Bakersfield July 2010

Last Thursday, we took our first trip as a family of four. Wendy was being honored by the American Cancer Society, so the 4 DC Tacketts flew to Bakersfield for a long weekend. Both kids did great on the flights - Ben mainly slept through them and Maya enjoyed watching Dora, reading books, playing with playdough, drawing, etc. We had a great time in Bakersfield - we got to introduce Ben to almost all of his California relatives; spend more quality time with Benji, Amy, and Loretta; get dressed up to attend the American Cancer Society benefit; and even go on a date!

Maya had a blast with Shushu and Grandpaji. She repeatedly asked on the plane ride back if we could go back to Shushu's house. I tried to convince her that going home to our house in DC to see Abe would be just as much fun, but I don't think she was buying it. (Funny story- on the shuttle back to the parking lot at BWI, Maya loudly told me that she wanted to go home to pump. Yep, use the breast pump. I have either fostered the maternal instinct in her early or scarred her for life - not sure which.)

It was also great to have tons of hands to hold Ben - he has turned out to LOVE being held - or more accurately - HATE not being held. As much as I enjoy snuggling with my little guy, it was nice to be able to pass him off and use both my hands whenever I wanted to.

Maya helped Wendy pick tomatoes or as Maya calls them "DA-matos." (Our cherry tomato plant is doing great by the way - and saving us tons of money as they are one of Maya's favorite foods!)
Maya helped beat the Bakersfield heat by going through the splash park at Jastro Park (if only they would turn the water on before noon, the adults could have handled the heat and taken her more!)
She also enjoyed the swing that Benji put up.
Ben.... well, Ben sat around a lot. Poor little guy. He is looking forward to being able to run around like Maya.
Ben, Maya, and Loretta went to visit Great Grandma at her house. Apparently, some one decided that an assisted-living house needed a karaoke machine. And Maya agreed.

We have more pictures (of the kids with Great Grandma, Ben in his Bring It shirt with Marshall, the first picture of the 9 Wayne/Tacketts, etc.) but the computer is being smarter than I am once again. Will try to post soon.... Thanks for a great weekend, Wendy and Gene!