We took a very last minute trip to Florida for Mother’s Day weekend this year. Since mom and dad couldn’t come up for Caroline’s birthday party we knew we had to get down there ASAP to spend some time with them. Dad came down with a pretty bad illness a few weeks ago and has not been recovering well. But seeing Caroline was the perfect medicine so we hopped on a plane and headed to Florida.
Caroline did absolutely terrible on the plane this time. We tried to fly during her nap time so she would sleep but that was the very last thing she wanted to do. Instead she wanted to play on the disgusting plane floor, climb on the seat in front of her, eat the Sky Mall magazine, throw goldfish everywhere, terrorize any passengers within arms reach, ignored her toys and didn’t want to be held. It was pure chaos and embarrassment the entire flight as she screamed, cried and threw temper tantrums for 1.5 very long hours. I threw the iPad, iPhones, a million snack options, toys, books and pacis at her and nothing worked. So anyway, if you have any tips on flying with a one year old, please do pass them along. Thankfully the flight home was much better and she did sleep the entire way, but we were on pins and needles the entire time.
But on to the better part of the trip – arriving in FLORIDA! My goodness it felt good to hug my dad around the neck! I have missed my parents terribly and the trip meant more to me than ever before. We got in on Friday afternoon and mom whipped up her famous spaghetti dinner. The whole family came over.
After a big breakfast on Saturday morning we lathered Caroline up with sunscreen (highly recommend Blue Lizard sunscreen) and spent most of the day outside by the pool. Caroline was in heaven. Her first pool dip was such a fun experience and we could not get her out of the water. Mom got a little giraffe float and Caroline absolutely loved floating around in it with her daddy. Meanwhile, Lindsey and I sunbathed nearby with virgin pina coladas. It was so nice to actually relax and feel sun on my skin for the first time in forever. 
Saturday evening we had another big family dinner. My dad cooked his weekly “Saturday steak dinner” which is a tradition passed down from my Grandpa from long, long ago and we all spent lots of quality time together.
On Sunday we headed back home. It was so hard to leave and I couldn’t have imagined a better Mother’s Day weekend. I am so thankful to have such a wonderful mom, mother-in-law and be a mom to two babies this year.
And because I can’t help it, a little throw back to my first Mother’s Day last year when Caroline was just a few days old…
What a fabulous Mother's Day weekend you had! I love your swimsuit. I'm on the hunt for a good maternity swimsuit for the summer. Where did you get yours?
Christina, I tend to share your believe that miss mini looks just like your husband! BUT that middle plane photo, that little lady is all you! Looks like she had a lot of fun on that flight, and wore out her two very busy parents!!Also her little tongue, can't get over it 🙂
Your dad looks great – I hope that means his health will continue to improve and fight. I'm glad you were able to spend the weekend, despite the rough ride over!! Is your bathing suit materinity? Will you share the details?
Even though she didn't do well on the plane, she still looks so adorable. Sophie usually looks her cutest when she's up to no good. Looks like such a fun weekend.liz @ sundays with sophie
Glad to hear things were calmer on the way home! Flying with a toddler is no joke!
How sweet! Your weekend looks so fun and I'm so glad you got to see your dad since he is thankfully on the mend!
Ah my friend, I'm so sorry about the plane – we had the same problem with Ellie when we went to Mauritius (4 hour flight!!!) It was chaos, even with a dose of drugs and she hardly slept… Loved these pics and you look gorgeous preggy mama x
oh girl, we were in the same boat over Easter when flying back with Lawter! She was so restless and busy and screamed and tantrumed anytime she didn't like something. Ughhhh. The rest of your trip sounds great though- Caroline looks like a natural water baby!
I'm sorry that your Dad isn't feeling well, but so glad that you guys were able to spend some time with him this weekend. Family time is definitely the best medicine for anything that ails you:) Caroline looks like the cutest little water baby in that adorable float with her sunglasses and hat on. Love it! Also, bow question. I know you shared that you buy a lot of Caroline's bows at Julia's Bowtique. But what size do you recommend? And do you just purchase headbands separately and then alligator clip the bows to the bands? New girl momma questions! Teach me your ways:)
I know its not a popular suggestion but it's really helpful to take the car seat on the plane. My kids have always treated it like a car ride and a safety thing when they've flown. The last time we flew we let them sit in the seat without it and it was a disaster for my younger son. The FAA also recommends a car seat for turbulence and the flight attendants are super helpful when installing it. Your dad looks great! I'm sorry he was sick and I'm so glad you were able to visit. Hope he is continuing to recover and the cancer continues to vanish. Thinking and praying for him!
the picture of caroline in the giraffe holding down the glasses is PERFECT! so darn adorable. and you are looking fantastic!
How fabulous that you could fly down for a quick weekend! Sorry to hear about your dad being ill. Love the floating pics though, so cute. Fingers crossed for better flights though. That is my worst nightmare ha.
Flying DOES get easier! The hardest time for traveling for us has been between about 8-15 months. She was mobile but had a way short attention span and still didn't understand directions and norms. As she gets older it gets better! Glad y'all had a fun weekend in FL with your family!
Those pictures of Caroline in the pool with her sunnies?! I DIE. Seriously. Could your sweet little family be ANY CUTER?!!?! Love, love, love, love!!!!!!!!! So glad you went to visit your dad – prayers for his recovery going strong!!
She looked much happier once she got on her bathing suit. She's a really cute child! ~Ashley @ A Cute Angleacutelifestyle.blogspot.com
What a fun weekend! So glad you were able to go home and see your family! Looks like Caroline LOVES the pool! Too adorable.
Ha! Y'all were THOSE parents on the plane!!! I'm already nervous about Conner's first plane trip, and it isn't until next August (that we know of….)!! He will be almost 1.5 by then! Hope your dad is feeling better now!
I am catching up on blog post here! What an awesome Mother's Day weekend though!! Caroline is too cute in the pool!!
Caroline is too cute in her resort wear!