Over the river and through the woods…

Or in our case, Uber to DCA, fly to ATL, take MARTA to the suburbs, then drive to Alpharetta…for Caroline’s first Thanksgiving! We had an absolutely wonderful time. It sounds like a lot of planes, trains, and automobiles, but honestly, no complaints here. Logistically, the trip was seamless, thanks in large part to the wonderful door-to-airport service we were treated to by Mike’s brother for both legs of our trip.

My favorite travel adventure from this trip was when the TSA agents at DCA gave me the choice of either them opening the bottles of milk (which I had in my carry on) to swab (ew, gross, thank you no) OR getting a full pat down by a lady agent. This was funny to me because it was the 12th flight Caroline had been on (and by default, her milk) and this was the first time this lovely offer was extended. You could also tell that given the way they kept reassuring me it would be a “lady agent” that they’ve delt with hostile passengers before. They needn’t have worried with me. Mike is a “let’s get to the gate ASAP” kind of traveler so he was less than thrilled about the time it took. But a fun fact about me is that I have absolutely no problem with strangers touching me. I know I am supposed to, but I really don’t. In fact, the lady agent was so fun to chat with, I was disappointed when it was over. (Mike just shakes his head at all this.)

As soon as we sat down on the plane, I set up my area like I was moving into seat 14A. Snacks, toys, milk, phone—all carefully organized in the seat pocket in front of me. I topped off the collection with a nursing cover to hide it all so the little lady would be surprised and entertained when new items appeared with a regular cadence for the 90 minute flight.

It worked, too. One by one, the surprises kept her entertained until she finally crashed. Here we are resting up for the big weekend ahead.

This sleeping cherub meant Mommy could read her Kindle and all was right with the world. Mike even went crazy and ordered a beverage. I didn’t dare. I knew I was one swift baby arm jerk away from being covered in Ginger Ale and I didn’t want to arrive sticky.

Mike’s brother met us at baggage claim in ATL and personally escorted us on MARTA—Caroline’s first public transportation experience!

We arrived just in time for dinner on Thanksgiving Eve and Mike’s brother and his family introduced us to cheesesteaks from Jersey Mike’s. Whyyy do we not have this place closer to us in Virginia?? Whyy? They were delicious. We had a wonderful first night, polishing off many bottles of red wine and laughing with the cousins. They are the sweetest, most hospitable family.

When Turkey Day arrived, this little lady got to wear her new fancy jumper:

We also brought down with us a not-exactly-portable portable high chair, but it did the trick. My main goal was to have her as independent from us as possible at meals, so she could sit with the group and observe all the people (her favorite pastime anyway), so all of us could enjoy the meal and no one had to inhale it like we were contestants on Minute to Win It. It worked pretty well.

Here she is, wondering whether I really am going to let her try pumpkin pie. Sorry kid! No sugar. But here are some sweet potatoes, mmm…

Caroline absolutely adored her four sweet, wonderful cousins.

They were just so good with her and she loved them back!

What a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!