Ryan's Texas Trip

Ryan spent last week with his Mimi and Grandpa in Texas. And of course he had a GREAT time! We drove him down and stayed for the 4th of July weekend and then left him on Sunday. He did fine with us leaving, but had some anxiety with the anticipation of him being there without us. We've left him there a few times before, but we think he actually understood what was going to happen and was emotional about it. But he did just fine and was such a big boy! Maria & Opal came over for the weekend so we got to spend time with them and also celebrate Opal's birthday while we were all together (a few weeks early).

Now this is celebrating in style!Grandpa & Mimi have a great driveway and sidewalk for bike riding. Ryan learned to pedal his bike while we were there! One highlight was visiting Gators & Friends in Shreveport. We couldn't believe he actually held the baby alligator...and that he wanted to do it! Every time we talk about it he tells us how brave he was. One morning they went to Pump It Up and Ryan really enjoyed that as well. The other big thing they did was go to the Discovery Science Place in Tyler, TX. Ryan had tons of fun there trying lots of new things.

So you are probably wondering what I did all week without Ryan...well, honestly I felt lost without my little buddy. I got the stomach flu on Monday and took a few days to recover from that so I didn't get to do several things I had planned. I did a lot of wondering around, go into shops that I wouldn't bring a child in with me, and just played it by ear each day. I found that it was hard not having a schedule, not having to be home in the afternoons so Ryan could nap. It's funny how you get used to something and have a hard time going back. But I was thankful for little break to get refreshed and just to focus on me for a few days. David and I enjoyed eating out a few times and meeting up for lunch. I have a feeling this will become a tradition each summer that we will all look forward to!!