What to Pack?

Daddy Q and I are working on the packing list and logistics for the trek to England. Pre-Owen, packing for a trip was something that Daddy Q and I could do in an hour or less. We both travel for work, so we have a standard routine down. We get that stuff in the bag, look at each other and ask "what 'special' might we do and what 'special' stuff might we need to go with it?" You know..are we planning on going for a really nice night out on the town? If so, need a dressier outfit, nicer jewelry...GQ needs a dress shirt and cuff links. Are we going someplace with a pool? If so, suits, lotion, etc. Do we both need to be able to work at the same time? No...one laptop to share will work. You get the idea.

Well...traveling with this little man is a different story. You should see the packing list that we have come up with. There is a section for "Mommy & Owen's Bag" for things that go to England, Tennessee, and home, "Daddy Q's Bag" for things that go to England, but we don't need in Tennessee and consumables, "Carry-On Bag" for the must-haves for the wait at the gate and then 9+ hour plane trip, and Other, Stand-alone Items...the really important stuff--the stroller, car seat, and passports!

We have the list all printed, the bags pulled out of the closet, and a plan. I think we are almost ready to get everything organized and in the bag! Most importantly, we arranged a playdate with O's closest friends for Tuesday afternoon so that he can play, play, play in hopes that translates into sleep, sleep, sleep on the plane Tuesday night!

Saturday was Miss Emma D.'s 1st birthday. Emma is the lone gal in O's circle of friends. Here are a few photos I took from the day!

The birthday girl and Owen in the playroom.

Birthday Gal surrounded by her guys...O was working on pulling out her bow.

Emma with her Birthday Hat on--it lasted, oh, 10 seconds or so!

Emma's mom thought it would be fun for all of the kiddos to have a cupcake with the birthday girl. Guess who got the messiest? Well...that would be Emma, actually. Owen was a close second though. I think these shots are funny.

Hey, Emma. Check them out.
Wow...they aren't near as messy as us, Owen.

I'm holding my own.

Dude, clean up your game before you look like those two on the end....I heard a rumor that their mom's are putting them in the bath tub.

And so, in the end, the messiest two ended up in the tub.

Happy First Birthday, Emma! We enjoyed sharing the afternoon with you!!!