Uncle Jim & Aunt Marianne's

We went on a great vacation to the North East! It began with me and Bella flying to Long Island. We were on our own, without Matt, on a Southwest Airlines one-stop flight. The flight left at 6 am so our kind neighbor drove us to the airport very early. The strategy was that Bella would be tired and sleep on the plane ride. We boarded the plane and I chose to sit in the very front on the isle. The strategy was that Bella could watch all the other people getting on the flight and the flight attendants to keep her occupied. She has a bit of stranger danger so I thought the 'strangers' would keep her quiet and on my lap. Well, the strategies went right out the door! Bella screamed and screamed! It was the kind of scream that created the hiccups. She screamed and fought and wiggled and screamed some more the entire time that she was forced to be on my lap...which was 80% of the flight. The young couple next to me drank a lot of screwdrivers and bloody mary's! ...and don't forget that this is 6 am! The flight attendant offered me a drink, an alcoholic one, for free. I wanted one like a poor man wants to win the lottery! I said no because I couldn't hold it with Bella. The flight attendant offered to put a top and straw, but I still had to decline. About 20 minutes before landing, Bella screamed herself to sleep...but the hiccups remained. This was part 1.
Part 2 began with a three hour layover in Baltimore. Three hours is a long time to entertain an 18 month old in an airport, however, we occupied the time without many tears. She walked and walked. We played peek-a-boo. We ate lunch. We bought bottled water. We changed a diaper. We pulled out every "new" toy that I brought. Bella tried to climb every stair, especially the escalator. She thought it was best to sit in the middle of a crowded walk-way. We survived.
Part 3 began with the same unassigned seats, but I still chose the first (bulkhead) row on the isle. The strategy this time was that by being in the front row, the projection range of yelling and screaming would be half. If we sat in the middle of the plane, both passengers ahead and behind us would have to endure the ear-piercing noise. Fortunately, there was just a bit of crying. We were so happy to exit the plane! She walked on her own, without even holding my hand, all the way to baggage claim. Boy were we happy to see Matt!

Take home message: Don't fly alone with an 18 month old.

Above is a picture at Matt's Uncle's house in Southampton. We love the looong bench! ...and can you believe that all Bella wanted to do was sit on my lap!?

The next day was better. We were rested and exploring around the house. Even though there was a great shower inside, Matt convinced me to take my first outdoor shower. Matt promised that it would be great and it mostly was.
Coctails! Matt was pretty talented and coordinated to handle a martini, an 18 month old with a container of yogurt.
...and pretty soon, Bella was helping herself to cheese, crackers and snacks. Ordinarily we would have looked on nervously, but after a couple of martinis we didn't care if she double-dipped or spilled.
Cool, crisp, clean beach!
Bella loves the pool, but isn't so sure of the ocean yet...and I don't blame her.