We took a mini-vacay to Memphis this long weekend to visit my parents. We all had a great time. Things didn't go exactly as planned though. We stopped in St. Louis Thursday evening to break up or trip and stay overnight w/Scott's parents. We had a good time, but C was grumpy from a very short nap. Then it happened. C woke up early the next morning crying...never a good sign. He was in obvious pain and he kept vomiting drainage. We took him to a walk-in clinic at Walgreens near Scott's parents house when they opened. C cried and tried to sleep (and vomit) while we waited. He was a trooper for the nurse practicioner. He had a raging ear infection as well as a cold or allergies going on. We had to wait for his antibiotics (which took almost 2 hours to fill) before we could continue on to Memphis. We gave him some OTC medicines to help with his symptoms as recommended. He started to feel better within 45 minutes--b/c the poor kid had barely said five words until the medicine kicked in. He was great on the 4+ hr drive to Memphis and the whole time we were at mom and dad's. We had a great time once we got there. We hung around their house the first afternoon/evening. My dad grilled lamb chops, and my mom made couscous and a salad. It was delicious--even C approved. C loved digging in the mulch in mom and dad's backyard. We let C sleep in a big boy bed in the little kids' room at mom and dad's house. I had bought a bed rail, so we pushed one of the twin beds against the wall and used the rail on the other side. He thought he was big stuff, and he did great. He looked so little in the bed. It won't be long before we're doing that at home, too I guess. He still stayed in his bed and waited for us just like at home.
enjoying the back patio
The next morning we went to the Lichermann Nature Center in Memphis. It was perfectly sized and interactive for how C was feeling. We saw live and stuffed animals native to the area. He loved seeing the turtles, snakes, fish, and mice that were alive. He also loved the stuffed buffalo and bobcat (after being scared at first, of course). He got a souvenir from Nana and Papa--a new watering can and spade and a stuffed turtle. He named the turtle Tuck (wonder pets--my boy is not so creative), and he loves it. Then that night my parents had a small party with their friends--we were there, too. They did a low country oil--it was delicious. If you don't know what it is, it's a one pot meal that is cooked in seasonings with lemons, onion, smoked sausage, corn on the cob, potatoes, and shrimp. After it's cooked you drain the water and serve it all up together. Many places show it served on paper in the middle of the table. There were too many people to sit at one table, so my mom had lots of fun seafood platters to hold the huge quantity of food. My mom made two desserts--one was a pinapple no-bake cheesecake (yum) and a frozen lemonade pie. Delicious and so refreshing for the summer.
they had a play area with dress up stuff, books, puzzles, blocks, and other stuff he found. He liked to be dressed like a fireman as he looked at the live animals in this building.
walking around the lake
Sunday C woke up from his late night and busy day feeling a bit tired. He couldn't be persuaded to leave their house except to go for a walk and the playground. He played and had fun, but wanted to stay home. He watched the Lion King and Snow White while we were there, and he loved them both. Mom and dad have a new flush mount big screen tv in their hearth room as well--it was awesome to watch movies on it. The speakers are invisible as well (and they go outside, too, invisibly--it's amazing). My parents made another delicious meal that night--grilled filet mignon (to perfection), ranch mashed potatoes, and salad. We made banana milkshakes when we came back from the playground, too. I helped my mom pick-out and put up new curtains in her hearth/family room/eat-in kitchen since they got new furniture--which looks great!
riding the lawnmower with papa
thinking he's driving--and lovin' it.
we all had fun playing on the school playground near mom and dad's. we were all going down the slides and playing.
Monday we went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast b/c their ovens were broken, and my mom really wanted biscuits. We left shortly after that to head to St. Louis for lunch with the Dankel family and then on to home. C started feeling bad again this day. His nose ran like a faucet ALL day. I thought his allergies were just acting up, but this morning it's still running and he has a slight temperature. All he wants to do is watch tv and snuggle. At least he's doing a good job taking his antibiotics this time. I'm ready for the dry weather to kill some of these allergens. They are working little man over I think. He seems like he's feeling better--ear wise though.
chilling out on the friends' porch while we loaded the car
one last ride on the mower
saying goodbye
blowing kisses to N & P. he had such a good time--he didn't want to leave at first, but he was good about it.
Our plans for the week are all messed up b/c of C's cold (or whatever it is), and the Blue Angels are grounded. We were supposed to go to Rockford, IL this Saturday for an air show to see them for C's bday, but they were grounded for flying too low at a show. The only other place they will be going close to us is in Davenport, IA later in the month. I'm hoping we can still take him. He was so disappointed. I hope he feels like himself soon, too.
My brain is SPINNING with ideas about C's upcoming 3rd bday. We shall see what unfolds.
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