South Cackalacky!

So back before little Macie was born (December), we were talking with Matt's sister and her husband who live in South Carolina that if they got Matt tickets to the PGA Masters Tournament that we would fly out there with Lucas and the baby. I am not going to lie... I didn't really think that they would be able to get tickets so I thought it was more of a joke. Well, they made good on the promise of getting him a ticket so we had to make good on our promise of flying out there. I know... we are a little crazy taking a 2 year old and a 1 month old on a trip across the country. Luckily, they also got Matt's dad a ticket so Matt's parents flew with us. 

This was a life saver when it came to security. Here is a list of items that needed to make it through security. I felt so bad for anyone who was behind us. We might have used at least 9 security bins. 

Bin 1: my shoes, belt and purse

Bin 2: Macie's formula

Bin 3: Lucas' asthma medicine (we have to take it when ever we travel and it has to be carried on so they don't lose it)

Bin 4: Matt's shoes, belt and wallet

Bin 5: Diaper bag

Bin 6: computer

Bin 7: Lucas' backpack

Bin 8: Matt's backpack

Bin 9: Macie's carrier

Lucas' carseat

Then we had to get Lucas through security. Luckily he went through with Grandma. Matt carried Macie and I was in charge of getting all of the items loaded onto security and off. Good times. But we made it and had just a little bit of time to get juice for Lucas, feed Macie a little and got on the airplane. YAY! 

Matt and I like to rate the airplane ride on a scale of 1-10. Of course 10 being the best. So here are the overall scores for the airplanes. 

From Tucson to Dallas:

Lucas - A perfect 10. He slept the whole way there.

Macie - A perfect 10. She slept the whole way there.

* A little side note on the Dallas airport. First of all, our flight was late taking off so we were late getting into Dallas. We only had about 40 minutes to get off the plane, RUN from one side of the airport to the opposite end. Arrived at the gate as everyone had already boarded. The lady said, "Are you on this flight? About time." Nice right! Plus they wouldn't let Lucas have his carseat on the plane because they thought that it wouldn't fit. Which it would have. Anyway...

From Dallas to Greenville, SC:

Lucas - A perfect 10. He played the i.Pad the whole time.

Macie - A 8 1/2. She cried for a little bit, but I think the air pressure was getting to her ears. It was a very small plane. 

Lucas playing on my phone waiting for take off.
Then he fell asleep.

Macie on her first airplane flight!

Once we landed in Greenville, we were greeted by Aunt Kim & cousins Noah and Abby. Luke was so excited, he ran right up to Noah and Abby. No need for Mom and Dad anymore. They are way cooler. 

While Matt was getting the luggage, I went with Lucas and Aunt Kim to put his carseat in her car. It was a very good thing I wasn't there when Matt got the luggage. Here is why: the airline (AMeri.can Air.lines) broke our stroller. Plus, they won't do anything about it since it is on the fragile list. So here is my question: If it is on the Fragile list, why didn't they treat it like it was FRAGILE!!! The guy didn't even feel bad about it.

Anyway... The rest of the trip was wonderful! On the first day we were there Lucas got to go to the Shriner Circus. He had a great time. He really enjoyed the tigers, elephants and riding a pony. He was so cute hanging out with his cousins.

Noah and Lucas! They were best buddies.

Riding the pony.

Look at how happy he is. 

One of Lucas' favorite things about S.C. is the fact that there is real grass and lots of fun things to do outside. Especially, the trampoline. He loved jumping on it with his cousins. He loved bossing them around even more. He would tell them to jump and then tell them to stop and then to jump again.

Walking with Cousin Abby down to the trampoline.

Isn't he so cute?

Jumping on the trampoline.
Look at the grin from ear-to-ear!

Of course we need to play a little football with Daddy!

Another great part about the trip is that Matt's Aunt Ginny and Uncle Larry came from Nebraska. This was the first time that they got to meet Macie. It was so nice to see them and to spend time as a big family. 

Macie and Aunt Ginny.

Abby and Noah were in love with Macie.
They really enjoyed taking in every moment... Even feeding her a bottle.

They are going to be such great friends.
Abby really enjoyed spending time with Macie.
She took great care of her.

Macie with her Aunt Kim.

A little break to play basketball.

And a little soccer... Noah was such a trooper.
I think he played every sport imaginable with Lucas.

One of Lucas' favorite things about Aunt Kim and Uncle Wayne's house is Noah's bedroom. It is a jungle theme! He loved playing with the parrot and the gorilla. 

Here is the moment for this whole trip. Again, I really didn't think it would be possible. But I am glad that they were able to get tickets. It is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

From L - R: Wayne, Matt's Dad (Steve), Uncle Larry and Matt.

The famous leader board.

From what Matt told me... These are the trees where Phil Mickelson hit that one famous shot.
You know... The famous shot.
If you don't, don't feel bad. I didn't either. 

While the boys were off having fun watching all of these famous golf players, we went to the Children's Museum. Which was just as much fun. I have to say, this museum is way better than the Tucson one. Sorry.

Lucas going grocery shopping. He bought all of the corn, cheese and bread.
Makes sense.

Playing in the water pond.

We had to remind him NOT to drink the water.

Playing in the music room.

What would a trip to the museum be if we didn't find some balls to play with.
That's my boy!

S.C. loves them some NASCAR and so does Lucas.

This was a giant light bright.
So cool!

Driving the car through the prehistoric age.
They had to be careful not to get eaten by dinosaurs.

Of course a little golf with the shovel... Maybe he was thinking about the guys at the Masters.

This area senses your body temperature.
Lucas thought this was so much fun!

The last day of the trip we went to a local park to play. Lucas had such a blast there running from one thing to the next. He would yell for Abby and Noah to play with him. I really can't tell you how much fun the kids had together. Noah and Abby were so great with the kids and especially Lucas. If he wanted them to eat with him, they would. If he wanted them to be awake in the morning because he was up, he would wake them and they woke up nicely. If he wanted them to go outside, they would. They are really great cousins. I know Lucas is going to really miss them, but I also know they are going to be great friends!

The ratings for the flight home. Although this time we flew out of Atlanta vs. Greenville. Plus, how often will I, Georgia, be in Georgia. A little cool. 

From Atlanta to Chicago:

Lucas - A perfect 10. He played on the i.pad the whole time.

Macie - A perfect 10. She slept the whole way there.

From Chicago to Tucson:

Lucas - A perfect 10. He slept the whole time.

Macie - A perfect 10. She slept the whole time. 

And that is all from South Cackalacky!
Thank you Aunt Kim and Uncle Wayne for being so welcoming!