Phoenix Fun!

As most of you know, J is getting his MBA through the U of A Executive MBA Program.  This Program takes him away from us =( every other weekend as the classes are in Phoenix.

This weekend we decided to join him.  On Saturday Gram-E and I took the boys to on a road trip to Phoenix.  The ride up was perfect as both boys took their respective naps - just as planned!

And....that was about all that went "just as planned" for the rest of the trip ;)

But, that is not to say it was bad just because it was unplanned.  If there is one thing being a parent has taught me (or at least continues to try and teach me) is that nothing goes as planned.

The first stop was the new Phoenix Aquarium (located in the Arizona Mills Mall).  Though the plan was for Ayden to have had lunch before his nap - per his usual routine - he did not want what was packed for him and thus he fell asleep in the car without eating.  So....despite Ayden wanting to see the fish NOW, Mommy an Gram-E overruled with a trip to the food court where, despite good intentions, Ayden's lunch consisted of a hot dog, fries and JUICE and Mommy managing to get no food!

With both kiddos fed (mommy still has plenty of pregnancy spares to be able to skip many meals!), it was finally time to see the fishes!

But...by now it was time (overdue) for Mommy to pump.  Time to divide and conquer.  Gram-E took excited Ayden to see the fishes while I took Gavin to the family bathroom for an exciting round of pumping.  Once there and settled in, I realized I did not have all the parts to the pump - you can imagine how thrilled I was.  So I packed myself back up and headed out to the car.  Gavin and I then found ourselves in the aquarium 'family bathroom' which despite the guy assuring me that this was their 'nursing' place as well, there was no seat but the toilet.  And so there I was....sitting on the public toilet, jeans on, Gavin in the stroller, numerous knocks on the door, pumping away - AWESOME!! (thank goodness for the kindle!!!)

By the time all this was done, Gram-E and Ayden had successfully made it through the (surprisingly small) aquarium.

Stop one complete!

Well almost...

While eating lunch Ayden noticed the rather large spinning thing with horses on it.  His first Carousel!!  Ayden and Gram-E went round and round for four rides..each time was "the last time".

Finally, Gram-E offered him ice cream to get off and Ayden said 'NO', he wanted to ride again! So, Gram-E said ok one more then we can get off and get ice cream.....to me it sounds like Ayden is quite the negotiator....he got another ride AND ice cream...way to go kiddo!!

He just LOVED it. Look at that Smile!

Time to head to the hotel where J had arranged for an upgraded suite with two beds.
Or at least thought he had...

Three rooms later, forgotten breast milk, lots of rides on the cart and too many keys to keep track of, we found ourselves in the "largest suite they have available".  It had a king bed and a pull out couch - certainly no room for a crib...I think "suite" is a term they use quite liberally!!  But it's one night...what can't we handle for just one night?!?!

J was thrilled to hear all his arrangements went so smoothly which put him in just as good a mood as us =)

Time for dinner.

Without further ado, we hopped back in the car, only this time I got the honor of sitting between the car seats of my little boys.  After much confusion/discussion about who should drive so the seat wouldn't go back too far, we were off with no place in mind and too many i-phones and suggestions to actually help!!  Somehow we ended up at a great place with a wonderful patio where Ayden could play, watch the passing cars and get some good eats in too. [Mark this down as a success!]

Before we knew it, it was way past Ayden's bed time and we were back at the hotel deciding who should sleep where and how.

Conclusion...

Ayden and Daddy on pull out couch
Mommy and Gram-E in king bed
Gavin in swing next to Mommy.

Results...

No sleep for anyone =)

Phoenix Adventure Day 2.

Today we were off to the Children's Museum.  The boys were amply fed, but the adults were not.  Despite our best intentions to grab something (at least COFFEE!!) on the way it just didn't work out.

The museum was fantastic and a good price to boot.  Ayden could have spent the whole day with each activity.  He was in heaven.

But... adults were tired and hungry...we were closing in on nap time....by this point we needed to find Ayden food as well... and of course...Mommy had to pump.  So after much logistic deliberation and another round of bathroom pumping we were on the road home.

Despite nothing seemingly going as planned (which should always be the plan with kids) I mark the weekend down as a successful first trip with the boys =)