitchen...mama's house. I love it so. :)

Though a rushed & quick trip, (less than 48 hrs actually) it was one with great memories & fun times with family & friends. Thanks to everyone who helped to make it so special, as you always do. We love each of you so very much.