The Barkley Bunch: November 2009

As most of you already know, our family took a trip to San Francisco, California at the end of October. Daniel had a conference out there and was done by most days around 11am. So, we thought we would take advantage of that time and spend a few extra days after the meeting was over. It was a great vacation but it seems like a blur! We left our house at 5am on a Friday morning (that meant up getting up at 3am after going to bed at 1am). Surprisingly, we arrived at the airport in time and had no problems checking in or going through the security so we found our gate and grabbed a little breakfast. They started boarding the plane as soon as we got back from getting food so those who were able to eat did and those who were too nervous to eat (me) gathered our things so we could board. We found our seats and settled in and watched the kids totally enjoy the view from the airplane. I will never forget Cooper's face as we walked onto the plane and as we took off. It brings the biggest smile to my face watching my kids experience something for the first time that they truly love. When the plane started and we started moving, Cooper with much excitement in his voice goes "I'm flying! I'm flying!". We had to explain that we weren't really flying yet but we were about to. He was glued to the window and would only turn around to look at us to give us a huge smile like "This is the best day ever!!". Once up in the air, my nerves calmed a little probably because I was so nervous about how Cate would do. She did fine on the way up there but did get a little antsy and HAD to have her diaper changed during the flight. Not an easy thing to do with a tall toddler in a tiny bathroom with a messy diaper! As we approached San Francisco, Cooper loved finding the swimming pools from the plane. We finally landed and boy were we glad!! My kids don't like to miss out on what's going on around them so no naps had been taken at this point and with the time difference, nap time was well overdue. We left for our hotel and upon arrival I thought, "Oh my...does this place really allow kids?" It was a beautiful hotel but I would've been more comfortable in a Holiday Inn. Much too froufrou for us! We relaxed for a little and then it was time to eat. We walked and walked and walked to a nice waterfront restaurant. The food was delicious and after dinner the kids and I enjoyed watching the seagulls come right up to enjoy any food they found near the restaurant. Cate is now fascinated with birds! We walked back to our hotel and we were all asleep by 6:30pm! Over the next few days we enjoyed a tour of Alcatraz, where Cooper received his very own harmonica. A trip to Napa Valley, which was much needed! My parents were supposed to leave San Francisco at that point and do the Napa Valley thing alone but we asked if we could tag along. They being the nicest parents ever obliged. All of us desperately needed a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Cate started clapping when she got into the car seat of the rental car. We ate at some very good restaurants and did some shopping! We did so much more but to keep whatever readers are still left, I'll explain my title of the blog...

The Harmonica:

One evening as we were waiting for public transportation, Cooper (it was Daniel's idea) thought he would take this time to "perform" for the public like he had seen from walking the streets. I'll try to paint a visual...Cooper is sitting on some steps with Daniel nearby and as people approached he would confidently play his harmonica that he just got. He would stop every once in a while and give his boyish charming grin and continue playing. He made $3.75 in fourteen minutes! Not bad for his first gig!! Several people stopped, took pictures and of course threw some change in a cup that Daniel found laying around (gross I know). Cooper really enjoyed his fourteen minutes of fame!

The Brush:

The mind of a 3 year old fascinates me. Again, as were waiting for public transportation (I promise we did more than just wait) Cooper was asking what our names were. I was Michelle, Dadda was Daniel, sister was Cate, etc. I asked him what his name was and without missing a beat he said Brush. Of course we all laughed and I asked again and he said "Yep. Brush Barkley." He pretty much went by Brush the rest of the time. I guess that was his stage name. :)

The Flight:

After several days of San Francisco and a totally different sleeping routine and a much different eating routine we left the hustle and bustle and headed to the airport. The kids were exhausted and ready for a part of their "normal" life back. Cooper did great again on the plane but Cate was a totally different story. Storms were pretty heavy the day we were scheduled to fly home in DFW so our scheduled departure was 5pm arriving DFW at 10pm. I knew that was going to be bad so luckily we arrived at the airport early enough and were able to fly standby on a 1pm flight. Cate had had enough at this point. The plane was full and thankfully we were the very last row on the plane. For the first 20 minutes of the flight, she screamed bloody murder. It was the worst 20 minutes of my life and everyone else's. I was trying to rock her to sleep in the back but the fasten seat belt sign came on and so I had to sit with a screaming mad child. The only thing I had that I didn't try was a package of peanut M&Ms. I know, choking hazard, but that was all I had and if I didn't try that I feared what the other passengers would do to us. After 3, she was out. In fact, I don't think she even ate them because while she was asleep, we were cleaning out her mouth as chocolate drool ran down her chin. We were so cautious not to move or breathe. She slept for about an hour and woke up as our normal baby girl. As soon as we landed Cooper asked if we could go again. Our answer was "No. Not for a really long time!" :)

We love vacations and all the memories that are made. I'm so thankful that my whole family got to experience part of this with us. I need to mention that after that horrific flight home and not being able to find our car for about 45 minutes, my mother had a nice, warm & healthy dinner waiting for us at our house. Also, she stocked our fridge with milk and fruit so we didn't have to worry about the necessities the next morning! HOME SWEET HOME!!!

About to fly for the first time!! He is taking everything in!