LAS to HOU

Our last day in Vegas was nice and relaxing with a bit of chaos during packing. It was madness trying to get all our stuff into our suitcases considering the extra items we were taking home. There was Brennan's old clothes, some of the kids' old toys, and the Thomas train stuff we bought during a Toys R Us sale that was only this weekend (long frustrating story that I won't get into--frustrating thanks to the disorganization and lack of knowledge on Toys R Us' part). But thanks to Papa and Ngoai who had ample room in their bags for it all!

It's always sad for me to leave the kids. And they were equally as sad too, which makes it even harder on me. I dread saying goodbye to them. How I wish they lived in Shreveport still or somewhere else where we could see them more often. And then there is Andrew who totally loves the Armstrong family. Aunt Anh Thu totally spoils him; I guess it's payback for me spoiling her kids. And Andrew is really starting to like Rick. Ever since our trip back in December, he usually says Rick right after there is some mention about Anh Thu. But they are all so good with him and so sweet to him--why wouldn't he be crazy about them as his mother is?!

I love seeing the dynamics between the kids. Cara and Emma treat Andrew as a little brother and are so nurturing and caring towards him. They are like his little mommies!! Brennan treats him like a little brother who he can finally play trains and trucks with as well as the little brother who can be a pest at times. Sometimes, B doesn't want to play with Andrew, but Andrew keeps following him around like a tail. The age gap between B and Andrew definitely comes into play. Andrew can still swipe and doesn't always share well, but there are those other times where he is very giving towards Brennan. But as much as Andrew may bother Brennan, B always says that he loves Andrew and wants to play with him still. And it's so cute how they want to be with him whether it be sleeping in the same room, riding in the same car, or taking a bath with Andrew.

Anyhow, we made it to the airport, through security, and to our gate with no problem. Andrew is getting to be a veteran traveller. He was great about taking off his shoes and letting TSA check his milk. To kill some time, we rode the airport train to get Andrew some pizza and juice. When we boarded the plane, he excitedly sat down and got buckled in. And it was so cute because he kept looking over at Papa and Ngoai in the next row over and would say "Airplane up." He was so good on the flight. Again, he loved looking outside the window and Daddy kept him happy by playing with him. The only downside was that Andrew can get a little loud since he doesn't know anything about his "inside voice." But I don't think people could hear him that much or didn't mind. We didn't get any dirty looks (actually, we got some smiles from nice people amused by how excited Andrew was when we first got on the plane). Not too long after, he got tired and fell asleep. I am so proud of my little flyer for being so good on both flights on the trip!

I didn't take any pictures of him on the flight, but I leave you with a couple of pictures taken my photographer-in-training, Cara.

Rick, Anh Thu, Cara, Emma, and Brennan, thank you for an amazing time. We had so much fun with you guys and love you so so much!!