Tales of our travels

Last Tuesday Josh, Jenna, Peyton and I got into our car and headed to NJ. We decided to make a stop over in Richmond, VA where we spent the evening with our friends, Elizabeth, Sloan and Henry Phillips. The Phillips family welcomed us into their home, cooked us dinner, and gave us a place to stay for the night. I feel blessed to have great friends who open their home to wayward travelers as this was our first trip with Peyton. Jenna had her first sleep over with a boy as she slept in Henry's big boy bed. Henry was a gracious host as he shared not only his room, but also his toys and markers.

The next morning, we loaded up and headed the rest of the way to NJ. What a nightmare trip it was. We left at 10:40 am and didn't get through DC until almost 2 pm. That's over 3 hours for a leg that should have taken an hour. Josh and I truly believe that the folks working for the VA DOT should get a better handle on things. There is no need to have so many road projects in such a short span of Interstate. We finally got to NJ around 6ish and had a great dinner with Grandma Deb and Grandpa Pete.

Thursday, I was able to go to Aunt Linda's salon where Linda cut and did highlights on my hair. I have been teased that I have to go all the way to NJ to get my hair done, but you do what it takes. It's the only time I have help with both kids, plus I get the owner to style my hair. I am thinking we will head back every 3 months to not only see family but to get my hair done! Josh, Pete, Peyton, Jenna and I also took a walk up to the Reservoir and Jenna learned how to skip rocks.

Friday was low key during the day. Then while Jenna took her nap, Josh, Peyton, and I drove around the area so that Peyton would nap in her car seat and Josh and I just looked around. Later that evening the Cowley gang got together. Slim, aka Poppa Bear, aka Peter Cowley Sr. came for dinner but did not stay late. Jenna was too cute how she just ran up to him to give him a great big hug. She has become quite the social butterfly.

Jenna was so excited for "the party". She had the best time playing with her cousin Jared who colored with her and sang with her. One favorite quote from the night was when her cousin Andy squatted down and said "You know we're cousins." Jenna tilted her head and said "I love my cousins" and then gave him a big hug. She was so wound up that she didn't go to bed until 11 pm. It was so great seeing everyone and it makes Josh and I feel great that all of his aunts and uncles take/make the time to see us when we are back in town.

Here's a great picture I got of Gram holding Peyton. I just love how happy they both look in this picture.

Saturday we took Jenna over to McDonald's to play on the playground as it was rainy outside. We drove around for almost an hour looking for one that had a playground. Then that evening Uncle Bub joined us for another great dinner. Here's a cute shot of Peyton and Bub. Peyton definitely has the Cowley genes.

Sunday we got on the road and headed home. The girls did really well all things considered. Peyton did well for the first 8 hours and then was tired of being in her car seat. That made the last few hours a challenge as she fussed not wanting to be strapped in any longer and Jenna hadn't napped so she was fussy too. It was a long 9.5 hours but we made it. We have decided that we definitely need a bigger vehicle and I must admit I actually want a minivan now. I have to put the needs of my kids first and a minivan would make traveling so much easier. Especially since we want to started heading back to NJ more often.