My first holiday

We have just got back from a well executed holiday to Wellington and Wanganui, a master plan was put in place, and all went well with no melt downs or tantrums (from any of us!!). Staying with some of my friends in Welly and then a trip to Wanganui to see Sabine's great-nana and cousins. I was pretty nervous to start with as previously Sabine has screamed the entire airplane down the moment she got on, but this time was a great success! Slight mission packing with all Sabine's stuff (porta-cot, buggy etc) and my training stuff including bike! But somehow we managed to get it there and even fit it all in a rather small ford focus! 

5 days away, lot's of friends to entertain Sabine, family BBQ and crazy time in the swimming pool and Sabine was one happy camper the entire time! Yes, she is always like this, i giggled to my friends. 

Tips for traveling with a 11 month old:

~ Pack lot's of nibbles for on the plane

~ Give them a drink on take off and landing to help with their ears

~ Toys to entertain on the plane

~ Find out where the nearest park is (preferably with duck pond!)

~ Ask your friends to baby proof their lounge before you get there so all precious items are   safe!

~ Shop around car rental companies for a "free" baby seat, some will charge you! And most are forward facing which i didn't like.

~ Sit next to another family in the departure lounge, instant play mates!!!

Watching the ducks with my Papa

Feeding Nana's cat, this ended badly (for Sabine!)

Me and my great-nana Heather

It's been a long day!

Windy city here comes Sabine!

Were away for a few days to the Windy city, catching up with friends and family, celebrating my birthday and our 2nd wedding anniversary (and i'm sneakily going to watch the Triathlon Nationals). I lived there for over 2 years and i miss the Capital so much, i felt comfortable there, i didn't even mind the weather...i know!!!

Hopefully we get to see some of these (preferably whilst i'm not swimming!) that were seen today by a triathlete out swimming.

Sabine will get to meet some of my oldest and dearest friends for the first time, it's so nice for them to get to meet her and for Sabine to see some of my favorite places in the world. She will even get to see the place where her Papa proposed to her mama on our anniversary which will be very special!

I am NOT looking forward to the flight, previous flight have resulted in one tiny person crying beyond control, then a slightly larger person crying cause she can't do anything to help the tiny person. The short hop from Nelson to Welly should hopefully be short enough to avoid any huge drama's and i'm packing a small supermarkets worth of food to keep her distracted! 

Bike bag, running shoes, swimming togs and a pram later...i'm ready. Bring on Wellyvegas :D