Tuesday, July 14, 2009

We made it back alive


Honestly, there was some concern. I don't love flying, to say the least, and this was my first time traveling alone with my lovely children. Of course, I had to pick a 6-hour plane ride, followed by a 2 hour layover, then a quick  30 minute flight, then a rental car pickup. But no fear! It all turned out fine. And no alcohol abuse or sedatives involved! Hooray!

After we got my older daughter off to marine biology camp, I had a whole week to hang out with my 7-year-old. And no one else. At all. Luckily, she's a pretty cool kid and we have similar personalities (except she's more chatty. MUCH more chatty.) This kid was ready for some serious mother-daughter bonding, and she couldn't wait to get rid of her older sister for a few days. 

We did a lot of this:

And this:


And some of this:
Note the shopping bags from our day in Carmel-by-the-Sea. She's still a little peeved that I wouldn't buy her a black, ruffly evening dress (um...no. Why do they even make black evening dresses in kiddie sizes?) but she'll get over it.

Oh yeah, we also did 17-mile drive, the aquarium, whale watching, all that stuff. 

Older daughter came back happy, tired, and smelling weird. (What is that smell? From the bay? I can't get it out of her clothes!)

Whew. Now I need a vacation.

So, how was your week?



16 comments:

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Welcome back!!

Biology camp? That sounds really cool. I'm glad you were able to spend so much quality time with the little one. I'm sure she'll remember this forever, even if you didn't buy her the dress.

It's been quiet here.

Angie Ledbetter said...

Seems like all three of you girls had a grand week. (Get some rest now, or a couple of days away alone!) :)

WendyCinNYC said...

Melanie--Marine bio camp was very cool. She had a fantastic time. Younger dd has brought the subject of the dress up more than once since we've been back!

Angie--I'll take that as an offer to babysit. Thanks!

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Wendy, How did your honey survive without you??? Your daughter's certifiably adorable, but that's no surprise since she takes after her mom. I'm glad you had fun. And, yes, Angie told me she'd be more than happy to babysit.

Now, get back to work.;-)

Janna Leadbetter said...

Maybe if you added some baking soda to the wash cycle?

I'm sore jealous of your week. Sounds awesome.

WendyCinNYC said...

Debbie--The honey was in Ireland on business for most of the week, so it all worked out well.

Janna--I'll try that!

Allie said...

Sounds like a great trip! (I'm not so good with flying, so I totally appreciate what a success that was).

I think it's so cute that your younger daughter was so excited to have you all to herself.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you had a great time! But those pics need captions, badly. :D

And yes, Marine Biology camp sounds cool, but the smell...that is why somebody invented the incinerator.

Oh, and welcome back!

WendyCinNYC said...

Allie--Thanks, she's a sweetie!

Ralfast--The captions would read: eating, eating some more, shopping. We had a great time.

colbymarshall said...

Week- long, busy, stressful...can't wait until Labor Day when I get my own vacay!

Am glad you guys had fun! Hooray!

ac said...

Marine biology...reminds me of the Seinfeld episode.

Welcome back.

Joanne said...

What a great way to spend time with your daughter, I'll bet she just loved it! My week would be fine if these darn thunderstorms would just stop crashing through. They're relentless this summer!

Amy said...

Sounds like a wonderful week. Welcome back!

Other Lisa said...

Oh, cool! You did the 17 mile drive! I have not spent nearly enough time in Monterey; I think it's one of the most gorgeous towns ever. Congrats to you and your girls!

Word verification: "covesc"

Ladybird World Mother said...

What a week! Sounds lovely although a tad exhausting. Go off for another holiday now... go on, you know you want to!

Ana said...

Wow, sounds like a great experience. Where exactly did you fly to? I don't think I captured that, unless it whizzed on by. Bonding with your youngest sounds like a much needed experience. You got to do lots of fun things, by the look of things and that's what it's about, those experiences and that presence with her. Marine bio camp sure sounds like a lot of fun too. What kind of things did your eldest get up to there? Or is it top secret? And us adults needn't know. ;)