Budenski and a Graduate

A lot has happened in the last two days.  And I of course have news about sleep - its getting better. I think Chris and I have concluded it is just a case of jet lag - not sure why we were so hesitant to go with this in the first place. Guess I should give the kid a break!

We met up with an old high school friend, Pat Budenski and his family on Saturday at an indoor kids play place.  I think Reina had the most fun by far. We of course loved seeing Pat and meeting his two boys and wife.  It always amazes me how little people change; Pat was just the same!  We hope to meet up with them again before we leave (and we hope they get stationed at Kadena soon).

Today we met up with the rest of the Eastman boys and Liz for her college graduation in London.  Reina thoroughly enjoyed her aunts and uncles and quickly warmed up and showed them all her "tricks;" their favorite being her cheesy on que smile.  Reina did not fair so well at the graduation.  Within the first 5 mintues Chris had to walk out with her. The girl was afraid of the clapping and as it was a graduation (plus awards ceremony) there was A LOT of clapping!  We decided to skip the performance as we had a long trek home with a tired baby.

Other plans for England at this point include our getaway without Reina to Edinburgh on Friday - Saturday.  Chris and I are getting excited; hope Liz and Grandpa are up for the challenge! We got lots of pictures so make sure you check out the slideshow too.

Stop to Smell the Flowers

We arrived into London yesterday afternoon after a VERY long flight. Mind you it was actually an hour shorter than the Pacific, but something about this one was longer. Perhaps it was the baby who didn't have her own seat, or the fact that she didn't sleep ALL night.  It was tough having her in our lap and her staying awake through the night while Chris and I could barely keep our eyes open. It also didn't help that I got a cold the day before.  Regardless, we made it and were happy to see Grandpa Jeff.  Reina made up a sign for Grandpa. Its kind of a cute story.  At swim lessons we sing a song that goes, "baby shark, mama shark, daddy shark, etc" and it has accompanying hand gestures (not signs).  Reina adopted the grandpa shark gesture.  She took right to Grandpa, so perhaps those skype sessions do help!

We finally got out this afternoon after a rough night of sleep (Reina again wouldn't sleep; we're chalking the 1 to 4am wake up to excitement) and a nice mid-morning nap.  She did sleep in the pack and play the whole time, so that was a plus.  So, enough about troubles!  We drove into St. Ives to feed the ducks and eat dinner.  Reina showed Grandpa how to smell the flowers too.  Chris' brothers come in tomorrow and then we have lots of plans.  Liz's graduation and closing show are Sunday.  Then we have dinner with Liz's boyfriend on Tuesday in London (and we're staying overnight at Liz's flat).  On Wednesday we move Liz out of her flat and we are all going to squeeze into the Eastman house.  Chris and I are still planning on a trip to Edinburgh later in the week, and we are debating on whether or not to bring Reina still.

Wrapping Up Washington

All the grandkids (Reina, Lucie, and Will)

Well, we're sitting here at our gate to fly to London right now.  Reina is waving to the planes and cars outside the window and I am taking advantage of the free wi-fi (as there was none at Aunt Debbie's).  Wow is Aunt Debbie an amazing host.  She took great care of us, and even buttered our bread and folded our laundry not to mention babysit Reina so Chris and I could get away to a movie.  We also saw lots of Chris' relatives and Uncle Mike came down too for a bbq on Sunday.  See all the pics below.  I also have a handful of pictures from Bellingham that I didn't get a chance to post (so those are in the slideshow).

Cousin Lucie, Joyce, Will and Auntie Debbie