Tuesday, July 21, 2009

I'm Going Back to Cali.....

I'm going back to Cali, shakin' em, bakin' em, takin' em to spots they never before hung....
--LL Cool J

So Nate, the boy and I flew down to California for the weekend. It was Maximus's very first airplane trip. He was hilarious on the plane, making "mooney eyes" at mommy and talking it up with all the peeps around him. I was amazed by what a terrific little traveler my bug was. He didn't fuss one bit (after he got his fill of milk) and slept most of the trip down.

Now the purpose of this way too short trip was so that my peanut could finally meet his GREAT grandparents. And it was a much needed break from the sweltering hell that is our current dwelling place.

The airport wasn't very busy, for a Friday morning. We arrived about an hour before our boarding time and quickly made our way to our gate. For the first time ever, Nate and I were able to pre-board the plane. I actually really love this aspect of traveling with babes. We were the first to board and made our way to our seats. I took my dear sweet time setting up our seating area, making sure that we had all that we needed, will need, and may need at our finger tips. Maximus and I got the window seat. This was mesmerizing to the little bug. He stared at all there was to see through the tiny little port side window, until his daddy made me close it. It was so fun to travel with Bubby because he was so cute. If he wasn't making batting his eyelashes and jabbering away at mommy, he was giggling and flirting with grandma, and hamming it up with daddy. I got the man settled in, with some milk and a comfy spot to rest his little head, and off we went.

I was worried about how Max would respond once we were in the air. I was prepared for him to fuss a bit because his ears hurt. Surprisingly enough, he did not make a sound and his ears never seemed to bother him. While the baby behind us cried in agony, Bubby just slept in Mommy's lap.

We took off from Sea-Tac at approximately 9:30 am and arrived in San Jose at nooner. Upon landing, we quickly grabbed our bags and made our way to the Avis rental car kiosk. One quick little upgrade, from compact to mid-sized sedan, and we were off.

Our mission was to make it all the way from San Jose, to Cam-bri-a, before the little master figured out that he was STARVING TO DEATH. We almost made it too. However, shortly after leaving Paso Robles, our mission was thwarted and young master Maxwell let us know how disappointed he was with our lousy attempt at trickery. We pulled over on the side of Highway 46, fed the man a delicious meal of warm milk, and 20 minutes later we were off again.

We descended into the foggy wonderland of Cambria around 4:30 pm. I always enjoy traveling along California's vast and ever changing landscape. It is amazing that you can be in a forest, mountain region, desert, and foggy beach all within an 3 hour journey. We set off from the balding hills of the desert, and landed in the lush green foliage of the coastal region shortly there after.

As we made our way towards the Main Street of Cambria, I explained all of the landmarks to Nate. I jabbered on, at breakneck speed, about all my memories while my patient better half concentrated on the road, only interjecting to make sure we were going in the right direction. The Pinedorado, Shamel Park, nude sunbathing at San Simeon, swimming at the Elk's Lodge, wandering peacocks, all memories that flooded out of my mouth on the short jaunt between Main and our intended destination.

We pulled into the driveway of grandma and grandpa's cozy beach abode, unpacked the mister, and walked up the stairs to greet the family. Little did we know that we were in for a messy surprise awaiting us. What lay beneath that little boy, who hadn't done his business in quite sometime, was less than desirable. This was not the way I had envisioned him making his grand appearance at his GREAT grandparents house. But with a little spiffying up, half a container of wipes, and a fresh pair of drawers, the little mister was ready to great his awaiting fans---um, I mean family. And boy did that boy put on a show. He took to his G-G-Ma like a true little man in love. He batted his little eyes, talked his little talk, and loved all over his lovely G-G-Ma, making his mommy ever so proud! He also shined with his G-G-Pa, in matching red socks, and cooing at the old man with much admiration. Unfortunately, not all family members were met with such a shiny happy boy. He was not in such great spirits with his G-cousin Christopher. For some reason, Chris set off the boys unhappy meter and he fussed the whole time Chris held him. Maybe next time, lil' mister will take a liking towards his big GREAT cousin. (However, he did love Chris's wife, Nicole.)


I could probably write a short novel, describing our Cambrian adventures, but it is more exciting to see how this wonderful weekend unfolded. The following is a photo journal, chronicling our vacation:

Loving his new friend, Maxwell was quite content in his great grandma's arms.
Hanging out with his Pa in the living room.

At one of Mommy's childhood haunts, Shamel Park. Happy with Mommy, the kissy monster, at the beach.

Chill'n with my new friend, Nicole

Ah, the calm before the storm. He would soon start crying.

Having a meaningful conversation with his GGPa.

Hanging out with his pal, Max and Opa.

Cutest boy in the whole wide world. This is one of the best shots of the bunch!

Cool dude, Max Fantastic and his red socks. He just had to sport the red socks like his GGPa.

My Bubby is the coolest kid on the block!

Daddy took some pretty cool shots of Maximus.

Maximus in the sky, with mommy!

Cuddling with Daddy.

He was such a cutie pie in his overalls and hat.

Sitting next to Daddy, like a big boy, on the couch.

Sleepy boy, with Mama.

The first time at the beach, putting his feet in the water.

The cold Pacific Ocean did not phase him at all. I think he liked it!

Facing Daddy!

Looking out at the pretty water with Daddy!

There was so much to see at the beach!

The water rushing in and out is kinda confusing to a little man!

A view from the top, of Max's head that is!

Snuggling Daddy! Again!

Mommy tastes delicious!

Cute naughty face. Max sitting in his very own airplane seat.

Cute boy! Ready to go home and sleep in his own crib.

1 comment:

  1. I am so glad you guys had such an awesome trip! Those overalls and that hat are truly AMAZING on him. Such a handsome guy! It must have been really special to take him back home to your childhood spots.

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