Back in March my mom extended an invite to go see two of her sisters up in Kansas City for a few days with her. I wasn't sure at first if it'd be easy enough to take the boys, but we did it and it all worked out! It was great to see my aunts, and got to see a few of my cousins and their kids as well.
We first met them at Fritz's, a train themed restaurant in one of their malls. I've heard about it, and since Caden's obsessed with trains thought it would be fun to take him. It was a fun little atmosphere for him, there is a little train up above that brings your food by and then lowers it down to your table...I had pictured something a bit more detailed in my mind than what it really was, BUT he still enjoyed the atmosphere. He got to do the little train machine and left with a fun wooden train whistle.
And of course, if a Chocolate Factory is near, we must make a quick visit! Caden was wise and chose a chocolate covered marshmallow that was covered in mini m&ms. He.loved.it. We don't keep candy or junk around the house that much, but still give him stuff here and there and he eats it right up. Kids got a strong sweet tooth for sure! Poor little Reid is too small to enjoy the sweets in life, but his great-aunts made up for it with all the love and smiles they gave him and he still had a blast, chocolate or no chocolate.
We met a few of my cousins and a lot of the second cousins at Chuckey Cheese for dinner the first night. Caden has never been, and although there are a lot of games over his head still he still had a blast running around and playing. My second cousin, Gabby, just turned 10-while we were up there actually-and she was really good with Caden and entertained him a lot while we were there so I got to catch up with the others while handling Reid...whom, oddly slept some of the time there. Not the quietest of places but sometimes that never seems to phase little babes-they can have the noisiest surroundings and they can still snooze away.
THEN, to top of the eventful day we were able to see my cousin Jen, her husband Lee, and their three kiddos back at my Aunts house before the kids went to bed. I am so glad they stopped by-I love being able to see them and Caden had a blast being around her kids.
The next day we hit up the zoo with my mom and Aunt Chris. It ended up being a beautiful day for it and Caden is all about zoo's so of course had a blast!
I am in love with their polar bear exhibit. Overall-selfishly I like our zoo more, hands down. The layout is friendlier...BUT the polar bears and the train ride stole the show for sure. I don't know how we missed the train last time Gary and I took Caden there-it wasn't a nice day when we went so maybe it wasn't running, but this time we caught it and he was in train heaven. It was priceless to see his reaction to it all. They go through two tunnels, over a bridge, by some animals...it was his dream come true. I'm sure he would have ridden it over and over again if I would have let him. Unfortunately for him, the train is a high commodity and sharing is caring so one awesome ride in the books for now.
He wanted to hold my hand on the train. Be still my heart. I will forever wish that moment back.
Little Reid all conked out. Not for long-but captured it while it happened. He looks so chill with his arms up behind his head. Both boys did fairly well considering the different atmosphere for sleeping, and irregular schedule. We aren't all military over here by any means-but changing a sleep location and nap situation at this age is sometimes a hit or miss and they landed somewhat in between, but powered through and had a good time. Always good to see family and glad we were able to join along with my mom on a quick little trip up to Kansas City!
