The "Loved Ones" Tour

These days, Ryan and Lucie sleep with a ton of stuffed animal friends or "loved ones" in their cribs. They used to be satisfied with just Bunny and Ducky. But now those furry friends have all sorts of companions, from Dino to Monk Jr. to Michaels (a.k.a. Mother Ducky) to baby aliens. It's quite a zoo.

When we packed for our recent trip to visit family, there was much consternation at the thought of only being able to bring the usual travel mates of Bunny, Ducky, and special blankies. Why couldn't back-up Ducky make the trip? And elephant's mother and father? They've never been on a plane! After much begging and pleading, two additional pals were each allowed in the bags. That is two per child, until Lucie threw herself on the floor screaming, just minutes before we left for the airport, in support of one more animal that just had to make the trip. Needless to say, Dino got quickly stuffed in the bag as we headed out the door. That Lucie and her powers of persuasion.

Once we were at Gigi and Papa's, Lucie and Ryan loved showing all their additional buddies to family and friends. However, Lucie soon got jealous that Ryan had brought his back-up Bunny and alien, while she had left her back-up Ducky and matching alien at home in exchange for two other friends. How unjust! When Chris called to check in (L, R & I traveled a few days early), a tearful request was made, "Daddy, can you PLEASE bring back-up Ducky and alien? PLEASE??"

So, not only did Lucie and Ryan have tons of fun on our trip, so did the eleven additional stow-aways (7 for Lucie and 4 for Ryan). They got to meet family and friends, hang out with cousin Tate and his stuffed entourage, including another Ducky friend, and meet all sorts of other favorite loved ones that live at grandparents' houses. What lucky ducks (and dinos, cats, aliens, etc.).

What were we all thankful for this holiday? Memorable times with family and friends, Uncle AJ's old hot wheels and Playmobil collection, fall leaves and rakes, endless games of hide-and-seek, our healthy, energetic and loveable kids and nephew, and last but not least, expandable suitcases.