During the first week of school it would be very sensible to keep routines easy and simple. To follow Lazy Genius principles, have some easy dinners, not overplan, and try and relax into the new family routine.
Rachel in Wales is not sensible. Rachel in Wales is reporting from Heathrow airport at 5:30am, while waiting for a flight to New York.
When I initially got the invite to my cousin's wedding I thought of a million reasons it wouldn't work for me to go. It was in New York! It was the weekend after school started. I have 4 kids. I'm out of annual leave. I haven't been away in a long time, and I haven't been to the US since 2019. I put "decline wedding invite" on my to-do list for weeks.
And I kept... not declining. I have only two cousins, and this may be the last time I get invited to a big joyous family gathering.
Eventually Andy said I should go. The wedding is on Sunday. Last night I drove to Heathrow, and stayed overnight at a Premier Inn. At 4am I got up and took the bus to the airport. Saturday morning security was a breeze, and now I'm comfortably waiting for my flight. This evening is a welcome drinks event, Sunday is the wedding, and Monday night I'm flying back.
It all seems rather crazy, but in a former life I absolutely loved travel and adventure. And while I am probably tired now (I didn't sleep great) I also am experiencing the unbelievable lightness of being at an airport by myself. No kids laundry, no kids snacks, no toilet hunting. One carry on, one backpack. One laptop.
The week leading up to this has been... a lot.
On Tuesday I had to take the car to the garage because a bunch of warning lights were coming on. Luckily it was fixed in a day, but that was £250 and a day of car faffd
On Wednesday Lily turned 6! We went to a science museum and then ate cake.
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| I know I'm biased but she is SO CUTE |
Aw yiss! I'm so glad that you are going to the wedding! It's too good of an opportunity to miss. Obviously it would be nice if you could stay for longer and it's going to be very tiring, but it's also going to be a great time and memories.
ReplyDeleteI don't always love crowds but I adore NYC! Have you been there before? I haven't been since 2018, which is definitely a me problem that I need to do something about.
I am so excited for you! I had no idea when the wedding was going to be, so I'm a bit surprised it's this soon.
ReplyDeleteENJOY THE FLIGHT. It's funny because as an exhausted parent things that other people might dread (being stuck with strangers who need nothing from you for 8 hours and with no ability to tidy a room or change a diaper) sounds like the best part of a vacation!
For the most part, I love flights. I read most of the time! It's great.
I love NYC. My kids weren't big fans (they were young, it was a heat wave, and there was SO much smoke from cigarette's and weed), but I am anxious to get back. I've been 3 times now. The next time, I really want to visit in the lead up to Christmas. I think it would be magical.
Congrats to Lily! I have met her in person and can confirm she is ADORABLE.
Happy birthday big girl!!!!!! Six is huge! Rainn is six :))
ReplyDeleteI have never made a big trip over the weekend… the US is so far… from everything?… I wouldn’t even go to Maine if it’s less than 4 days lol
Have a wonderful time!!! Will be on the lookout for pictures!
Daria
Solo travel: the dream! I hope you have the best, most joyous, family-filled and restorative weekend blitz trip ever!
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