Road Trip

We are crazy.  I know what you're thinking - "It's about time you realize this, Linds."  Driving from Louisiana to Iowa, non-stop, leaving at 6pm after a full day of work, traveling with a 65lb dog and a 3 month old.  CRAZY.  Yup, that's us.

"I have to be in my car seat for HOW LONG???"

I didn't want to risk messing up Maks' wonderful sleeping habits, so I made the executive decision for us to leave about 2 hours before he typically falls asleep at night.  Turns out it wasn't a bad plan.  Maks woke up a couple more times than typical, but all in all he did great. That is, he did great until we were about an hour away from our destination.  I think we were all tired of the car by that time.  But, we made it.  It took us an extra 4 hours to accommodate for all of our stops for feedings and breaks for Maks, but 18 hours later we arrived safe and sound!  Thank goodness for a nice, comfortable ride.  I love our new Honda Pilot Touring!

It was Maks' first trip to visit relatives, so he had a full schedule right from the very start.  Uncle Donny came down from Minneapolis and we celebrated 2 of his kids' birthdays.  An afternoon thunderstorm ruined our waterpark plans, but we celebrated with a backyard water balloon fight and Zookie's from Zoey's.  (Grandma Judy is crazy about these.  If you're from Cedar Rapids or Marion, you'll know what we're talking about.)  Donny, Robyn, Dylan, Kylie, Karlie and Ashlynn.  6 new relatives.  Check.

(Is it me, or does it seem like Donny needs some practice before entering his next water balloon fight?)

Uncle Tyler and Aunt Katherine stopped by multiple times throughout the week to check in on Maks and stockpile as much playtime as possible.  Uncle Tyler remains Maks' favorite person to spit up on.  Winning!

Bryon's friends from college, Mehrdad and Tiffany, stopped by and snapped some photos of Maksim.  We hadn't had any photos taken of Maks, so these will be our very first frame-worthy pictures.  I'll be sure to share them once we see them posted in Mehrdad's gallery.  Here is a sneak peek:

In the meantime, check out Mehrdad's work at: http://studioem.zenfolio.com/

We had to make a stop by and visit Kris and Cathy Hill.  I'm so thankful to be able to maintain a relationship with my old boss.  She's amazing.  And she thinks the world of our little boy, which is pretty cool, too!