Kylie took her first airplane ride on Tuesday, September 13th up to Chicago! She (and me and Mike) went to meet her great-Grandmother, Gerry, who lives in Carol Stream, IL - a suburb of Chicago. It was a beautiful and short trip up and back, and Kylie did so well.
I wasn't quite sure what to pack - so I surely OVERpacked. Mike, Kylie and me all shared one large suitcase - and he and I packed very minimally. We tucked her diapers, food, clothes, blankets, etc. all in that and checked the bag for our direct flight from RDU to Midway. We flew Southwest, and fortunately were able to use family boarding and not worry about being seated apart from one another.
Initially we weren't sure whether to bring the stroller - or the car seat base. I think we were glad to have had both - though we didn't like having to carry the base through the airport and decided to check it. The stroller was super helpful to have as we could set her in the carseat and wheel everything around. Again - it was wise not to plan to bring much ourselves. I had a magazine and an iPad - and both were enough entertainment for the trip! We made her a few bottles while on the plane - and it helped her keep her ears from popping while up in the air. She slept some - and by the time we arrived she was a bit more fussy and ready to deplane!
My mom picked us up and my grandmother was so excited that she came along also. We drove back out to Carol Stream and had lunch at Portillos, which is a Chicago tradition. We had salads and Mike and a couple famous hot dogs. But mostly my grandmother enjoyed watching Kylie play while the food was prepared. We went to her room afterwards and had some time for her to watch Kylie play around. Eventually both Kylie and my grandmother seemed tired - so we left and headed west. My aunt and uncle live in Rockford, so we went to spend the evening with them.
It was SO nice to have time out on the back porch in the cool low-70's weather and have some wine and good conversation. Kylie was in the BEST mood and excited to play a bit. She did fine with the time change and really just wanted to be around everyone. We tried putting her to bed in the pack-n-play they borrowed from friends - but she wasn't ready to sleep. Kylie sat quietly in her car seat while we had a delicious dinner of Roman Chicken. It was such a wonderful treat to have a home-cooked meal in a home with peace, quiet, and good conversation. And there was the most incredible dessert - a cherry peach cobbler with fresh cherries - SO divine. Couldn't get enough of the crumb topping.
The next day was just amazing also. We had time at the Japanese Garden in Rockford for breakfast overlooking the gardens. Afterwards we strolled through the gardens and enjoyed the views. My mom carried Kylie most of the way. We took lots of great pictures. It was fabulous weather. Afterwards we headed to Edwards Orchard for shopping and apple cider donuts. Mike had not been there and I loved it the last time. I mostly love the amazing samples spread throughout the store to nosh on. Mmmmm.
From there we drove back to Carol Stream to see grandmother again. By then my cousins and aunt were there from Indiana. We shared some time together and enjoyed catching up. They bought Kylie the most beautiful fall dress with a bright orange tutu. You could tell Kylie thought she looked pretty!! We took a picture of Kylie, me, my mom and grandmother - four generations!
We all went to Fuddruckers for dinner. Again - Kylie was so well behaved this entire day. She has really grown up and good about being flexible. We just kept her warm and fed! By the end of the evening everyone was ready for bed. We slept well in a nearby hotel - and my mom graciously offered to drive us to the airport. I'm not sure what we would have done otherwise!! We made it home in no time at all.
I am so thankful we were able to make the trip and make memories for everyone of Kylie meeting her great-grandmother. I am sorry she wasn't able to meet Grandad - I know he would have loved her. And I know he's smiling down on all of us today!
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