Ceci Takes On America!

I was beyond thrilled (and a little apprehensive) about taking Ceci to America for the first time.  I was both SO excited to introduce to Ceci to her family and a little worried about the long trip and time change.  I needn't have worried, though - Ceci was a star with travelling and we had an absolutely fantastic time!



So first off, the trip.  We decided to go straight from Gibraltar to Boston with a layover in London and just get it all done in one day for better or worse.  Turned out to be the former thankfully!  Ceci was a champ on the 3 hour flight to London, the 2+ hour layover at Heathrow, and even on the 7 hour flight to Boston. She slept well, ate well, and was really well behaved for an overtired, travelling all day, nearly 7 month old!

Ceci was a lap baby, but the bulkhead seat came with a baby chair - very handy!

Both a little tired, but in good spirits!

There were so many great moments in America.  From getting to see my parents hold Ceci for the first time since she was a day old, to her meeting her Uncle Joe, Uncle Tom and cousins, Luke and Adam.  The quiet (or with her cousins around, not so quiet) time at my parents' house held some of my favorite memories from this trip.

Ceci and her Gramps!

Hanging with Uncle Joe (she loved his hair)

Casually reading a book with Uncle Tom

Hugs from cousin Adam...which sometimes turned into tackling.

Ceci tackling back - with cousin Luke ready to referee. 

I can't believe we're a family of 10 when we all go out to dinner!

There were also big family celebrations that I adored - and so did Ceci!  First up was Thanksgiving dinner with heaps of extended family at Nana's house. Ceci actually loved all the attention and was a HUGE fan of Thanksgiving dinner - I couldn't believe how much she ate!!

Ceci at the head of the table for Shift 1 of Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving dinner is delicious!

I think she liked it!

Mommy's Little Turkey

Hanging with Nana in her famous rocking chair

Then of course was Ceci's baptism.  A real highlight of our trip.  It was so amazing to see Ceci surrounded by so much love and family.  My heart was so full that day.  And Ceci showed off her personality beautifully - being a total ham in the spotlight and showing off her love of smiling for cameras!  It was also such a special moment to see my daughter baptized in the font at same church I was baptized in!  A big thanks to my dear friend Stefanie Motta for these gorgeous photos!

Ceci actually loved the water!

The proud godparents, Uncle Tom & Aunt Kayte

Ceci with her grandparents and great-grandmothers

Our trip of course was also full of play dates with extended family, lots of shopping and of course, lots and lots of eating.  It wass such a wonderful trip and we can't wait to come back again!

First time meeting Nana and Great-Uncle Tom

Enjoying some Papa Gino's pizza crust!  Mmmm!

Ceci and her second cousin Brooke

Meeting Mommy's friend Rachel at Haverhill's very own winery!

Hugs with Mommy's cousin Yino

Lunch at the Salisbury beach with Great-Auntie Maria

We decided to break up the flight back by staying in the UK for a few nights with Jay's family.  Ceci was again a super star traveler and it was wonderful to see even more family!  We had a family dinner, saw some Christmas lights and even watched Ceci open her first Christmas presents.

Loving her walker at Grandad's house

Meeting Auntie Jennifer for the first time

Hanging out with Nana and Auntie Kyle

Playing with Grandad during naked time before bath

We then took a train to Birmingham airport to catch our flight back to Gibraltar.  Ceci was again a great traveler - we're so proud of her!  And though she really enjoyed her adventure, she was excited to be back in her own house with all of her toys!

Pretty happy to be back home.