The Big Trip

Written by David

There was more than a bit of trepidation when we planned this trip. For financial (tickets are expensive) and practical (Elliott doesn't sit still for long) reasons, it didn't make sense for the whole family to go back to my friend Simon's wedding in Long Island in late June. So I had an idea: I'd take Delaney, the big girl, who'd get to spend time with Grandma Mimi and Gramps and the rest of the Schwartz clan, give Emily a break from our favorite Nudge, and let Elliot have alone time with his best girl, Mommy.

Sweet D was thrilled with the prospect - first photo in the slide show is her psyched to go on trip that only the big kids can make. (Elliott, according to sources, would be happy to have a Mommy monopoly for the first time in his life.) And for the most part, she'd keep that up.

The trip to Long Island was out of a dream, one of the easiest days I've had with Laney. She slept with her head on my lap for 2 1/2 hours, read books, watched a bit of a Curious George movie, and we landed in New York without problems.

Laney was sucked up by Grandma Mimi and Gramps (he needed only one gentle reminder not to be a Delaney hog, but that's understandable) and sought out by Uncle Mat, Aunt Rebecca and Cousin Brigid, who we were lucky enough to have visiting.

First morning, Gramps and Delaney made waffles, from scratch-yummy. It was Uncle Mat's birthday, and due to some lost poker bets the night before, I made him a "BLTini" - fresh tomato juice, scallions, vodka and a crispy slice of bacon. Not so yummy, kind of wierd.

Later that day, Mimi and Gramps and Brigid took Delaney to the beach and on a walk in the woods. Later, they went to Port Jefferson for cherry ices while Dad and the rest went to Simon and Nicole's wedding - aside here, but they had steak, lobster, tuna, duck and an awesome Rolling Stones cover band.

The next day we saw our friends Lilly Moskowitz and her Grandparents Betty and Paul. Lilly shared her bouncy house and paints and toys with Laney, and we had a wonderful breakfast there. I was coming into the bouncy house, and Lilly told me I was too big. I convinced her otherwise, and entered. After about 5 minutes, she said, "Can you please leave?" It was so sweet I was happy to comply. I'm dieting soon.

That afternoon we went to Tante Beth's for Cousin Alex' high school graduation. Laney had great fun in the pool, particularly with her duck. She'd throw it into the water and say, "I'm in big trouble!" and then Gramps or Uncle Mat would go get the duck, give it back to her, and she'd throw it back in. Repeat, repeat.

On Monday, we went on the boat. I woke up early to fish with Mat and Dad. Laney, Rebecca and Mimi met us later. We got on the boat - Laney was super excited to wear her life vest - and went to a little cove. It was choppy out, but we forged ahead. Laney said airplanes were bumpier, though she wanted to be in the cabin with Gramps. Then we went to a small island (disapearing as high tide came in) to get clams. Laney helped us, and we had a great time. We got on the boat as the last bit of sand disappeared.

That night, Gigi (Grandma Harriet) came over for lobster. Laney preferred the lamb left over from Uncle Mat's b-day but she did enjoy a clam with wasabi mustard.

The trip home was not as smooth as the trip to Long Island. Instead of fellow passengers proclaiming how wonderful Delaney is, they gave me sympathetic looks. No major meltdowns but a few close calls. For the record, Laney only slept for 6 hours the nite before our trip home and decided that the only time to take a nap was on our descent into Reno. When she saw Mommy, she ran up to her and gave her a big hug and stayed in Mommy's arms until we got to the car (not that Mommy would have let her go).

Big Lesson: I've got one sweet little girl.