First Vacation

We had a great first family vacation this past week, heading up to the northern part of Michigan. Audrey was as good as gold despite her routine being all out of sorts. We asked after the 7+ hour drive to get there if she had enjoyed the car ride, and you could hear crickets chirping as she declined to answer...She did love playing in the sand at the beach, riding up front (brrr!) on the ferry, swimming in the pool, and hiking on Eric's back. She also loved riding on the back of the bike with Eric for the 8 mile ride around Mackinac Island (How beautiful is that place?) Don't ask her about miles 3 thru 6 though as she was asleep in the baby seat on the back of the bike. I knew we would be pushing things that day with no place to nap, but I didn't think she'd fall asleep during the bike ride. So, I wasn't sure what to do when she did.

Me: What should we do now? Turn around???

Eric: Make great time!!!! Let's go!!!

Me: But her head is bobbing around, and I feel bad for her!

Eric: This is how I saw Mackinac when I was little. She'll be FINE!

So, away we went. And, it turns out, she was fine. She awoke at exactly mile 6, was well rested, and ready to spot dogs, horses, and blue water. Oh, and the fudge! She enjoyed that after her nap, too.

She is the best spotter of flags, dogs, and bikes. Every other sentence seemed to be "Frisbee, with Papaw!" so Fris (and Papaw!) were not far from her mind.

I realized at the outset of vacation that I sadly hadn't spent a full week with Audrey since my maternity leave. It is amazing how much she has grown, even starting to speak in full sentences during the trip! So, what was her first sentence? During the drive, Eric tried to get some sleep and reclined the front seat, to the point that he was right next to her back seat position. Audrey peered over at him and said, "UH OH, did you fall??? UH OH!" We had a good laugh about that one.

Other comedic relief courtesy of Audrey during the trip:

Eric asked Audrey a series of questions, all of which she responded to "no". When he asked if she was just going to answer everything with no, she said, "No, ok?"

Eric had let his beard grow over the course of vacation. He asked her if he should let his beard continue to grow after vacation had ended. She looked at him, very serious, shook her finger at him, and said, "NO!"

Oh how much we love this little girl. Sentences and all!