Tia Allred Blog

Traveling with Two Toddlers

3:18 PM

I flew from Washington to Arizona by myself with a 3 year-old and an almost 2 year-old.

If I'm being honest...I hope I don't have to do that again anytime soon.

It was hard and exhausting, although it actually went relatively smoothly. I think back on all the things that could've potentially gone wrong, and I'm so grateful on how our experience went.

Our flight was delayed, so we ended up spending a lot of time waiting near our gate.

My nephew made Landon this little paper airplane and gave it to him at church. Somehow it lasted through one hour of nursery, an hour at home scurrying to get all of our things together, an hour car drive to the airport, through checking our luggage, security, at the gate, on the plane, and all the way to Arizona! Now it rests safely on Grammy and Papito's desk. Can't believe he took such good care of it! It is so cute! It provided lots of entertainment.

They also made a friend with another little boy. It was great, it kept them entertained and happy. I love how kids can just suddenly be friends without a second thought.

Many thanks to several strangers who helped me (I think I looked pretty helpless. I'm sure they wondered what the heck I was doing). It was actually pretty humbling for me, to let someone just pick up my baby and help me climb the tall narrow stairs onto the plane, or to help us get the carseats up to the counter to get them checked, or the sweet man across the aisle from us who played peek-a-boo with Vivienne and made her face light up.

This was the first time the kids have ever flown! So we had to snap a photo to document it.

Once the plane landed and everyone else got off, we got off. This airport requires you to walk on the tarmack to get on/off the plane. It can be a long walk and the planes are noisy. So I had a tired, sad, screaming and crying baby girl trailing along behind me. She wanted to be held. But I was carrying all of our coats, my backpack, and the carry-on. She continued to do this the whole time, even once we got inside and were walking past all the people waiting at their gates. It was super embarrassing. I finally picked her up and waddled around the corner where there was an "army" of people to rescue us. My mom, dad, Bennett, and Cassidy were all right there--with big smiles and open arms. There were more than enough hands to help carry babies, carseats, and suitcases.

We made it! But I think we are all really grateful that Daddy will be on the flight home with us.

Weekend in Leavenworth

3:11 PM

Brett took it upon himself to plan the sweetest weekend away for my birthday! I have to say, I was really impressed.

A while back, he mentioned to me that he thought it would be fun to take me to Leavenworth for my birthday--and I agreed that it would be fun, of course. I guess that was all he needed to hear, and he made all of these plans for a quick little get-away, just the two of us.

He booked us a room at an adorable bed & breakfast (and it had a ton of amazing tripadvisor reviews, which were proven true). When we arrived to check in, there were flowers in the room that Brett had already arranged to be delivered there. Not to mention a giant hot tub and fire place in the room--which are some of my most favorite things.

We spent some time walking around the charming little downtown and then grabbed a bite to eat in a delicious Italian restuarant, with a view of all the Christmas lights out our window.

We definitely picked out an ornanment to add to our travel tree, as well.

The bed and breakfast had a hot water dispenser with cider, hot chocolate, and an assortment of other things to use on each floor, along with an ice maker and fridge stocked with water bottles and all sorts of sodas and juices, for any of the guests to use at any time.

Our room was right on the Wenatchee river. This is Brett standing on the deck right outside of our room, and you can see the river right behind him. The sound of the river was so soothing. This place was beautiful in the winter, and I'm sure it is equally beautiful during the other seasons.

On our way home, it was drizzly and wintery. We stopped by an antique mall and browsed the whole place. Then we stopped for some lunch and hot pie and ice cream at a little restaurant.

Then we went and picked up our sweet babies. We missed them, but it was so nice to have this quick little get-away. Brett sure treats me like a queen, and this was a very memorable birthday weekend. I'm grateful we had the opportunity to go and spend some time together!

THE Football Game

3:02 PM

It is an understatment to say that football is a huge deal in our new town. We attended the first home game, and pretty much the whole town was in attendance. I have to say, it is pretty fun to live in a smaller area where everyone is cheering on the same team. There is an energy, an excitement, and everyone is just buzzing around with anticipation.

This year, they were undefeated and went to the state championship game. We didn't want to miss out on the fun! And we wanted to cheer our nephew on, who was playing, along with our Uncle Wiley and Cousin Dexter who were coaching! So, the night before the game, we stayed in Brett's Uncle's cabin, and hung out with some of his cousins who were staying there to go to the game as well. We so appreciated their hospitality and for letting us stay there and we had a great time hanging out with them.

Then, we went to the game. Thankfully it was inside, since it was snowy outside. The game was great and competitive.

And we WON! It was THE football game to be at this year. I started thinking about how I might feel if it was one of my kids out there playing in that game, and started to get a little emotional. Can't imagine the tears of joy and excitement I would have if my own little Landon had been out there playing! It would be a sight to behold, I'm sure, haha!

Vivienne is likely to be a future cheerleader. She feeds off of the excitement and cheers and claps. She also loves the music and halftime shows.

Also, much thanks to the kids in front of us who had a tablet. Landon spent a lot of time just looking over their shoulders watching them play (I don't have any apps for the kids on our iPad, so it's a treat just to watch, I guess, haha!). The little boy was so sweet, and even gave him a turn. No prompting or prodding from his mama, he just turned around and told Landon he would get a turn next and then he kept his word. It was a sweet little interaction to witness.

Brett and Landon are here with our nephew on the team!

The mountain pass we needed to drive on to get home, was really snowy and kept shutting down and re-opening due to accidents and people getting stuck in the snow. We decided to play it safe and stay in a hotel. We got a big suite with Brett's sister and her family. Her boys just spoil my kids rotten with affection and attention. Look at them snuggling up and watching a show before going to bed.

I also squeezed in some shopping, because...I kind of can't help myself when there is a Target just a stone's throw away from my hotel and I'm "stuck" in the city!

We are so glad we decided to stay the night. The roads were much better and safer in the morning. Us Arizona transplants need to ease our way in to this snowy winter business!