Day 8
Wedding Party day
First of all jayden was still in her PJs at 5pm. Mom was the only one who ventured out for awhile. JJ made us all a ham and egg croissant, a great breakfast. It was more like lunch since we were eating at noon.
I got up with Mike at 8:30 and walked him to the tube. I was sad he was leaving. Then I crawled back into bed. I have a head cold right now, so sleeping hasn't been that easy. I think a week of eating bad and, drinking too much, and no exercise has caught up to me. It ought to be a fun week back at work with 28 kids full of energy! I will have to dig deep.
Jayden took a 3 hour nap, I blogged, and JJ watched western movies and Jerry springer. JJ did decide to wash all of his pants at 1 o'clock. If you have ever traveled to London you would know that this is a really really may I repeat really bad idea.
The last time he did laundry it took 6 hours. He doesn't remember because it was at night, but I do. The washer is a dryer too, but it doesn't really dry. It sounds like an airplane and shakes violently. The last time I woke up to three pots hitting the ground because it shook them off the counter! He also washed brand new jeans with white towels and a white shirt. Well let's hope he likes the color blue now because everything is a blue color.
At around 4 he pride open the doors to the washer (it will not open if it hasn't finished the cycle) and put them in the separate dryer. He was kicking it and telling it to give him his clothes. He actually woke jayden up doing all of this. He was really stressed because every pair of pants he brought were soaking wet. He put his jeans in the dryer as I said before, but I think it should be called a steamer not a dryer. Nothing gets dry, but everything gets really hot. The worst part is for some reason the dryer would only stay on for 5 minutes at a time, so he pretty much stood in the kitchen for 2 hours. After two hours I told him I was leaving by 6:30. Mom then turned his pants inside out and ironed them until they were wearable. Now when I say wearable it means they were almost dry. So, in the end JJ had to wear wet jeans to Josh's party. The good thing is everywhere we go it's a sweat box and his pants dried pretty fast.
Wow the party.......
We were greeted by a black midget wearing a red velvet tailed suit jacket and champagne. Can you believe it got better after that? Kinda hard to imagine.
The welcome sign read ....... Mark and Joshua's Big Gay Wedding
Everyone had blinking hats or glasses on and the music was playing some classic old school. Waiters were walking around With trays of appetizers and the bar was serving wine and beer.
The dance floor was surrounded by soft leather couches and a board that read.......... leave a message for the brides. Sitting next to it was a cup of colored chalk.
Megan, Tori, and Al had put the finishing touches on a giant picture frame that we stood behind to take funny photos in crazy garb all night.
At some point Josh and Mark thanked the guests and embarrassed me yet again for making the invitations. How ever much I hate making 170 of anything I would have been mad at them if they had not let me.
They had their first dance, but I can't remember the song. It was not your classic love song, but an upbeat and fast song. I think josh even pulled out some old rave moves. Josh later told me I told him I hated the song weeks before that. Oops sorry I am glad my opinion only counts sometimes.
Then........ Wait for it........ The Drag Queen show!
Fantastic in every way. We were front and center. Jayden loved her. She wanted to touch her pretty dress and dance dance and dance. Every time she stopped singing Jayden would say and sign MORE.
Yes, I know some people are questioning my parenting skills at this point. Taking a 1.5 year old to a party not only with a hired midget to take photos with, but a drag queen show too. Well in the end, I hope my daughter looks beyond sexuality, color, or race when she picks her friends because you never know who you might meet!
By the way, in the middle of the drag show the cotton candy machine showed up and they were handing out fresh soft pink balls of cotton candy on a stick. Yummy
The Avalo clan and mom and Jayden headed home around 10ish. JJ and I stayed until who knows when. At some point JJ made me take a shot of Irish Whiskey. You know the one...... Jameson, which I hate. I took it like a champ though!
I danced and danced and danced some more. I think I also got kissed a lot. People in London can't just give you a handshake and say nice to meet you, they have to kiss you two times, once on each cheek. Which is fine, but when the gay guys start to get drunk they don't actually kiss you on the cheek any more....... JJ even got kissed several times.
Once again, we stumble to a taxi with Megan to find our way home. Except we couldn't really find our way home. I had the address, but the cab driver was an idiot and couldn't find it. We had him drop us off at the tube station and we walked home. Well we walked to corner store and picked up some food! Gross .....yet again we do it.
Current status: laying in bed, but I am feeling pretty good. A minor headache and that's about it. I still have a cold, dry mouth and a stuffy nose though.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Day 5, 6, and 7
Day 5
Late start to the day. We were a little tired from the the night before. When we finally got up we wandered around Convent garden and had lunch. We saw a man sprayed gold, a warrior sprayed silver, a guy blowing in the wind, and a silver woman siting on a box. At the end of the street there was a man performing..... Not sure what? I think possibly he was playing a mad doctor of sorts. Threatening to put a nail through a kids head. Jayden loved all of them from a distances. We tried to give her coins, but every time we got close she would scream.
It was a beautiful day to ride the London Eye, so we headed that way. To our surprise there was only a 10 minute wait. We had outstanding views of the whole city!
That night we met Josh at his favorite Mexican restaurant for eats and drinks. The waiter gave him 2 bottles of tequila to share and take home. She even took shots with us. For the most part we had a mellow day and were in bed at a reasonable hour.
Day 6
We had our alarm set for 8 because we were going to get up and see the changing of the guards. We got all ready and headed out. One problem though..... It was raining extremely hard. JJ and mom did not bring rain coat, so they had sweatshirts on. I am not sure cotton was the best choice. We made it down the street before we all decided that this was not going to happen. My feet were soaked and my pant were getting close it. JJ,s sweatshirt didn't have a dry spot on it, Mike was starting to get pissed, and mom was telling us it isn't that bad. She had an umbrella. We were ducking and weaving under awnings trying to decide what to do.
We bagged the changing of the guards and went to a little breakfast bistro.
After breakfast we headed home to get dry. The weather did turn around and the day ended up being really nice.
We decided to do a bus tour and hit some major attractions. First stop Trafalgar square. Here we had our picture taken under the Olympic clock. We watched some weirdo do a strip tease in spandex..... Not the best street entertainment. There also was people dressed in really bad Mighty Mouse and Mickey costumes. Jayden wanted nothing to do with them.
Next stop Tower Bridge. We drove over it and got off the bus at the Tower of London. We walked around the perimeter and took pictures. We decided not to go in. JJ and Mike got Tower of London beers to drink (you can drink in the street here) and I bought an ornament.
Then we jumped on a boat and had a 30 minute tour on the river. Our guide was funny and full of useless information. Did you know that if a horse has two legs up the person died on the battle field or did you know that George Washington's statue was placed on soil from Virginia.
We thought the boat would take us back to where we started, but nope. It dropped us off by Big Ben. Big Ben is actually the bell inside the clock, not the clock it's self. Then we walked over to Westminster Abbey. It was closed to the public, so we were unable to go inside. From there we headed to Buckingham Palace.
We had such a nice day up to this point............
We weren't sure where to go and nobody would take charge. Mom only hears what she wants so would tell or ask us things that made no sense. This would make JJ and I both crazy. Then mike was going crazy because I was annoyed.
I suggested we get sandwiches and eat in the park. Except when we got to the park I wanted to just head to the palace and then get back on the bus. JJ wanted to eat in the park and mom wouldn't tell us what she wanted to do. To say the lease then is when we all butted heads and took some time for us all to get over it. You have to have some family drama when you are staying together in a one room flat.
Best part...... Mike was trying to get direction back to the tour bus and he stopped at a news stand to ask. He must of forgot we were in London and not France because he asked the guy if he spoke English! This infuriated the man and he snapped at mike and keeping talking under his breath. Mike was dumb founded but also furious that he was going on and on about it. Mike just stood there staring at him. Now on top of us all not getting along Mike is fuming mad! We did finally make it back to where we started.
Mike, JJ, and I headed to Josh's hotel to pick up JJ's bag. We had crack baby shots and headed to Chinese food.
Day 7
The wedding day!
We arrived by taxi to The Old Marylebone Town Hall. Josh and Mark were standing outside greeting everyone. Josh looked fantastic in his new suit. I cried when I saw him! The wedding was 15 minutes long, short and sweet. I sat right next to him while he said his vows and then signed the papers as his witness. Right before they exchanged rings they played if you like it shoulda put a ring on it........ Then the "minister" said something like I guessed they liked it so were going to put a ring on it..... Something like that, it was classic Josh! Perfect in every way.
He had a Volkswagon bus pick him and mark up and the driver was dressed up like the guy from lost. Then they had a double decker bus take most of the guest to the restaurant.
There was over 100 people there to celebrate with them. They ran there bar tab up to it's limit in 1 hour. The food was delicious, but we could have eaten a lot more than was served. They both gave sweet speeches that thanked their families and then each other. These can be found on Josh's Facebook. He made me cried when he told us he probably was never moving home. It was like a knife stabbing my heart.
I gave my speech and only cried twice. I think he really enjoyed it. His friends and family from the states laughed their asses off. But most of the guest didn't get half of it. But it wasn't about them anyways.
We left at 7 and mom took jayden home. We (mike, JJ, Megan, and I) headed to bar for half off drinks. For shots and a bucket for 20 pounds. On the way back to Josh's hotel I played umbrella wars........ Nobody knew there were playing. If your wondering what umbrella wars is, it's taking another person umbrella out! Yes, I was walking around Covent Garden hitting other people umbrellas with mine. Why? Why not?
We had one really expensive drink and then decided to head out again for food. We were all starving! Fish n chips it was!
Late start to the day. We were a little tired from the the night before. When we finally got up we wandered around Convent garden and had lunch. We saw a man sprayed gold, a warrior sprayed silver, a guy blowing in the wind, and a silver woman siting on a box. At the end of the street there was a man performing..... Not sure what? I think possibly he was playing a mad doctor of sorts. Threatening to put a nail through a kids head. Jayden loved all of them from a distances. We tried to give her coins, but every time we got close she would scream.
It was a beautiful day to ride the London Eye, so we headed that way. To our surprise there was only a 10 minute wait. We had outstanding views of the whole city!
That night we met Josh at his favorite Mexican restaurant for eats and drinks. The waiter gave him 2 bottles of tequila to share and take home. She even took shots with us. For the most part we had a mellow day and were in bed at a reasonable hour.
Day 6
We had our alarm set for 8 because we were going to get up and see the changing of the guards. We got all ready and headed out. One problem though..... It was raining extremely hard. JJ and mom did not bring rain coat, so they had sweatshirts on. I am not sure cotton was the best choice. We made it down the street before we all decided that this was not going to happen. My feet were soaked and my pant were getting close it. JJ,s sweatshirt didn't have a dry spot on it, Mike was starting to get pissed, and mom was telling us it isn't that bad. She had an umbrella. We were ducking and weaving under awnings trying to decide what to do.
We bagged the changing of the guards and went to a little breakfast bistro.
After breakfast we headed home to get dry. The weather did turn around and the day ended up being really nice.
We decided to do a bus tour and hit some major attractions. First stop Trafalgar square. Here we had our picture taken under the Olympic clock. We watched some weirdo do a strip tease in spandex..... Not the best street entertainment. There also was people dressed in really bad Mighty Mouse and Mickey costumes. Jayden wanted nothing to do with them.
Next stop Tower Bridge. We drove over it and got off the bus at the Tower of London. We walked around the perimeter and took pictures. We decided not to go in. JJ and Mike got Tower of London beers to drink (you can drink in the street here) and I bought an ornament.
Then we jumped on a boat and had a 30 minute tour on the river. Our guide was funny and full of useless information. Did you know that if a horse has two legs up the person died on the battle field or did you know that George Washington's statue was placed on soil from Virginia.
We thought the boat would take us back to where we started, but nope. It dropped us off by Big Ben. Big Ben is actually the bell inside the clock, not the clock it's self. Then we walked over to Westminster Abbey. It was closed to the public, so we were unable to go inside. From there we headed to Buckingham Palace.
We had such a nice day up to this point............
We weren't sure where to go and nobody would take charge. Mom only hears what she wants so would tell or ask us things that made no sense. This would make JJ and I both crazy. Then mike was going crazy because I was annoyed.
I suggested we get sandwiches and eat in the park. Except when we got to the park I wanted to just head to the palace and then get back on the bus. JJ wanted to eat in the park and mom wouldn't tell us what she wanted to do. To say the lease then is when we all butted heads and took some time for us all to get over it. You have to have some family drama when you are staying together in a one room flat.
Best part...... Mike was trying to get direction back to the tour bus and he stopped at a news stand to ask. He must of forgot we were in London and not France because he asked the guy if he spoke English! This infuriated the man and he snapped at mike and keeping talking under his breath. Mike was dumb founded but also furious that he was going on and on about it. Mike just stood there staring at him. Now on top of us all not getting along Mike is fuming mad! We did finally make it back to where we started.
Mike, JJ, and I headed to Josh's hotel to pick up JJ's bag. We had crack baby shots and headed to Chinese food.
Day 7
The wedding day!
We arrived by taxi to The Old Marylebone Town Hall. Josh and Mark were standing outside greeting everyone. Josh looked fantastic in his new suit. I cried when I saw him! The wedding was 15 minutes long, short and sweet. I sat right next to him while he said his vows and then signed the papers as his witness. Right before they exchanged rings they played if you like it shoulda put a ring on it........ Then the "minister" said something like I guessed they liked it so were going to put a ring on it..... Something like that, it was classic Josh! Perfect in every way.
He had a Volkswagon bus pick him and mark up and the driver was dressed up like the guy from lost. Then they had a double decker bus take most of the guest to the restaurant.
There was over 100 people there to celebrate with them. They ran there bar tab up to it's limit in 1 hour. The food was delicious, but we could have eaten a lot more than was served. They both gave sweet speeches that thanked their families and then each other. These can be found on Josh's Facebook. He made me cried when he told us he probably was never moving home. It was like a knife stabbing my heart.
I gave my speech and only cried twice. I think he really enjoyed it. His friends and family from the states laughed their asses off. But most of the guest didn't get half of it. But it wasn't about them anyways.
We left at 7 and mom took jayden home. We (mike, JJ, Megan, and I) headed to bar for half off drinks. For shots and a bucket for 20 pounds. On the way back to Josh's hotel I played umbrella wars........ Nobody knew there were playing. If your wondering what umbrella wars is, it's taking another person umbrella out! Yes, I was walking around Covent Garden hitting other people umbrellas with mine. Why? Why not?
We had one really expensive drink and then decided to head out again for food. We were all starving! Fish n chips it was!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Mark's birthday
Day 4 continue
We had the best fish and chips today! Then we wandered around before arriving to Marks birthday party late. They live in a gated community if you will. This poses a problem. The problem being we can't get in. So we started scream and yelling Josh and mark at the top of our lungs. The Good thing is, is it worked. But they pointed us to the gate, but never came and got us. They apparently wanted to buzz us in but we didn't know what flat they lived in to call. We were Mexican wrestling masks by the way. When they never came JJ had to go yell again. In the meantime someone who lived there was trying to get in and was really considering not letting us in. We kinda had to beg. I think the masks scared him a little. He did let us in though.
We arrived to the party as a group of Mexican wrestlers! It was quit the spectacle. Americans always making a scene.
We had drinks, sang happy birthday, and then headed to the restaurant/bar. Greatest thing.... Kids can go in bars here! The restaurant had an opera singer! Little strange at first, but it was enjoyable.
However, I am a a little loud and this can be a problem in a situation where you should be quiet. Josh told me to be quiet and I asked him why he brought us here then..... He replied with GO HOME then. I instantly started crying, I looked at him and said I didn't want to go home. We went outside and chatted. He snapped at me,but it wasn't really about me.
The night was full of opera, booze, and laughs! It ended at the corner store with us buying dirty burritos, tuna sandwiches, and chips for some late night eats!
Oh ya one more great thing........ Al, Josh's dad was crakin gay jokes! Hilarious
We had the best fish and chips today! Then we wandered around before arriving to Marks birthday party late. They live in a gated community if you will. This poses a problem. The problem being we can't get in. So we started scream and yelling Josh and mark at the top of our lungs. The Good thing is, is it worked. But they pointed us to the gate, but never came and got us. They apparently wanted to buzz us in but we didn't know what flat they lived in to call. We were Mexican wrestling masks by the way. When they never came JJ had to go yell again. In the meantime someone who lived there was trying to get in and was really considering not letting us in. We kinda had to beg. I think the masks scared him a little. He did let us in though.
We arrived to the party as a group of Mexican wrestlers! It was quit the spectacle. Americans always making a scene.
We had drinks, sang happy birthday, and then headed to the restaurant/bar. Greatest thing.... Kids can go in bars here! The restaurant had an opera singer! Little strange at first, but it was enjoyable.
However, I am a a little loud and this can be a problem in a situation where you should be quiet. Josh told me to be quiet and I asked him why he brought us here then..... He replied with GO HOME then. I instantly started crying, I looked at him and said I didn't want to go home. We went outside and chatted. He snapped at me,but it wasn't really about me.
The night was full of opera, booze, and laughs! It ended at the corner store with us buying dirty burritos, tuna sandwiches, and chips for some late night eats!
Oh ya one more great thing........ Al, Josh's dad was crakin gay jokes! Hilarious
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Day 2,3, and 4
Arrive in London
Day 2
The plane ride to London was about 8.5 hours. Nobody sat in front of us, so my moved up there and that meant jayden had her own seat. This was a miracle! My mom was also now sitting in the bulkhead so jayden had lots of room to sleep. Jayden did well, but had a little bit of a hard time falling asleep. Once she did we made her a bed on the floor by my mom and she slept for 3 hours or so. My mom is such a worry wart that she didn't sleep though. Apparently, some lady tried to sit in the empty seat next to my mom and moved our bag....... She put it right on top of the sleeping child, REALLY. I get you want more space, but who touches someone else's bag without asking.
We arrived tired, but we're happy to see the welcome party. They even made a sign so we would know they were waiting for us..... It said YOUR MOM! Now if that isn't the warmest welcome I don't know what is.
Josh rented a van so that all our luggage would fit. Now when I think of a van it's big, right? No, this van was like a hatchback Subaru. We were cramped in pretty tight.
Our flat is nice. It has one room and a living area. Mom is sleeping on the fold out couch, JJ has the single fold out chair, we have the bed with the wiggler.
We took a 2 hour nap, got ready and took the tube to meet up with josh and the fam for dinner at 8. This was probably a little late since the next day we were heading to Paris at 5am. Dinner took like 4 hours. There is no rush in the UK. It took like 40 minutes for them to even take a drink order. My mom was getting a little annoyed because she was tired and knew she had to get up, but was still a trooper. Jayden was so good again. She sat on the table with nay, al, and Jenny and ate an entire dessert. It took her awhile to fall asleep. So, After dinner instead of heading home we went to josh's flat and had some more wine. We didn't get in until after 12. The alarm was going off at 5am.
Paris
Day 3
Another sleepless night........... I think I looked at the clock every 30 minutes. The train ride was nice, but we alll just tried to sleep including Jayden.
Jayden had her own seat again, so this was comfortable. When we arrived in Paris we still hadn't confirmed a meeting place with JJ, so we headed to Notre Dame with hopes to meet up with him. It did take us awhile to get there because NO body wants to speak English in Paris. This made it a little difficult to buy tickets to the metro and navigate a map in French. But we succeed! It's a good thing mike can read a map.
Notre Dame is amazing. The structure and windows are beautiful. We wandered around marveling at her beauty. Unfortunately we didn't find JJ waiting for us there. In the back of our minds that is all we could think about. Finding JJ was our priority. We were running behind time to meet the Avalo clan so we hurried to the Eiffel Tower. When we spoke to Josh who was already there he hadn't heard from JJ. We had posted on his Facebook, but he hadn't replied and Josh couldn't find him at the tower either.
Stress level running a little high........
Mom had to go to the bathroom so bad, but didn't want to stop to go. I could tell all she wanted to do was get to the tower and find JJ.
When we got to the Eiffel Tower he was found laying on the ground tired and a little stressed. He had been waiting there since 7am. I felt so bad for him. I had told him several days before leaving we would start there, but the plan changed and we assumed he would check the Internet for an updated agenda. This didn't happen. JJ never hugged me so hard in his life. He knew we would be there but you never know I guess.
Well at least he will never forget Paris or the Eiffel tower at sunrise.
I was a little happy we were late because they had already waited in line for an hour to get tickets and we hopped right in line when they approached the actual gate. However, mom had finally made it to a bathroom but she had to wait in line at the one person public bathrooms (like fancy portapotty that cleans it self) this would we a great thing if it didn't take each person 10 minutes. So, JJ and I had to wait for mom in the line. We were letting people pass us trying To explain that our mom was in the toilet. But, nobody speaks English to even understand.
We headed up the tower jammed packed into an elevator. 1st floor was crowded, but the view was amazing! We went to get in line for the next lift, but they directed us to buy tickets. WHAT! Oh ya..... The ticket office was closed for 30 minutes. Then we we're told that it was a two hour wait to the top. Josh was screaming at the lady who told us this. He was so mad, but the lady didn't understand him. In the end we didn't make it to the top, but Eiffel Tower didn't disappoint.
After that we had French baguettes and headed to the boat. We took a boat ride around Paris and learned about the famous architecture. This was nice, but we were so tired that half of us were nodding off.
We ended our journey at a French cafe drinking vino and eating crepes!
But it wouldn't be a journey if we weren't running for the gate because we were a least 5 minutes late to check in. They have a strict policy about checking in 30 minutes ahead of time. We made though.
On the way home jayden didn't have an extra seat, so she was busy as a bee on our laps and the table and all we wanted to do was sleep. We took turns watching her.
After we reached Covent Gardens Mike and JJ stopped and got us beer and wine. JJ unpacked and we stayed up and chatted until 12. 12 hours later we all woke up.
Day 4
London
We woke up at 12 and I am still in my Pjs at 3:30. It's raining here, so the London Eye is not happening. Our morning has been a little somber. A childhood friend who is still JJ's good one today, father passed away. We sat here and cried and reminisced a little.
We are finally on the move..... Headed for fish n chips, drinks for marks birthday and then a late dinner.
Day 2
The plane ride to London was about 8.5 hours. Nobody sat in front of us, so my moved up there and that meant jayden had her own seat. This was a miracle! My mom was also now sitting in the bulkhead so jayden had lots of room to sleep. Jayden did well, but had a little bit of a hard time falling asleep. Once she did we made her a bed on the floor by my mom and she slept for 3 hours or so. My mom is such a worry wart that she didn't sleep though. Apparently, some lady tried to sit in the empty seat next to my mom and moved our bag....... She put it right on top of the sleeping child, REALLY. I get you want more space, but who touches someone else's bag without asking.
We arrived tired, but we're happy to see the welcome party. They even made a sign so we would know they were waiting for us..... It said YOUR MOM! Now if that isn't the warmest welcome I don't know what is.
Josh rented a van so that all our luggage would fit. Now when I think of a van it's big, right? No, this van was like a hatchback Subaru. We were cramped in pretty tight.
Our flat is nice. It has one room and a living area. Mom is sleeping on the fold out couch, JJ has the single fold out chair, we have the bed with the wiggler.
We took a 2 hour nap, got ready and took the tube to meet up with josh and the fam for dinner at 8. This was probably a little late since the next day we were heading to Paris at 5am. Dinner took like 4 hours. There is no rush in the UK. It took like 40 minutes for them to even take a drink order. My mom was getting a little annoyed because she was tired and knew she had to get up, but was still a trooper. Jayden was so good again. She sat on the table with nay, al, and Jenny and ate an entire dessert. It took her awhile to fall asleep. So, After dinner instead of heading home we went to josh's flat and had some more wine. We didn't get in until after 12. The alarm was going off at 5am.
Paris
Day 3
Another sleepless night........... I think I looked at the clock every 30 minutes. The train ride was nice, but we alll just tried to sleep including Jayden.
Jayden had her own seat again, so this was comfortable. When we arrived in Paris we still hadn't confirmed a meeting place with JJ, so we headed to Notre Dame with hopes to meet up with him. It did take us awhile to get there because NO body wants to speak English in Paris. This made it a little difficult to buy tickets to the metro and navigate a map in French. But we succeed! It's a good thing mike can read a map.
Notre Dame is amazing. The structure and windows are beautiful. We wandered around marveling at her beauty. Unfortunately we didn't find JJ waiting for us there. In the back of our minds that is all we could think about. Finding JJ was our priority. We were running behind time to meet the Avalo clan so we hurried to the Eiffel Tower. When we spoke to Josh who was already there he hadn't heard from JJ. We had posted on his Facebook, but he hadn't replied and Josh couldn't find him at the tower either.
Stress level running a little high........
Mom had to go to the bathroom so bad, but didn't want to stop to go. I could tell all she wanted to do was get to the tower and find JJ.
When we got to the Eiffel Tower he was found laying on the ground tired and a little stressed. He had been waiting there since 7am. I felt so bad for him. I had told him several days before leaving we would start there, but the plan changed and we assumed he would check the Internet for an updated agenda. This didn't happen. JJ never hugged me so hard in his life. He knew we would be there but you never know I guess.
Well at least he will never forget Paris or the Eiffel tower at sunrise.
I was a little happy we were late because they had already waited in line for an hour to get tickets and we hopped right in line when they approached the actual gate. However, mom had finally made it to a bathroom but she had to wait in line at the one person public bathrooms (like fancy portapotty that cleans it self) this would we a great thing if it didn't take each person 10 minutes. So, JJ and I had to wait for mom in the line. We were letting people pass us trying To explain that our mom was in the toilet. But, nobody speaks English to even understand.
We headed up the tower jammed packed into an elevator. 1st floor was crowded, but the view was amazing! We went to get in line for the next lift, but they directed us to buy tickets. WHAT! Oh ya..... The ticket office was closed for 30 minutes. Then we we're told that it was a two hour wait to the top. Josh was screaming at the lady who told us this. He was so mad, but the lady didn't understand him. In the end we didn't make it to the top, but Eiffel Tower didn't disappoint.
After that we had French baguettes and headed to the boat. We took a boat ride around Paris and learned about the famous architecture. This was nice, but we were so tired that half of us were nodding off.
We ended our journey at a French cafe drinking vino and eating crepes!
But it wouldn't be a journey if we weren't running for the gate because we were a least 5 minutes late to check in. They have a strict policy about checking in 30 minutes ahead of time. We made though.
On the way home jayden didn't have an extra seat, so she was busy as a bee on our laps and the table and all we wanted to do was sleep. We took turns watching her.
After we reached Covent Gardens Mike and JJ stopped and got us beer and wine. JJ unpacked and we stayed up and chatted until 12. 12 hours later we all woke up.
Day 4
London
We woke up at 12 and I am still in my Pjs at 3:30. It's raining here, so the London Eye is not happening. Our morning has been a little somber. A childhood friend who is still JJ's good one today, father passed away. We sat here and cried and reminisced a little.
We are finally on the move..... Headed for fish n chips, drinks for marks birthday and then a late dinner.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Airport Seatac/Calgary
Airport....... Seatac/Calgary
8/20
Day 1
The day started at 3:30am when Eric and Leslie rolled in (our ride to the airport). Eric was stuck at JFK for 7 hours. Jayden woke up probably from kota sprinting down the stairs to greet them. 45 minutes later she was a sleep and I was wide awake! With only three hours of sleep the alarm went off at 5:30.
When we arrived at the airport everything went smooth until security. jayden and I have done a lot of traveling and I know what I can and can't bring. Except this time the lady confiscated my water..... I was so mad, she said it would have been fine if you had it in her cup, but she would not let me pour it in her cup. I know it is $1 water, but still it makes me mad. Take your little wand and wave it over the water and you would see I am not smuggling anything in. I she was thirsty.
Then we had to get on the train and I couldn't find my phone. You would think after being with me for 11 years Mike would know that it's somewhere, I just don't know where. In front of a train full of people he says in a loud voice, " get your ass off the train them."I was so mad. Seconds later I found it. My mom chimes in with calm down or let it go, which then just made me more angry. I said something like that's not helping. She got angry puffed her lips and put her hand on her hip. I then mocked her like I was five........
The airplane to Calgary was tiny. We had to walk on the tarmac to get to our plane. I hit my head three time on the overhead compartment. I apparently am not a fast learner. Then our seats that I called about 6 plus times were right, but wrong. They put the two seats on the side of the plane that infants can't sit on, so I am sitting next to a stranger with jayden. The flight attendant then tells me that I can not pass her to mike or my mom. They would need to physically trade seats with me. Are you kidding me? The whole reason I wanted a window seat was for jayden.
When we arrived in Calgary jayden was screaming....... She was so tired and wanted milk, but there wasn't anything I could do about it. We have a six hour layover so we aren't in any hurry. We stop in the hallway make her milk, but then she didn't want it because she just wanted to run around the airport.
Going through customs the lady was rude to Jenny. She asked where she was going and Jenny replied with London and the lady asked her where at in London...... Jenny was getting a little annoyed and said, "I don't know London." then she wanted to know which London...... Jenny didn't even know there were two Londons and didn't even know what to say. The lady was barking at her about geography and how big of a difference there was and she should know where she is going. When they were done Jenny said thank for the geography lesson.........
jayden is sleeping on the floor tucked in her mini sleeping mat and blanket. So sweet! Whata traveler already.
8/20
Day 1
The day started at 3:30am when Eric and Leslie rolled in (our ride to the airport). Eric was stuck at JFK for 7 hours. Jayden woke up probably from kota sprinting down the stairs to greet them. 45 minutes later she was a sleep and I was wide awake! With only three hours of sleep the alarm went off at 5:30.
When we arrived at the airport everything went smooth until security. jayden and I have done a lot of traveling and I know what I can and can't bring. Except this time the lady confiscated my water..... I was so mad, she said it would have been fine if you had it in her cup, but she would not let me pour it in her cup. I know it is $1 water, but still it makes me mad. Take your little wand and wave it over the water and you would see I am not smuggling anything in. I she was thirsty.
Then we had to get on the train and I couldn't find my phone. You would think after being with me for 11 years Mike would know that it's somewhere, I just don't know where. In front of a train full of people he says in a loud voice, " get your ass off the train them."I was so mad. Seconds later I found it. My mom chimes in with calm down or let it go, which then just made me more angry. I said something like that's not helping. She got angry puffed her lips and put her hand on her hip. I then mocked her like I was five........
The airplane to Calgary was tiny. We had to walk on the tarmac to get to our plane. I hit my head three time on the overhead compartment. I apparently am not a fast learner. Then our seats that I called about 6 plus times were right, but wrong. They put the two seats on the side of the plane that infants can't sit on, so I am sitting next to a stranger with jayden. The flight attendant then tells me that I can not pass her to mike or my mom. They would need to physically trade seats with me. Are you kidding me? The whole reason I wanted a window seat was for jayden.
When we arrived in Calgary jayden was screaming....... She was so tired and wanted milk, but there wasn't anything I could do about it. We have a six hour layover so we aren't in any hurry. We stop in the hallway make her milk, but then she didn't want it because she just wanted to run around the airport.
Going through customs the lady was rude to Jenny. She asked where she was going and Jenny replied with London and the lady asked her where at in London...... Jenny was getting a little annoyed and said, "I don't know London." then she wanted to know which London...... Jenny didn't even know there were two Londons and didn't even know what to say. The lady was barking at her about geography and how big of a difference there was and she should know where she is going. When they were done Jenny said thank for the geography lesson.........
jayden is sleeping on the floor tucked in her mini sleeping mat and blanket. So sweet! Whata traveler already.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Cancun and Etta day
Pissed! Stood in line at the airport for them to tell me that they had no seats available and that the flight was over booked by 30 people! We still don't have an actual ticket for tomorrow..... But the guy claims that we have seats on a flight to Philly and then from there we head to Seattle. tomorrow is going to be a long day for us and jayden. I feel sorry for the people around us! We are now at the hyatt in cancun. It is actually really nice, but we now have to at for food and drinks.
Plus mike was suppose to start work tomorrow. He is not happy! Will blog when I am not so mad.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Cancun day 5 continued
Day 5 continued........
Current status: feeling much better after sitting out at the pool until 4:00. I managed to eat and now i am finishing this blog and trying to get jayden to nap. Then I will also nap!
Poor mike he was in so much pain. He had a fever and couldn't get out of bed. He was sick and mad because he couldn't be there for Eric.
Did I mention it rained the entire day..... It never let up, wind and all.
I had breakfast with Eric and Gary and then we went across the street to a shopping complex with grandma and Jackie. It was a very random assortment of shops. They had high end stores and also trinkets stores. For the most part prices were ridiculously high. However, we were on a mission to find mike a wrestling mask. Succeed we did! We bought two, a camo one with silver embellishments and a pink iridescent one that had a M on the forehead! Possibly could stand for captain MIKE! Eric has one that is a scary clown. Jayen doses not like this, not at all.
After our shopping extravaganza we headed back to our rooms. Eric was becoming a bit depressed about the rain, so he decided to go work out. Jayden and I went and socialized with the girls in Leslie's room. The climate was a bit of a downer. All they wanted was to get married on the beach and at this point it wasn't looking good for them.
So, I headed down to the front desk to get Champagne sent up to the room. This was an ordeal..... They don't bring champagne up to rooms. Weird, we are staying in an all inclusive resort with booze dispenser in the room, but they don't want us to drink champagne in the rooms? Does any body else find that odd?
Well if anybody knows me, we had the champagne in the room! Three bottles of it and 8 toasting glasses.
When it was time for me to get ready I brought some champagne down for Eric and Gary, since they were in our room. By the way, mike was still laying in bed like death. 1 hour until wedding time, poor guy. He did manage to pull himself together! I got in the shower and before I could get out grandma T and Jackie were here. We all managed to get dressed and ready with abut 20 minutes to spare. Before sending Eric off to get married we toasted with shots of tequila from our booze dispenser. We even got grandma T in on it. I have never seen someone actually eat the entire lime after the shot until grandma. She is such a trooper!
The wedding was held in one corner of the lobby. Sad that they couldn't do it on the beach, but it was beautiful still. Leslie carried purple cala-Lille and her sister had an orange stargazer. Jayden carried or tried to carry a white one.
Jayden led the way, but didn't make it down the isle. She got sidetrack and booked it down the lobby. Mike was ghost white at the front with Eric. Somewhere in the middle jayden made it down the isle and walked around Eric and Leslie. She would stop and watch and then go on with her business. Eric was sweating really bad, you could see through his shirt. I kind of felt bad for him. It was hot, but i think he was a little nervous too. The wedding turned out amazing. They did a really nice job. At the end they had champagne and we all gave them our congrats!
The wedding was over at about 6:30, but dinner wasn't until 8:45. So there was a lot of drinking going on. Mike went back to bed and was going to come down for dinner. When dinner came and he wasn't there I ran up stairs to see what was going on. He was sleeping......... I made him get out of bed to give his speech. He was so ill, I knew that if he didn't do it though he would regret it.
His speech was wonderful and heartfelt. Eric was very please!
I will be adding it as a post.
Mike took jayden to bed and it was the first night that I was able to stay up! Watch ou
Oh the life of the party.......... I had to do it
Shots and shots and shots we just kept taking them. Not to mention I was ordering my drinks in a Mexican voice. What does that sound like you ask, NOT Spanish. I would order my drinks and request that they pour them in a certain order. We all know how the rest of the night went. 2:30 is when I arrived in my bed. I woke jayden up and it took mike an hour to get her back to sleep. Geez......... I know I know
Eric came rolling down to our room at about 3:30 to give me these hangover pills. It is suppose to make you not have a hangover, didn't work. But I would be willing to say they might have helped, considering I made it to the pool today.
Couple more things: Leslie put on a wrestling mask, which she finds repulsive. She took several picture with Eric in it. Heather and I got whistled at, you gotta love that. Last but not least, I ended the night crying because I was a mess and that is what I do :)
Here's to a restful day 6 and 7!
Cancun day 4 and part of 5
Before moving on to day 4 and 5 I am giving my current day 6 status......... Dying! I am laying in the room, which is like a cave. All the blinds are shut and the lights are off. I know I will recover, but I am not sure how long it will take.
Day 4
It rained and rained and then it rained some more. Mike and I sat out by the pool in the rain so Jayden could play because she doesn't care if it is cold and overcast. I did get in the pool for awhile and play with her. After a while Grandma joined us and then Gary, Eric, Ryan, and Carrie. We made the best out of it. However, about and hour in to our pool fun the rain really started to come down and we had to take cover. We headed to the buffet. We didn't go into eat, but more less have a drink and socialize. But in the end we all stuffed our faces again. I think every time Mike sits down at the buffet he has at least three plates of food. He eats a lot.
Jayden and I took a nap and Mike was in the lobby working on his speech.
We went to dinner at around 7. Everyone else was going to a French restaurant, but kids were not allowed. Stephanie, Steve and Hudson were going to join us too. But, then Ryan, Carrie, grandma and Jackie also did because they didn't make the reservation for enough people. So our party of 4 turned into 10, the more the marrier.
I think Mike had three more plates of food!
After dinner we went to the theater and watched traditional Mexican dancing. I thought it was really good. Jayden was on stage dancing. She loves music and dancing. She has this chicken arm thing going on for her.
Day 5 the day of the wedding
Mike came down with a bad case of the Mexican flu. This was not from drinking too much. He could not leave the room. He had the chills all day.
To be continued, I am going to the pool for now.
Current status: still have a headache, but managed to drink some tea and eat a part of a hard roll.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Cancun day 2 and 3
Day 2 and 3 cancun
Mike and Eric found swim diapers! It only took them two hours and a trip to the local walmart. Who knew they had a walmart in cancun. I was getting a little stressed that it was taking so long because jayden and I were already in the pool and her diaper was slowly disintegrating.
We spent the entire day in the pool, 10-3, and then we went to the hotel that is next to us and tried out their lunch buffet. Buffets...... Lots of choices!
I applied sunscreen on jayden at least three different times, 50 SPF and her little arms still got burnt. She had a t-shirt swim top on, so it was only from her elbows down. I felt so bad for her.
Then jayden and I went back and took a nap. Her schedule is completely off. She gets up around 10 naps at 3 or 4 and goes to bed at 11. Dinner is always scheduled for 9, so if I ever want to eat with the family it had to happen, the schedule change. But, I am a little afraid when we get home it won't be as easy to go back to normal.
There are 5 restaurants here. We ate at a steak house the second night and I was able to cut my steak with a butter knife. The dinner comes in four courses Salad, appetizers, dinner, and dessert. It is always too much food, but it is nice to be able to try everything.
Day 3
Jayden was so sun burnt that I had her in a white long sleeve all day. I didn't want her little arms in the sun. We started out on the beach which is beautiful. The sand is light brown and soft, the water is crystal blue and just the right temp. Eric bought jayden a bucket of sand toys, so we played in the sand. We attempted to play in the water but jayden is terrified of the waves. She screams and say "no, no,no". Jayden thought it would be fun to throw sand all over mike and I. I swear we we covered head to toe in the fine grainy sand. It was impossible to get off since it was stuck to my sunscreen. Then she rubbed it in! This felt so good on my sun burnt shoulders.
Mike headed in early because jayden was getting a little crabby at the pool. He left everything for me to grab and just took her. This is fine except that his aunt and grandma decided to help me and they took his shirt, sand bucket, my dress and towels. The one problem is they didn't tell me. I had several piña colada and I was wondering around trying to find everything. I thought maybe I forgot where I put all our stuff. I go up to the room, wet and very confused. Mike sent me back down and said it has to be there...... I went down and look again, still no luck. So, he went down and tried to find our stuff. He ran into his grandma who said they took it all! thank god!
I almost forgot, Eric enter himself in a beer drinking contest....... Need I say more.
The afternoons are filled with late naps and room service. We eat dinner nightly at around 9. Leslie's friend arrived and they have a 3 year old! We all sat at the end of the table in "kid" section. Hudson is a busy little boy, but for the most part he was well behaved at the dinner table. When he was able to get down he ran into the bucket filled with beer and water and ice at the end of the table. It completely spilled all over him. Drenched all the way to his toes! This brought the crazy out in him! The waiters did not find it necessary to clean up the spill so Hudson was splashing in it and then running around the restaurant sliding. Jayden was starting to get restless, so we let her down and she was chasing him around and screaming! It is a good thing we were almost the only people left..... Having a kid brings a different element to your vacation! I love every minute of it.
I am sitting now eating breakfast on my second mimosa. I love being on vacation.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Cancun day 1
Day 1 cancun
We arrived at the airport 1 hour before our flight..... I hate sitting in the airport, so I arrive with just enough time! Well this time that is exactly all we had. We actually got booked in the exit row, yeah! Right? NO! Not with a kid. The plane was booked full so they couldn't find us another seat. So we waited and waited, until she said, well you will have to go to your gate and they will figure it out for you.... WHAT! It was already boarding. Which means mike and I didn't even get a cup of coffee or tea.
Our plane was headed to phoninex about a 2 hour flight. Jayden fell asleep at first on our laps. We order our tea and coffee. Mike also got Water. He couldn't put his tray down because of Jayden so he had to hold both of them. Jayden started to move and mike can't help and I only have one hand, the other is holding blistering hot tea.
It ended with hot tea down my arm and leg and jayden sitting on mikes lap. I actually cried! It hurt so bad.
After that jayden was a little restless. She was determined to run up and down the aisle. I didn't want to let her, but it was either that or let her kick and scream in the chair. And that my friends was not going to happen. So I gave in.
And that was just the short flight, I was scared to see what was going to happen on a four hour flight.
Surprisingly, we laid her on the floor in front of us and she slept for two hours! I had to cram my feet into the seat with me, but at least Jayden got some sleep and we sorta did.
When we arrived at the hotel Eric and Leslie were in the lobby, we ran up to them and screamed. I think they may have peed themselves.
We all had a drink in the lobby, JJ had a piña colada, before going to our room!
So far this place is amazing. We love our room. It is smack dap in the middle of the hotel on the second floor. We have an amazing ocean view.
I can't wait to see what today brings.
Ps mike has just a little headache and jayden is still sleeping and it is 9am. Oh ya Mike has to go find swim diapers since we forgot to pack them. Pray for us that this will be an easy task!
We arrived at the airport 1 hour before our flight..... I hate sitting in the airport, so I arrive with just enough time! Well this time that is exactly all we had. We actually got booked in the exit row, yeah! Right? NO! Not with a kid. The plane was booked full so they couldn't find us another seat. So we waited and waited, until she said, well you will have to go to your gate and they will figure it out for you.... WHAT! It was already boarding. Which means mike and I didn't even get a cup of coffee or tea.
Our plane was headed to phoninex about a 2 hour flight. Jayden fell asleep at first on our laps. We order our tea and coffee. Mike also got Water. He couldn't put his tray down because of Jayden so he had to hold both of them. Jayden started to move and mike can't help and I only have one hand, the other is holding blistering hot tea.
It ended with hot tea down my arm and leg and jayden sitting on mikes lap. I actually cried! It hurt so bad.
After that jayden was a little restless. She was determined to run up and down the aisle. I didn't want to let her, but it was either that or let her kick and scream in the chair. And that my friends was not going to happen. So I gave in.
And that was just the short flight, I was scared to see what was going to happen on a four hour flight.
Surprisingly, we laid her on the floor in front of us and she slept for two hours! I had to cram my feet into the seat with me, but at least Jayden got some sleep and we sorta did.
When we arrived at the hotel Eric and Leslie were in the lobby, we ran up to them and screamed. I think they may have peed themselves.
We all had a drink in the lobby, JJ had a piña colada, before going to our room!
So far this place is amazing. We love our room. It is smack dap in the middle of the hotel on the second floor. We have an amazing ocean view.
I can't wait to see what today brings.
Ps mike has just a little headache and jayden is still sleeping and it is 9am. Oh ya Mike has to go find swim diapers since we forgot to pack them. Pray for us that this will be an easy task!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Mexico Bound
Tomorrow morning we will be heading to Cancun. Eric and Leslie will be getting married on Monday at Sunset.
Our plane departs at 5:15 am. I am a little nervous about Jayden. She has done a good job on the plane the last two times she flew, but that was to Orange County and only 2.5 hours. This is a big day of travel, 7.5 hours. I am not sure what to even bring to keep her busy. It seems like there isn't enough in this world to keep a 1.5 year old seated on an airplane that long. Her attention span is 2 minutes! Plus, I only have so much room.
I am hoping to only check one large suitcase and carry on two small ones. If you have ever traveled with a small child you will understand how hard this is. I know I will still have too much though.
Things I am wondering.....
Is 6 bottles of sunscreen too much? I have 1 -30spf, 2-50spf, and 2-15spf, and a stick with 50spf for Jayden's nose.
Do I need to bring snacks for the week or will they have kid food? I am bringing a bunch for the plane ride. I am hoping that Jayden will eat the food. It is all inclusive, so there will be food out.
The whole car seat thing really makes we crazy! This is what the shuttle said..... Kids under two are free if they don't take up a seat. Let's hope for a safe ride to the hotel!
Toys, what to bring that will not take up a ton of space, but will keep her busy? humm
How many outfits does Jayden really go through in 7 days? I am packing about 18, but that seems excessive, right?
I am going to try and be back to blogging. Well at least while on vacation. I like to keep everyone informed of my travels. There is always a good story to be told!
Our plane departs at 5:15 am. I am a little nervous about Jayden. She has done a good job on the plane the last two times she flew, but that was to Orange County and only 2.5 hours. This is a big day of travel, 7.5 hours. I am not sure what to even bring to keep her busy. It seems like there isn't enough in this world to keep a 1.5 year old seated on an airplane that long. Her attention span is 2 minutes! Plus, I only have so much room.
I am hoping to only check one large suitcase and carry on two small ones. If you have ever traveled with a small child you will understand how hard this is. I know I will still have too much though.
Things I am wondering.....
Is 6 bottles of sunscreen too much? I have 1 -30spf, 2-50spf, and 2-15spf, and a stick with 50spf for Jayden's nose.
Do I need to bring snacks for the week or will they have kid food? I am bringing a bunch for the plane ride. I am hoping that Jayden will eat the food. It is all inclusive, so there will be food out.
The whole car seat thing really makes we crazy! This is what the shuttle said..... Kids under two are free if they don't take up a seat. Let's hope for a safe ride to the hotel!
Toys, what to bring that will not take up a ton of space, but will keep her busy? humm
How many outfits does Jayden really go through in 7 days? I am packing about 18, but that seems excessive, right?
I am going to try and be back to blogging. Well at least while on vacation. I like to keep everyone informed of my travels. There is always a good story to be told!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)