This pretty much sums up the first 24 hours of our trip to Kentucky. We were scheduled to leave at 11:00, so Matt and I did our very best to pump Ava up for the plane ride. We made riding in coach sound so very glamorous (of course anyone over the age of 2 knows that flying these days is more of a form of torture than of enjoyment). We explained to her that we would fly high in the air and that she would get her very own big girl seat. The whole way she said, "I gonna fly in airplane." Yes she was, unfortunately later than sooner!! I started to notice that we might have a little problem when our plane wasn't there ten minutes before we were supposed to leave. I happened to go and check the board and it read DELAYED. I kept it to myself and waited anxiously for some poor soul to man the American Airlines desk. With one baby on my hip, I forgot all of my manners and pushed to the front of the line. I was told that the plane that we were supposed to fly on had to turn around and go back to Dallas because it lost pressure. There were a lot of ticked off people, but if you ask me, I was kind of grateful that they noticed there was a problem with the plane before I boarded! Obviously, that flight was CANCELLED. I quickly arranged for us to get on the next flight out and explained to the lady that my family was hungry- she promptly gave us $80 in food vouchers- I guess she thought that her day might get much worse if she had to deal with hungry toddlers and cranky parents! Proud of my diligence in getting us on the very next flight out, we raided the airport cafe in the quest to spend every last penny of our voucher. Ava Ryan really enjoyed her pizza! Notice her hair, we had already been in the airport for almost 3 hours, she was so over looking cute!
After making our way back through security- you know the bit- empty pockets, remove shoes, fold up strollers, refill pockets, put on everyone's shoes, place babies safely back in strollers, we began to notice that something was wrong. Here's the story on the 3:15 flight: broken down! Poor Ava kept looking out the window and exclaiming to anyone who would listen, "plane broke!"
It was very disheartening to watch the passengers from the 4:15 flight to Dallas board before the 11:00 and the 3:00 passengers. Finally, after spending over 6 hours in the airport, we boarded for Dallas.
We arrived in Knoxville around midnight EXHAUSTED! But, Granna, Papaw, and Aunt Kacey were all there to pick us up. About 2 hours later we were passed out in our beds- what a long day!The next day we met Matt's Papaw and DotDaw for a picnic. Ava warmed up to her cousins and downed 2 hot dogs before resuming play. Talmage enjoyed getting passed around, while Matt and I enjoyed visiting with everyone.
Tal's great grandmothers: DotDaw and Granny Buck
This was hilarious! Tal couldn't keep his eyes off of Clay- I wonder what he is thinking?!
Tori and Tal
Ava's cousin Ely- those two are a handful when they get together- that's Betsy in the background- I'm sure she is contemplating having children now!!
Papaw and Talmage
"Hey, I might have a big blue bow in my hair, but I like to play with trucks and dirt, too!"
Betsy and Tal- he looks like he is in love!
A couple days after the picnic, Matt and I were back on the Nibroc volleyball court. We were supposed to be defending our title for the 5th time in a row- but that didn't happen- not even close! We still had a fun time getting beat, eating all of the yummy fried foods, and watching Ava light up on the carnival rides. She was a little apprehensive at first, but after practically prying her off of me and making her ride the cars alone, she perked right up.
"What's the score, Mom?" Ava Ryan busy sipping her lemonade
"It's scary!" This was Ava's first attempt at riding the "horsies" She loosened up a little after this. I had to take a few minutes to regain my balance after getting off the carousel, that thing flew!!!
I know that this isn't my child- I'm not sure who's he is! His parents obviously made him ride the cars, too! How funny is he??!!
" This isn't too bad, Mommy"
Grandma, FaFa, and Tal watching Ava ride the swings
"Please hurry and take the picture, I'm gonna puke!" This was one of those spinning rides. Why can you ride these as a child, but turn green as an adult?
We also spent some time hanging out by the pool. Ava learned how to kick and use her arms. By the end of the week, she was jumping off of the diving board all by herself!
Talmage loved swinging at Grandma's house. Just look at that cheesy smile!
He also love being fed by Aunt Katie...
...getting kisses from Granna...
...and Popsicles from Papaw!
While we were home, I took some time away from picking out stuff for the house to get my hair done. I went really blonde on top and super dark underneath with an a-line cut. It's cute, but a little shocking! Ava also decided that it would be a great idea to try and paint her nails blue. But she dropped the polish bottle on the hardwood floors and painted them instead. 
Tal, wondering why he is sitting in a beauty shop!
The rest of our time in Kentucky was spent hanging out with family and eating lots of yummy Popsicles!
Baby Tal after getting out of the pool
Ava Ryan loved playing with Pooh Dog
"Hey Ladies!"
Ava loved playing with Pooh Dog, Checkers, and Ziggy!
She also loved sharing cookies with Granna
Me, Mom, Kacey, & Tal- this was before the new "do"- my hair looks much better now!!
Aunt Laura feeding Talmage
Chelsea trying her best to get Ava to pose for a picture
I love this picture!!
Ava got into the beads at Grandma's house
Ava is finally getting to sit at the big-girl table with Emma!
Ava Ryan with Uncle Ryan- or as she calls him "Rynan"
After a quick 2 weeks, it was time to head home. Matt's new semester is getting ready to start- HIS LAST ONE BEFORE WE MOVE HOME! The plane rides were much smoother getting home
Okay... don't let Matt fool you when he says that it was a tough ride home and that he is exhausted! He and Tal took a little siesta while I tried to keep Ava from getting kicked off of the plane!!
As soon as we got home and began to unpack, Tal started a "sit-in". I think he was protesting coming home!
4 comments:
Sounds like you had a great visit. I love going back to visit, but so far it's only been me alone with Nolan on the plane.
Great pictures! I wish we were able to make it to Corbin for the cookout. It looks like you had a wonderful visit!
Phew! We've had our share of plane troubles... being stranded all across the US from flights being cancelled or delayed for one reason or another, but thankfully that was before Jonas was in the picture. I bet you're dying to get back to Kentucky for good!
I would love to see your hair! Post a pic!
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