It’s about time I got around to this. It is a shame that it has taken me this long to write this up; the unfortunate side-effect of time passed is brevity. Let’s see what I can make of this.
A couple days before Halloween, we set out on a very unlikely adventure. Something odd was happening: Two of my sisters, their family and my Mom were heading out to North Carolina for the Halloween weekend. And it wasn’t even like they were doing it together. Two separate plans, a couple hours apart. So we decided to throw our branch of the family into the mix.
Let us start at a place some time before the beginning. As the day of our departure grew near, Rowan got sick. Scary sick. spyMommy took him to the doctor and it turned out to be croup. Everything felt “up the in air” until the night before; when the medicine really started to kick in.
There were, of course, a host of other concerns – specifically related to Rowan – as well, things like bathroom, eating and just a general difficulty in new situations. On the drive there, our worst fears seemed to be coming true. He wasn’t eating – barely drinking, and forget the bathroom. (12 hours in the car and he held it the entire time.)
As you can imagine. It was a really long day, only made longer by the mounting stresses. Finally we arrived at spyMommy’s parent’s house. We were a bit nervous about this part as well. Neither Arwen or Rowan do well in chaotic situations, and just about every time we’ve arrived at this house, one or both of them ended up becoming overwhelmed and melting down.
Luckily our concerns were unfounded, this time. They both settled into something resembling a normal routine, and I think it wasn’t long before Rowan used the bathroom. (I don’t actually know if these pictures are from then or the next morning)
The next day, Rowan’s condition continued to improve and everyone’s spirits along with it. Honestly, the previous day was a long, rough day, and I think everyone was glad to sit still for a bit. The weather was pretty nice, so we did spend some time outside as well.
There was a bit of lounging and hanging out; I think we even went to a store… oh yeah, and a Hardee’s.
https://instagram.com/p/9eEDMQGdZ8
Later on that day, we went to the park at Lake Tom-a-Lex, where there was playing and duck feeding.
https://instagram.com/p/9f-FqGmdTv
That night most of spyMommy’s family gathered and ate dinner. I think everyone slept pretty well.
The following day way sort of a big deal. For one thing, it was going to be a busy day. We were going to visit spyMommy’s step-mother for a bit, then head out on a drive that would take us to Charlotte, NC. It is in Charlotte where we’re to meet one of my sisters, and most importantly… go trick-or-treating. Did I mention that it was Halloween?
The morning visit was a pretty relaxed event, even though for some reason, Rowan got really stressed out and I ended up taking him outside for most of it. When it was about time to leave, some pictures were taken… and they’re gems.
By the time that was done. They were spent.
The drive to Charlotte was uneventful… well, except for me getting lost. Luckily only by a little bit.
We weren’t really sure what to expect, this being the first time Arwen and Rowan had stayed in a hotel. But they took to it right away.
There was only one thing to do. Get cleaned up and get ready to go trick-or-treating with my sister and her family and friends. (Kind of a big deal, Arwen and Rowan have never met any of my siblings).
It was time to head out and meet the family. We were meeting at a pizza place, where we’d eat, then head out to a neighborhood.
Unfortunately I don’t have any pictures, other than these, of the trick-or-treating.
The kids did great and had a super fun time. Hell, we all had a good time. It was great to be in a neighborhood that got so involved in Halloween. Kids were running everywhere, there was plenty of candy… and best of all? The weather was nearly perfect.
The next day was set to be another big day. We were going to meet up with my Mom and another one of my sisters. But first thing’s, first. The hotel had a pool. Rowan has never been in a pool, and it was high-time, we got him in to one. (Rowan and I actually went twice, once by ourselves and then again with my sister (with her family) and Arwen.)
Rowan immediately took to the water. There was so much happiness and excitement in him that it was contagious. (Arwen took some of these)
After pool time (Rowan didn’t want to leave), it was time to get cleaned and meet up with everyone. The plan was basically to just chill out and eat tacos. A plan I will get behind everyday.
It all ended too soon, and no one felt that enough pictures were taken. But kids and adults were tired, and we all said goodbye.
That night we ordered room service (which was EXCELLENT… best I’ve had) and prepared for an early morning departure.
I should mention, that while Rowan was feeling better, spyMommy started getting sick… and the cough is still with her today.
The trip home was a lot better than the trip out. Rowan ate more, and used the bathroom.
It was a trip filled with breakthroughs and milestones; an overwhelmingly positive experience. We’ve also, unofficially, proclaimed that we should be doing a Halloween trip every year. Either back to Charlotte or somewhere new.