Time to go...

DSC_6713ps, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

DSC_6715ps, originally uploaded by gailpaul.

It was time to go home, so we packed up our stuff and headed back to the Kauai Marriott for lunch at Dukes (again!). It was so good the evening before, and the Kauai Marriott was very close to the airport, and Greg's parents missed our dinner the evening before, so we HAD to go back. Well, that and Wesley wanted to say goodbye to the swans. After a yummy lunch, and a brief pit stop for a baby bottle because I forgot them in the hotel fridge (eergh!), we headed over to the airport. Our flight was at a different time, so we said goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa and we headed to Oahu.

One in Oahu, we checked in for our flight to Chicago. That leg of the trip went very well, we took off a little late (6pm - time was supposed to be 5:21) but Wesley did GREAT! He was awake for the first 2 hours or so and then he slept the entire way to Chicago. Too bad Greg and I couldn't sleep! In Chicago we had a 2.5 hour layover and we got some breakfast. Wesley was sleepy, but ate some food and after everyone was settled into their seats I nursed him and he fell asleep in my arms before take off. The plane did eventually take off and once we were cruising, we gently placed him in his car seat. He slept the ENTIRE flight. Did not wake up until after we landed! I am so glad we got him his own seat! It would not have been fun for ANYONE if he had to stay on our laps for 15+ hours. We could not have asked for a better flight home. He is such a good little traveler!

It was a GREAT vacation! Vacationing with Wesley is so different and our trip to Hawaii was a perfect example of how things have changed since our honeymoon trip in 2006. Traveling is different, packing, the stress of getting there, working around nap times and feedings, trying to find toddler appropriate activities while enjoying ourselves. But being anyplace with Wesley is just a different kind of fun that is new and rewarding in it's own way. Seeing him happy and learning and watching and experiencing all that is new and different adds a whole new dimension to life, including vacationing.

It is VERY important to add, we were so VERY lucky to have Greg's parents hosting our trip!!! Their help with EVERY ASPECT of our vacation has helped make our vacation so enjoyable. This vacation would not have been possible without their help and we are so thankful and appreciative. They helped carry bags, change diapers, feed Wesley, allowed us to sleep in and even babysat a few times so Greg and I would be able to have dinner dates and go on our boat tour. They did so much more for us, but those are some of the big things. We hope they enjoyed their vacation as much as we did! Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!