Two days after Christmas we flew off this mostly dreary island and headed for California to meet up with Will's family. Shortly after landing we found out we were the last plane out due to fog that moved in 5 minutes after our take off. While in the deserted portion of the airport my friend and I let our kids run around before our connecting flights. It seemed to be no hazards until we realized there was a cement staircase behind one of the counters. I thought nothing of it when Will returned from a cat nap and I let Ian down to get his wiggles out. Before we knew it Ian was at the edge of the cement staircase looking down. I stood frozen with my hands covering my mouth praying. There was nothing I could do physically since Will was halfway to Ian's rescue. Thank the Lord he made Will fast too and our little guy didn't fall down! We made it to our destination with happy flying kids until the hour or so car ride with Papa back to the beach house. Ian decided to cry and scream for all but the first 15 minutes or so. The few days with Will's family were busy but full of great memories. Ailish had a blast with her cousins bumping down stairs, watching movies, dancing, playing on the beach, and zip lining off a pirate ship. Ian kept everyone on their feet with two staircases going down from the main floor and one going up. He also loved the beach and kept running into the ocean, chasing birds, and pointing at planes, "This?"
It was then off to visit our friends one last time before their big move East. Nothing short of adventurous. I wish I could share a funny story, but it will have to remain for face to face conversations. However, Ian decided to play magician and disappeared from the driveway. Yes, the driveway and mind you it was about dusk when folks get off work. Will and I ran into the streets yelling for him and scanning every inch with no sign of him. Will went to check the house as I kept walking down the street when I hear, "He's here!" Thank you Lord! Ian had snuck pass the moving truck, at least four adults, through the garage, up a couple steps, through the house, and was at the bottom of their staircase playing with magnetic letters. After quick teary goodbyes we headed for the airport, boarded our flight, and landed at one of the dirtiest airports we had ever been to. We literally saw a dog poop in every ones path (the owner did pick it up right away) and an unidentified sandwich in the elevator. Will defined it best as if being in a gas station restroom. Finally, on our last leg to the island. I was bummed. The sunshine and warmth did a number on me. We were about to land when the flight attended announced we would be circling the island until the runway cleared, but it didn't. By this time Ailish kept saying, "I'm done." Me too! So back to Anchorage, where they re booked us on another airline with Ian and I on an afternoon flight. and Ailish and Will on an evening flight. We were very happy when they got us one for the next day. We were "All done." and just wanted showers. We opted out of finding a place on base and splurged an extra $20 for convenience and sanity. We were all happy to be "done" for the day. Even if it was only 10am. After rest and showers we hit up our favorite pizza place in the area, Mooses' Tooth. Got to love gluten free pizza! Then off to a couple stores we would normally take for granted and picked up a few things for Ian's first birthday. By that time it was dinner time. Chinese. O, how I miss greasy Chinese food. To add the cherry on top heated seats in our rental car and the best sleep we had all week. We made it back safe and sound the next day with even more room in our suitcases, imagine that? The laughter of Ailish whenever we landed on our flights were priceless and so was seeing how happy they were to play outside every day instead of looking out the window longingly. Ailish was super bummed for a whole week when we got back, but that has kept us busy to keep her mind off of California.
Ian enjoyed his first birthday and his gluten free chocolate cupcake with cream cheese frosting and a gluten free dinosaur sugar cooking iced in green. The most played with gift thus far is his tool bench. That hammer hits everything. Poor Ailish's head. Don't worry he is getting early time outs and talking to's. As of a few days ago the hammer has been used in proper places such as the tool bench, the chess, and the wall.
O, and how can I forget "Da do baby!" Aka Doctor baby. Which is Doc McStuffins. We had to take her on the trip. We were relieved when Ailish stuffed her in the suitcase, because we could not find the off switch. This did lead to many questions of Da do baby's whereabouts on the flights. We reassured her she would see her again once we got out luggage. Leaving and returning. Ailish was satisfied in flight with complimentary orange juice and Doc McStuffin shows on my kindle. She was a princess.
Well, I am very happy to say that there are only 5 nights left for Will to work and then he will be on days!!! It hasn't been too bad minus tonight with the kids and only weekends for Will and I to have time together.
Tonight goes down in the books. How long does it take to make a simple salad...with kids? An hour or so. Chop. chop. Ian! Chop. Chop. Ailish! Get the picture? O, and throw in. "Pooh pooh!" Yes, we have begun potty training on Ailish's initiative. She had no accidents yesterday. We did eat. We vacuumed. They brushed their teeth. We did read. Ailish took a couple potty breaks with nothing to show for it. They went to sleep with me feeding Ian and Ailish's head in my lap as I stroked her hair. And somewhere in the blur before bath time. Ailish messed her paints, went some more and the toilet, dropped her book into the trash where her messed undies lay to rest, then more mess on the toilet seat to make sure she went, and then her long beautiful hair brushed against her pooh. And that is when I realized we just may have to cut her hair.
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