Vacation!

I can't believe our vacation has already come and gone! We had a great time out in San Diego as a family and then Ethan and I enjoyed ourselves in Utah with my family for a week. I think a week without Ben is just about all I can do. We missed him too much and we were happy to come home to Rochester. Now it's time to unpack, but before that I of course had to update the blog. Since I took over 600 pictures, I decided I'd let the pictures tell the story of our vacation. Here goes...

After a 2 hour weather delay on the tarmac in Newark, we made the trek out to CA. Ethan was a champ (as he always is) on the plane. No breakdowns, even though he was stuck in that confined space for 7 hours!

We went to the fish market in San Diego and Ethan had his first smoked albacore. He also enjoyed the Pacific Ocean breeze on his face.

We had a rehearsal dinner for the wedding Ethan and I were in. Nothing says San Diego like Mexican food and the rehearsal dinner had great Mexican food! This is the entire wedding party.

My friend Lindsey (the bride) and I at the rehearsal dinner.

Our little fam.

Ethan had a hard time at first warming up to the bride.

Lindsey right before the wedding!

Ethan was the ring bearer and was so good! He only had a 40 minute nap that day, but walked down the aisle holding my hand and the groomsman's hand and then went to Ben and took a nap before the reception.

The food was delicious at the reception and Ethan busted some moves on the dance floor.

Ethan was the center of attention during the last song and since it was past his bedtime he tore it up with his pj's on.

Lindsey and Pat taking off for their honeymoon.

Ethan's first trip to the beach involved him walking straight into the water. With his clothes on.

We stripped him of his shirt and onesie and he loved playing in the sand and water.

Ethan got a tad dirty, so he got sprayed down. He loved that too.

The next day we went to Oceanside to enjoy the pier and the beach.

This time Ethan was dressed more appropriately.

I got to see my friends Shelly and Jen. We caught up for a few hours since I haven't seen them in over 4 years!

Shelly's boys let Ethan play with their toys so the Moms could talk.

That night we went and got crepes with Mia and her husband.

Our last night of staying with the Monroes Ethan played on their drums. He LOVED it. We took a video of it that we may post later.

On our first day in Utah we got to catch up with some old friends in the Bean museum. Stuffed animals galore!

Then we went to cousin Lance's 5th birthday party. Those kids sure do love their cousin Ethan!

The whole Bruford family was together which is a rare occurrence.

Ethan and I went to see Becki and her family. He looks bored in this picture, but really he had a good time.

Me and soon to be Mom of 2, Becki!

Ethan took a number of baths in my parents jacuzzi tub. Bubbles and all!

We took a hike up at Sundance. Lance wanted to carry his sister Renee in the pack.

Grandpa carried Ethan up the trail. Ethan of course fell asleep before we got to the top.

It was a gorgeous day to hike Stuart Falls at Sundance.

One last friend to visit was Cheryl who is staying in Utah with her family while her husband Ryan is away doing rotations for Med School for 2 months. We got to meet her little guy Lincoln for the first time!

We ended the trip with a spaghetti dinner with lots of family. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and 2nd cousins!

On the last night we were there, after Skype-ing with Ben, I was holding Ethan and walking down the stairs when I tripped on the 3rd stair from the bottom and fell face forward. Ethan fell with me and hit his mouth on the last stair and got a fat lip and some shredded gums. Poor little guy. It was pretty traumatic for him and me. Not a good way to end our trip in Utah and I was really nervous about him on the airplane the next day. All considering he was great on the flights and slept most of the time.

Thanks to everyone who helped us to have a great vacation!

Alright, now it's time to go unpack.