We made it!

Well, folks, we made it through our first child-free mini-vacation. Last week, Travis and I headed to Las Vegas for 4 nights and left Tyler with his Gramme and Granddad for the duration. We dropped Tyler off on Thursday night. We ate dinner with him, got him bathed and dressed for bed, and then came the worst moment of my life. Leaving my baby. Tyler shed many tears, but I think that I win for most hysterical breakdown. I was inconsolable. Even the thought that I was going to be in Vegas for a few days with great friends and no parental responsibilities didn't calm me down. I was leaving my baby. I cried most of the way down 295 on the way home. I wasn't sure that I wanted to go to Vegas anymore. But once we got home, got packed, and didn't get any frantic phone calls from the grandparents about what to do, I was able to sleep and be excited about the adventure ahead!

We left for Vegas on Friday morning, and this started Tyler's fun time with Gramme and Granddad. He got lots of outside play time in his log cabin that they have for him, visited with his Great-Grandma Smith, went shopping, played with his Aunt Jenn and wrestled with his Uncle Brian. We called and checked on him every day, though he rarely wanted to actually talk on the phone. We knew he heard us because he loves to hold a phone to his ear, but he rarely said much. I was starting to think that he didn't really miss us much at all!

Though he was confused when we got home and he was back in his own house, he warmed up quickly and he's back to being the clingy Mama's boy that he's always been. And I wouldn't have it any other way. He picked up lots of new words and sayings while we were gone. He says "Aw, man!" (which is hilarious) and "diaper" to name a few. And I swear that he got bigger and that his hair got longer in the 5 days we were gone. He uses a fork and spoon really well now. He walks down stair unassisted. It's amazing how much you miss in just those few days.

We did come back with gifts. We stopped by FAO Schwartz in Caesar's Palace, and bought Tyler a Brio train set, which he loves. I'm hoping to find him a wooden train table for Christmas (shhh, don't tell him!) so that he can have his track and trains out of the way and easily accessible! All in all, Travis & I had an amazing time with friends in the great city of Vegas and we all survived being apart from each other. I'm not ready to do that again anytime soon though. For now, I'm ready to just keep soaking up as much time and love from my little boy as possible.

We're off to Lynchburg next weekend to visit Grandpa Ed, Uncle Eddie, & Great-Nana Woody. We haven't been there since mid-August, so it will be great to spend some time with them.

And a final note: CONGRATULATIONS to our friends Marty & Meredith and their little girl, Elise. They welcome Lucas to their family this past week. CONGRATS!