This past weekend we traveled back up to Vermont.  Weren’t we just there?  Yes.  BUT… My brother (currently stationed in Germany and getting deployed soon) came home for a quick visit – so we took the long drive up to spend the holiday weekend with him.

We left Boston early, around 2PM, in hopes of catching his flight, coming into Burlington Airport in Vermont at 6:45PM.  The drive would typically only take 4 hours, so we thought we had a nice cushion.  We stopped at the NH Liquor Store for some supplies to celebrate for the weekend.  We all got out and stretched our legs, taking our leisurely time.  Then when we were about halfway there, around 4:30PM, we stopped in White River Jct for a snack and a break from driving.  Avery also needed to eat.  Then, back on the road around 5PM.  With Vinay’s fancy phone, we checked the status of Marcus’s flight.  Apparently, they were making good time because the flight was now supposed to get in at 6:23PM.  Eek!  We hustled to the airport and as we were walking in, we saw his plane taxiing to the gate.  We made it!  We joined our family and stood with a super-awesome sign my sister had made to greet him.  He didn’t know we’d be there at the airport, so he was very surprised to see the crowd for him when he walked off the plane.

The first person he greeted?  Avery. (Uncle Marcus hadn’t met Avery yet.  His last visit was for our wedding last May)

Then it was off to dinner – a dinner I hardly ate because Avery was sooo excited and wouldn’t stay still.  He ate his dinner in the highchair, but after that, he wanted to join us at the table.  Vinay was able to shovel some food in my mouth, and we took the rest home.  Oh well… eating out with a 6-month old isn’t ideal, but we hope Marcus enjoyed our company.

Saturday we were off to do some visiting… first Avery’s Great Grandparents…

I love this picture of Grandma with Avery… mostly because I took it about 5 seconds before Avery spit-up all over the front of her blue shirt.  Awe.  Avery christened Great Grandma   It was nothing she hadn’t experienced before – she has 8 children!

Then to see my long-time girlfriend (since 2nd grade!), Joayn, where Avery made new friends with her son, Caleb.  I think Avery was more interested in Caleb’s boots, than Caleb

And she of coarse wouldn’t let me leave empty handed.  We left with clothes and food that Caleb had outgrown.  We were thrilled, because every time we turn around, we have to put away more of Avery’s clothes that are too small.

Saturday night we hosted Marcus and his parents (yes, his parents.  Marcus isn’t really my brother.  Our parents were best friends and we spent every Saturday night and together growing up, so we’ve always considered them family and it’s just too long to explain so we just call him our brother).  It was a combined effort with yummy food and drinks.  I think Marcus enjoyed himself because he stayed after his parents left and passed out on the couch.

Sunday morning was Easter! After everyone slept in…

And Marcus gave Avery his morning bottle…

Aunt Sarah The Easter Bunny hid eggs for Avery.  We were pretty surprised at how quickly Avery got the concept of finding the egg (aka Sarah pointed it out), he’d grab it, and put it in the basket.

Where were our parents during this fun holiday?  Mine were in DC on a weekend trip.  We celebrated Easter with them the weekend before… we even had a nice Easter Linner (lunch/dinner).

Avery joined in, and enjoyed some sweet potatoes…

Then it was off to Sunday brunch with Marcus’ family.  Again, Avery wasn’t very cooperative, so he was shuffled between me and my sister, so I could eat.

A quick stop to see my Dad’s side of the family on our way out… and Avery played with his second cousin, Ellery.  Remember her from this post?

And finally around 2:30 on Easter, we headed back home.  A fun-filled weekend.  We were so happy so see Marcus and spend some time with him, knowing we won’t see him for a while… we love and miss you, Marcus.  We’ll see you soon!

How did you spend your Easter?  Did you have to travel?  How far?  We drove 240 miles to VT!  Well worth the trip