Last week we got to go on our first family vacation. We would have went earlier but Covid has still had us under lock and key. We planned a time when we assumed the manor would be open so Quincey could meet grandma Esther. It's obviously a really big deal when you have a baby for your parents to meet your new little one. I think, especially if you are a daughter it's even more important for your own mom to see you as a mom and meet your little one. Unfortunately, the manor was still closed.
But, what's second best to your mom meeting your little one? Your sister! Dessa still hadn't gotten to meet Quincey either. She was planning a trip to Albuquerque right after I gave birth but, alas, once again Covid played her hand. So, even though we knew that we would have to deal with the heartbreak of being so close to grandma but not getting to see her, we were super super super excited for Auntie Dessa to meet her.
I started making lists two weeks before we left of things we would need to bring. My, how traveling with a baby is different than traveling alone! The pack n/ play, the bouncy seat, the breast pump, the diapers, the nose bulb. The list seemed to go on and on. But, we got all packed up and hit the road an hour and a half late! (I'm never late to leave. Another adjustment to having a baby.)
We made the long track to Greeley to Auntie Grace's house for the night. Quincey did an amazing job! She only got fussy a couple time.
It was the first time EVER Quincey had been in someone else's house and, of course, she was a live wire! She also got to be introduced to her first doggy and kitty cat. But, what she liked most was their fish tank. She was mesmerized with their live rock and clown fish. She could have stared at it all night.
The next day everyone loaded up, including the Logan's to head for Newcastle. They were on their way to camp for the week in the Black Hills. Dessa had left bright and early. Well, I think she actully left before it was even bright because it was so early it was still dark! Anyhow, Dessa and Sophia left from Coeur D 'Alane that morning as well. Warren, Asher, and Uncle Chris couldn't come because they were in Alaska fishing.
Finally, after a long day of traveling for everyone, we all made it to Newcastle. How special it was to see my big sister meet Quincey. I have always been in love with my nieces and nephews and cherished my role as Auntie but to see the tides turn and watch my big sister be the auntie while I got to be the mommy was super special.
We got to stay there for most of the week. Each day we made our way up to Breaver Creek where the Logan's were camping to spend time with them and ended our evenings at mom and dad's house.
Dessa, Joe, my dad, and I got to play pinochle one night which was really fun. We got smoked but had a good time giving it our best shot.
Dessa got to spend lots of time snuggling Quincey. And, Sophia, well, Quincey just loved her! Sophia had her laughing like I have never seen her laugh before. She loves her cousin, that's for sure.
Joe and I took Quincey to the LAK to do some fishing one morning. That was fun! Quincey got to touch her first fish and saw her first crawdad. I love the evolving expression on her face as she sees the fish and then touches it....
Of course I got sentimental sharing my home and places like the LAK with my new family. I am so blessed to have grown up in essentially only one place and STILL get to go home to the same place. I mean, I sit on the back deck and see the same view I've been seeing for 30 years, I sleep in the same bedroom. I got to a place like the LAK and am flooded with memory after memory of that place and now, here I am, with my husband and daughter; sharing it with them. I have may have been late to the party but I made it!
We also had our first babysitting experience. We planned to drop Quincey off with Auntie Grace so we could have some quality mommy and daddy time. We decided to go fishing. I caught 2 fish! We had an absolute blast and, although I thought about her, I wasn't worried at all about Quincey. It was so nice to have some adult time alone.
I was glad that we got to spend time with my dad. I had no false sense that it would not be hard to be in Newcastle with my mom literally just across town behind a cement wall and not be able to see her. It was horribly hard. I cried many tears and start crying just thinking of it. It wasn't just hard. It was pretty gut wrenching. I do not know how my dad has the strength to go every day that close to her yet unable to see her, hug her, or hold her hand. I take comfort being this far away knowing that even if I wanted to see her I can't because of pure distance. I don't know how he goes every day not having that physical distance keeping him away but still not being able to see her. It just sucks. There's no getting around that. Anyhow, I was glad we could be there with my dad and provide him some quality family time during such a trying time.
But, the week came to an end quicker than we wanted and we inevitably had to start our way back home. As great as it was to get away, it was very nice to be in our own space and get settled back into a routine.
I hope that Quincey grows to love her trips to Wyoming just as much as I do it. Wyoming will always and forever be "home" for this mamma.
Finally, some lingering pictures that I just love.
