April 4-10, 2011 Gettysburg, Washington DC, & Baltimore

This years NFSA (National Fire Sprinkler Association) Conference was in Baltimore this year so we decided to head out a few days early and visit Gettysburg and Washington DC.

Unlike my trip to Utah this trip went much smoother. I had extra hands to help at the airport and our flights were only delayed an hour or so.

We spent our first full day in Gettysburg wandering the battlefields and touring the Visitors Center. Nate's brother Matt is a Gettysburg buff and so it was like having our own personal tour guide as he told us all the good stories. The visitors center is also amazing, with a beautiful circular mural, touching video, and fascinating museum with artifacts. If you ever get the chance to go you should.

It was quite a cold, windy day so Tanner and I didn't get out at every stop but between me and Nate we got some good pics. (Nate really got comfortable and good with our new camera this trip).











































We all piled into this minivan to tour the grounds together. It was a bit of a circus act, like the clowns getting out of the little car. In and out.....how many people are going to get out?? :)







Nate and Tanner in the back of the van.

That night we went swimming in the hotel pool. What trip isn't complete with swimming?? I had misplaced part of my swimsuit so Tanner had to enjoy his first swim without me. He wasn't so sure and ended up crying but every other time we have gone since he has loved it, splashing and kicking his legs in his floaty tube.















The next day we drove to Washington DC. Just a word of advice for those of you who may travel there anytime......two words, public transit. If you stay in Baltimore take the train, if you are staying in DC shuttle to hotel and use the Metro. The parking was crazy, the traffic insane to and from, and we did a ton of walking but it was a beautiful day so it wasn't a big deal. And I have the easiest, best behaved baby; I can seriously take him anywhere and pretty much have.

We had to hit all the big touristy places since we only had one day. We saw the White House where we eventually got asked to leave the block as a dignitary was leaving, the Washington Monument, National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool (not so reflective when under construction), Vietnam War Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and the World War II Memorial. As well as the cherry blossoms because it was that time of year.













Nate is too cool for Obama :)







Washington Monument






Vietnam War Memorial






Flags at the Vietnam War Memorial






Mr. Lincoln






Nate, Tanner (sleeping), and Me with Mr Abe Lincoln







Nephew Tal on his leash, too cute






Matt, Angeline, Emma, and Tal by the Gettysburg Address at the Lincoln Memorial






Matt, Tal, Emma, and Nate heading down all the stairs at the Lincoln Memorial






Statues at the Korean War Memorial






Nate and Tanner at the World War II Memorial






Nate by the Missouri column at the WWII Memoria






Tanner at the National Mall while we waited for Nate to get the car

We finished off the trip in Baltimore where we went to the Aquarium, an Oriels Game, and ate a ton of seafood. The boys spent some time in meetings but we still managed to do and see a lot of things.













Strollers weren't allowed so they give you these carry things, Tanner and Nate weren't so sure






Dolphin Show

Our flight home was uneventful but I must leave you with this cute picture of Tanner waiting for the plane in his pajamas with his new best friend Sandy.







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March 17-26, 2011 Trip to Utah

So at the end of February my mom called to see if I could go out to watch Eliza in March while they were at Cheer Nationals with my other sister Camille. She said she would buy my ticket and Nate's but unfortunately Nate had to work so off to Utah Tanner and I went.

As if traveling with a three month old for the first time wasn't hard enough the airport was not a pleasant experience in STL or SLC. Tanner and I got to the St. Louis Airport in plenty of time to get thru security and get to our gate. To paint the picture of what a feat this was picture me with baby in a travel system (car seat/stroller system), camera bag, diaper bag, and a stroller bag (a bag that fits the stroller and car seat so it doesn't get banged up). So I had made it thru security with removing everything electronic or liquid from my bag, taking off all jackets (mine and Tanner's), my shoes, taking apart and folding stroller, and sending all of the above thru the scanner. I was so sweaty (gross I know, but the truth) by the time I got to the gate I was pretty impressed with myself and feeling good. The gate attendant person announced we would begin boarding in 15-20 minutes. I thought this would be a good time to load the stroller and car seat into it's handy bag and just car Tanner down the jet way (or causeway??). Ten minutes later the gate attendant announced because of issues with the plane we would be moving gates.....all the way to the other end of the terminal where we would board immediately. It was way too much work and time to get the stroller back out, so I proceeded to drag everything while carrying a baby down to the new gate. Luckily I had a bit of assistance from some sweet traveling college gals. Once in the air the flight was great and Tanner slept the entire time.

Once in Utah Tanner and I spent our time watching Eliza play softball for Viewmont High School (Go Vikes!!), eating Cafe Rio, seeing some of my friends, visiting family, and just enjoying time with my family.




Eliza Pitching JV




Tanner snuggling up during the game, it was 75 in STL but freezing in SLC




Nothing like a little Cafe Rio




Pic with my BF Kylee, it was so good to see her, her sweet hubby, and her mom

When my parents got back my mom and dad watched Tanner one day so I could go get a haircut (it had almost been a year, I am awful I know). Another day my mom and I went shopping and to lunch in SNOW! (Some days I don't miss the long Utah winters).

After a fun ten days with my family it was definitely time to go home. That is way too long to be away without Nate. Little did I know the real adventure was about to begin when my family dropped me at the airport.

First my dad and the check in lady got into a fight about paying to check my bags (since my dad bought my ticket he used an AMEX, so I could have free checked bags) then those bags were to heavy so I had to repack everything right there in the airport. After that the fam walked me to security where good byes were given and tears shed. My family waited while I made it thru security which resulted in a stubbed toe, and a security lady yelling at me for taking to long to get my stuff off the ramp/belt thing after it went thru the scanner. HELLO! DO YOU NOT SEE THE BABY AND ALL MY STUFF!!!!!! The second major problem was when I got to my gate the flight was delayed 30 minutes, that 30 minutes went to 2 hours and then 3 1/2 hours, and finally 4. Poor Nate and I were having a hard time figuring out what time he was going to need to pick me up. I ended up landing at 2:30 in the morning which meant we arrived home by 4:30am.

Luckily my sweet baby Tanner played on a blanket until bed time and slept all the way home. He is such a trooper and a much better traveler than mommy (I was so on edge by the time I got home).




Sweet boy sleeping on the plane


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Long Time No Post

Being a Mom is a busy thing.....SHOCKING, I know :) We have been busy at the Coleman house with trips to Utah, Baltimore, Gettysburg, and Washington DC, redoing the landscaping in our yard, boating, camping and celebrating birthdays and other holidays. I must also confess that I am becoming a bit of a coupon mom....it is such a rush to get things for cheap or even free so that occupies much of my free time as well.


I hope to get caught up on all the recent activities soon but until then......I leave you with some pics of the wonderful boy who occupies my time :)




First Timing Eating Food




Just Happy




First Bike Ride w/Mom, Dad, and Tigger :)




Trying to be all grown up.




Go Cardinals!!!




Playtime




Petting his Puppy




Naptime for my two boys.



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Already Two Months

It is so crazy to think that Tanner is already two months. It just seems like yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital and enjoying the holidays together as a family (that totally sounds like a mom, but guess what? I am one). Tanner is growing and changing so much each day so here are a few new fun things about Tanner.

• He loves to talk to you. He even thinks you are talking to him when you are on the phone in the same room with him.
• He smiles the biggest gummy smile that melts your heart. One of my favorite smiles is the one he gives me during the middle of the night when I am feeding him a bottle or changing his diaper. It just melts my heart and makes me feel not so tired.
• He laughs at silly faces and sounds or toys that he loves.
• His favorite book is "Is Your Mama a Lama?" I think he just loves the rhyme and I love the story.....you could say it is a win win :)
• He enjoys music (especially country) and if mommy starts singing he starts making his own noise to try and singing along.
• Sometimes when he is talking if he thinks you aren't listening or you leave the room he just talks louder.
• He is a thumb sucker. He sucks on it whenever he is hungry, sleepy, or nervous. The only time he uses his binky is when he is in his car seat and can't reach his arms up to his face or he is being snuggled up tight and being rocked.

Happy Tanner with Chubby Cheeks Like Mommy

Sucking the golden Thumb

Two months also brought his two month old shots which gave him a fever. The poor thing had to be held all night, we would cry out in his sleep and open his eyes for just a minute to make sure you were still there. It was a pretty long night but now we know for next time and will give him Tylenol ahead of time. This month Tanner also got his first cold.....he has been pretty stuffy for almost two weeks but he seems to finally be getting over it. Nate and I were both diagnosed with strep so we have been quite the sick family but everyone is getting better......FINALLY!!

Nap Time :)

Next week Tanner and I are taking his first air plane trip to Utah. We are super excited to visit but bummed that Nate won't be able to come with us. I am super nervous to travel with a newborn alone but with his pleasant personality the only thing I am worried about is all the stuff I have to take and how much stuff I won't be able to check.....like the stroller and diaper bag with everything a mom or Tanner could need.

Wish me luck and I promise to take tons of pictures.

Blessing Weekend

The first weekend in February a bunch of our family from Utah came out to join us and our Coleman family for the blessing of Tanner in church. It was so fun to introduce our little man to our family. Tanner enjoyed all the hugs, kisses, and attention he got all weekend but every night after everyone left he would crash from exhaustion. I think it was a lot of activity, people, and excitement to take in for a little guy. Here are a few pictures from the weekend. I loved being surrounded by all of my family, Coleman and Thornley/Christensen.

Four Generations

Grandpa Thornley, Nate, Tanner, & Great Grandpa Thornley

Great Grandpa & Grandma Thornley, Great Grandma & Grandpa Christensen, and of course Tanner

Grandpa and Grandma Thornley with Tanner

Since my parents and sisters were only in town for 36 hours everyone would fight over who got to hold Tanner, feed Tanner, or change Tanner's diapers. Camille and Eliza were the worse....Eliza was very concerned that Tanner like her best and got held by her the most.

Eliza, Grandma, Camille, and Tanner

Aunt Camille and Tanner

Nate and Tanner had some bonding time on Sunday morning while Nate showed Tanner just how we dress for church; khaki pants, white shirt, and don't forget the tie. With the help of Nate, Tanner looked dapper for his special moment......they looked so cute together.