SE Roadtrip Day 2: Visiting Audra and Rob 2012

In preparation for our trip, I got Kevin to sleep a little more than he usually does Wednesday and Thursday night. He was so energetic from a few nights of 8 hours of sleep instead of 6, that somewhere in West Virginia, he made the decision to drive straight to Charlotte, North Carolina. There was merit in his decision because James was sleeping in the car and likely would have woken up if we stopped and not really allowed us to sleep at a hotel anyway. Still, it took us about 11.5 hours to get to Audra and Rob's house, and Kevin was exhausted. We spent a little time with the family, and when it was time for James to take his morning nap, we took a big fatty family nap with all three of us passed out the bed drooling.

Rob, Carter, and Audra

Audra and Rob have a son, Carter, very close to James's age. James is about 12.5 months old and Carter is 10.5 months old. Carter isn't walking yet, but he's crawling and pulling up a lot.  We figured with the age, weight, and mobility advantage, we'd have to protect Carter a little.  At first they played pretty easily and we were pleasantly surprised. Then, sweet little harmless Carter started making some loud babbling noises that would regularly reduce James to tears.  Full on tears, streaming down his face. Carter didn't understand what the problem was- why wouldn't his buddy James play anymore? Actually, none of us understood. James has been pushed around by bigger kids with no problem, but a little noise, and he was beside himself.

James and Carter playing together-ish


Starting a xylophone and maracas band


Carter is inspired to try walking with James around

Rob and Audra were super awesome hosts. Their house is beautiful, and Audra made us a delicious casserole for lunch. We played with the babies all afternoon and in the evening we went out to a cute Mexican place which was kid-friendly.  Well, kid-friendly for charming babies like Carter, but not so James-friendly since James hates sitting and his parent's happiness.

Bad baby James versus good baby Carter


At the restaurant- We're smiling, but inside we're crying a little

When we returned it was bathtime and bedtime! My favorite part of the day! After they went to bed we got to relax and enjoy some good beer Rob bought. Though I usually run to bed as early as possible these days I lingered to an almost respectable weekend bedtime because I was having a good time.

Bathtime friends

Carter is really cute! He's got Audra's eyes with Rob's color.