Leah, Ben and Clara returned this week from an eight-day trip to Pullman, Washington. Pullman is home to Phil, Kaitlin and almost one-year-old Mara Watson— who happens to be the cutest and cuddliest baby in the world (yes, that is a dare to even try to find one cuter...and cuddlier).
It was Leah's first solo cross-country journey with both kids, who were excellent travelers. Both travel days involved an early morning wake-up call, an hour drive to the airport, a three-hour flight followed by another four-hour flight and then another long drive from the airport (not to mention the three hour time change). It's a proud mommy moment when multiple travelers seek you out post flight to comment on the good behavior of your children (The secret: tiered entertainment and projects, matched with plenty of snacks and one really great surprise). Favorite in-flight comment courtesy of Ben: “I am so glad God made (Clorox) wipes!”
Spring had not quite made its arrival in Pullman. The cold, windy weather (it snowed our final day there!) made for creative indoor playtime and many hot chocolate breaks. Luckily, we were pretty content just being together. Uncle Phil handed over his iPhone to Ben, ushering in a quick Angry Birds addiction. Clara and Mara would often pause mid-play to tackle each other with hugs and kisses. Ben and Clara would scramble for front row viewing of diaper changes, bath times were a group activity (for the kids, anyway) and we all were entertained watching Mara eat gleefully by the fistful. Phil managed to beat out Kaitlin and Leah on Just Dance 2—that boy was made for Bollywood!
It was a trip of bittersweet joy— it felt so good to have the kids in one place, yet we were always missing Grace. Kaitlin and Leah embraced the luxury of having a week of time together. There was time for conversation, for chatting, for laughing…time to tune out whiny toddlers, to do dishes and laundry, to watch Mara in wonder and shed a few tears. Months ago, Clara declared herself Mara’s “big brother” (can you tell who she most adores in the world?) and she spent the week loving, teaching and delighting in her cousin.
It was an honor to be there to watch Mara take her first solo steps. It was healing to hold that beautiful baby girl in our arms. It was a challenge, yet simultaneously wonderful, to spend days (and nights!) on end with Ben and Clara. We made a promise that we would not be gone that long from Mark again. It was a blessing to feel that a part of us was missing, incomplete without our man.
As we stepped off the plane in Washington, Ben looked out at the mountains and proclaimed, "It’s a whole new world.” And though the world is different than what we want—this trip reminded us again that it is filled with much beauty, love, joy and the comfort, security and faithfulness of family.
Leah's in-flight activity: knitting an orange cuddle blanket for Yoda.
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