Arizona

One of the benefits of having a brother who works as a trainer for the University of Oregon's football team was getting tickets to the BCS Championship Game in Glendale, Arizona - thanks David!  Since David had two tickets to the game, Cody invited his fellow football crazed friend Matt to go along with him.  The guys decided that it would be fun to have wives and babies come along too so Alison, Nathan, Ella, and I got to enjoy a spontaneous trip down south for a long weekend. Ella got to experience many "firsts" on the trip including her first plane ride, first time in a swimming pool, first experience with lots of sunshine (which she didn't love--she winced and cried every time the sun got in her eyes.  Good thing we live in Seattle!), first cold, and first trip to Urgent Care (yes, we were those parents who took our baby to Urgent Care when she got a cold--in all fairness we hadn't brought a thermometer along with us and wanted the reassurance that she was okay and it was just a cold :)). 

I have to admit I was very apprehensive to take a three month old on an airplane.  I had fears of Ella screaming throughout the entire flight and the other passengers glaring at us...luckily, that wasn't the case at all. I'm sure the other passengers getting on the plane were a bit nervous seeing us arrive at the gate with two three month old babies!  Both Nathan and Ella ended up doing awesome on the flight down and the two flights home.  Ella was happy just being held and sleeping the whole time. 

Ella checking out the plane before taking off

 Nate from a few rows up

We ended up renting a mini-van and were surprised with how well everything fit!  I've always said we'll never get a mini-van but am now reconsidering :).  We fit the four adults, two babies in carseats, six pieces of luggage, and two strollers all comfortably in the van!

The babies patiently played with their toys as their dads loaded up the van.  Note their similar carseats and strollers - we were asked numerous times on the trip if they were twins :).  I guess it's rare to have such good friends with babies born three days apart!

Even though it wasn't super hot out, we couldn't pass up taking the babies in the beautiful pool at the hotel.  The sun was out, the pool was heated, and the babies loved it!  

Ella started out in this cute little number as we headed down to the pool...

As soon as we got to the pool (which is, of course, quite the process with a baby) and were about to get in, I looked down and noticed there was poop all over my hand.  Yep, this cutie pooped out of her bathing suit.  So we headed back to the room for a quick change before our swim.  Luckily we had packed an equally cute suit for Ella to change into.  She loved her first swim in the pool!

 Ella and Nathan playing by the pool.  We were determined to let them get some vitamin D - even if it was a bit chilly outside by the late afternoon!  I love how Ella's little hand is resting on her buddy's shoulder :).

We were able to meet up with David for dinner while we were down there and check out the beautiful hotel that the Oregon team and staff were staying at.  Since we don't get to see him very often, it was a treat to see him just for dinner!
Ella with her Uncle David

We decided to take a trip to a little aquarium not far from our hotel.  It didn't have any huge animals, but the dark, tranquil walkways between exhibits ended up being perfect for the babies.  They were in awe of the fish swimming by them and the bright, colorful lights in the tanks.  I was actually surprised by how much Nate and Ella enjoyed tracking the fish and squealing in delight when a big fish would swim by them.  They're at such a fun age and are taking in so many new things around them!

Of course the highlight of the trip, at least for the guys, was going to the BCS Championship game.  Between Cody and her uncles, Ella is guaranteed to be a football fan.  Her Uncle David got her this cute Oregon outfit that we put her in on game day!

The dads and babies showed their support for David and the Oregon team before they headed to the game.

 Best buds

 Cody and Matt had a great time at the game even though Oregon lost.  Here is the view from their seats at the game!

We had a great trip and I proved to myself that it is possible to travel with an infant :).  We're looking forward to many more trips with our family in the future!