Feb/March: Stateside

When Paul had a work trip scheduled back to the States, we decided that Charlotte and I would piggy-back a longer visit around his planned trip. I flew solo both trans-atlantic flights with little Miss C, and actually both went great. She watched far more Peppa Pig than I would ever allow her in a different situation, but she stayed quite calm and well behaved for both flights. Thank goodness!

We flew to Boston in order to spend the first week plus with my parents. My mom was on a break from school, and my dad was able to take some time off work as well -- so Charlotte was spoiled with lots of fun kid-oriented activities, both at home and around New Hampshire. My sister and brother-in-law came up to visit the first weekend, which was fantastic! We also enjoyed a quick visit with my aunt, uncle, and cousin, who were so sweet to drive all the way from western Massachusetts to see us. A few pics of the fun times we had: 

Sledding in the backyard with Granddad

A bit wary of the hibachi grill-master

Needs a little help with her periscope skills (Dover Children's Museum)

"Helping" Granddad at work

Learning about magnifying glasses

Checking out the clownfish in Granddad's office building

Playing with the dollhouse at Grandmom and Granddad's

Seeing the Ice Castles in the White Mountains!

BRRRR! It was -2 degrees F with wind chill

Heading into an ice tunnel!

Reading a few favorites with Granddad

Not pictured: Great fun at an indoor playplace called Rumble Tumble, visiting Grandmom's classroom at school, seeing the Seacoast Science Center, making waffles, throwing a tantrum mid-neighborhood-walk and having to be carried home like a sack of wheat, and getting SUPER excited every time the grandfather clock chimed (and claiming it as HER clock already... Granddad asked her not to rush it).

Playing in the Logan Airport kid's area... we used it before two separate flights this trip!

We then flew to Saint Louis, where we stayed for two weeks (briefly interrupted by a long weekend to Tennessee to visit my best friend and her family). We enjoyed seeing lots of friends and family in STL as well, and had some great times to the Magic House, the Arch grounds (couldn't go up in the Arch as it is closed for renovations), the Botanical Gardens, the Zoo, getting a pedicure with Grammy, Aunt Kate, and Aunt Colleen, and riding behind Papa's "tractor." 

In the midst of our St Louis trip, we also took a drive down to the Nashville area to visit Ashley, Kyle, and Graham! We spent lots of time playing with toys, trying to share said toys, running around outside, and attempting to nap at the same time (didn't so much happen). Ash and I also took a mommy's day out while Kyle watched the kiddos (THANK YOU!) to take a painting class. So much fun, even without the wine (Ashley is pregnant, and I had yet to drive back to St Louis that night). Evidence of the challenges of sharing with friends: when we returned to St Louis, I asked Charlotte what Graham calls her (thinking she would say "Char Char"). She replied "It's not your turn." haha!

Watching the garbage truck do its thing with Zoe and Elliot

Smelling the lotion that Miss Isabel put on her feet at the pedicure appointment. She loved getting her feet rubbed and kept putting them back into Isabel's hands for more.

Getting her "tootsies" painted, so proud.

Checking out the fish and ducks in the Japanese area at the Botanical Gardens

Painting a picture for Daddy at the Magic House!

Rocking in "her" chair at the Tennessee Welcome Center

Chowing down on some grilled cheese at Firehouse Subs

Playing in Graham's pop up fire truck! Helmets required.

Sliding with friends!

Fun painting project!

Checking out the sea lions at the STL Zoo

Riding the Zoo train is AMAZING!!

Look at those smiling cheeks

Our last jaunt in the States was back to New Hampshire for a few days before flying home to England. Granddad picked us up from the airport and we went straight into Boston city center to visit the New England Aquarium! Charlotte was a trooper, and made it through a lot of the aquarium despite being a bit tired -- and even sat through most of the IMAX movie, despite not wanting to wear the 3D glasses. She especially enjoyed watching the penguins being fed, finding the turtle in the huge central reef tank, petting the skates, and claiming fish to be "hers." The morning we left, we woke up to a fresh few inches of snow (most of it had melted in a warm spell over the previous weeks). Charlotte was excited to wake up and see the world changed outside!

IMAX selfie with Granddad

Petting the skates at the New England Aquarium

Snow!

Our flight back was fairly uneventful; Charlotte slept for about 4 hours, which I was grateful for! Paul picked us up, and we got stuck in some traffic -- and then Charlotte threw up all over herself and her carseat :( That was her first major sick episode (we have been lucky!) and made an impression... she still asks me "Remember when I got 'upset' in Daddy's car?" We pulled over on the side of the road to clean her up as best we could and change her clothes -- so glad I packed extra wipes in the suitcase for coming home. It seems to have been a one-time only issue... not sure if something she ate didn't agree with her or what. We have driven a lot since then, and no more issues, so hoping it wasn't carsickness. We were so happy to get home and see Paul again!