seattle

Despite it being a busy time of year with the holidays and all, we squeezed in a trip to Washington to visit Adam's family and introduce them to Ella.  This was Ella's first time on a plane and our first time traveling with an infant.  We were definitely anxious and apprehensive about it, but our trip couldn't have been smoother.  Nursing her during take off and landing really helped, and on the way there she slept for most of the flight.  Returning, she decided to take in the whole experience, refusing to sleep.  Both ways, she made fast friends with the flight attendants and the other passengers nearby.

We're traveling with a lot more baggage now!

Aboard the plane for Ella's first flight.  Strangely enough this picture was taken by Steve-O from Jackass, who happened to be on our flight. 

Adam's cousin graciously opened her home to us, and provided us with many baby items so we could travel a little lighter.  It was so nice to spend that time with her and her family, and have Ella play with her second cousins.  Thanks, Jamel and Stewart for your hospitality!

With the Smith family.

Ella was greeted with presents--her first this Christmas!  Though she was more interested in the wrapping paper and sparkly bow, we loved the teapot set, the books and the Elf on the Shelf.  We are particularly excited to start that tradition next year!

Opening her gifts with her cousin, Samantha.

The perk of staying with family was that they already had baby stuff we could use.  We were happy to see they had the Jumparoo set up for Ella.  I was debating whether or not to get her one, and am glad she was able to try it out first.  She loved it, and Santa will be getting a memo that it's on top of her Christmas list this year.

Her first test drive.

Samantha was pretty fascinated by Ella.  I think the feeling's mutual.

The main purpose of our trip was for Ella to meet family, and we were so blessed that she was able to meet her great-grandfather, who just celebrated his 93rd birthday!

Ella got to meet all her girl cousins, and it was fun watching them try to play with her while being gentle and respectful of her space.  I think she was mesmerized by their energy.

The photo is fuzzy because snapping a picture of four kids and an infant can be tricky.

We were also able to meet up with some friends in the area.

With the Fike family, who had us over for a delicious lunch.

With my girl friend, Gina, who I met while living in San Francisco.

All in all, a very successful and memorable trip.  We're definitely looking forward to more visits in the future!