Its been a long haul

We have had quite a trip to North America for the holidays. I had planned to write a blog all the way through and then realized it was more work taking care of a nine month old while traveling than I thought. Lots of fun but lots of work so lets see if I can remember all the events and try to recap them in order.

December 12th 3pm

We took off from Auckland airport and flew all the way to L.A

Lucas did a good job sleeping on the plane but did get a little tired of flying after a while

December 12th 8am

Longest day of my life we landed in L.A and we were so tired. Lucas fell asleep as soon as we got him into his buggy and soon after that we had to take him out to get into the hotel shuttle. Finally we set up his bed in the hotel room and he was more than happy to fall asleep for a good little nap.

Pat and Lori met us at the hotel around Noon and Lucas took to them right away he thought Pat was pretty cool and Lori made him laugh right away. Good news because we would be traveling around with them for 9 days so we were really stoaked (thought crazy Dave would appreciate that word) that he loved them right away

We did some touring around L.A for the weekend - saw the Hollywood walk of fame and the Hollywood sign, took a drive down Rodeo Drive and even took a tour of Belair. Walked down Santa Monica Pier, visited Muscle beach and Venice Beach. IT was a really good weekend and nice to see all the sites but that was enough I think for a lifetime really just another city

On Monday we traveled out of L.A to Barstow California, not a big town but a stop over to break up the drive on the way to Vegas. WE did some discount mall shopping which is never a waste of time in my books. Some good deals to be had.

Woke up the next morning to a very cold day. We drove from Barstow to Las Vegas through the Mojave Desert and were planning on stopping for a hike, The weather had different plans as we were traveling through a snow storm - check out the palm trees all covered in snow. Peter and Pat should never travel together talk about bad luck

So instead of the hike we got to stop at another discount mall - no complaining there from me.

We finally made it to Vegas and stayed at the Monte Carlo. We were only supposed to be there for 3 nights but we got snowed in and all the highways were closed so we ended up staying for 4 nights. Still a good time but not too much for a nine month old baby to do in Vegas he did like the bright lights though.

We were finally able to get out of sin city and made our way to the Grand Canyon. It was an amazing sight to see. Lucas didn't see too much of it it was a little cold and he started to get the sniffles so we took turns taking in the scenery while Lucas had a sleep in the hotel room.

Since we had spent an extra day in Vegas we had a big drive ahead of us to make it to Phoenix on time for the hockey game so we drove like the wind though Arizona. A place I would like to go back and visit some day. It was a pretty nice looking place. WE stopped briefly in Sedona which is where we were supposed to have stayed but unfortunately did not make it. Will try to make a trip back there some day though looks like a good place to explore.

We got into Phoenix at about 6pm and had to make it to the hockey game for 7 so we quickly set ourselves up in the hotel and then took off to the game. Bad idea it was way too loud for Lucas so Lucas and I had a little nap in the car to wait until the game was over.

Next day we were out of there headed for Buffalo, flight was a bit delayed but nothing major. Landed in Buffalo in a major snow storm. The city was basically closed down. Not sure how the pilot got us in safely. We were meant to drive home to Toronto that night but due to the white out conditions we stayed overnight and drove home the next morning. Not much sleep that night but happy not to have to drive in the wicked weather.

We made it home for Christmas and all is well.

Lucas is just getting over an ear infection and throat infection but he is much more himself now. Hopefully the rest of the trip will be smooth sailing.

I will add some more pictures later it is getting late and I am still recooping from having little sicky to take care of. Hopefully a full nights sleep tonight.