Nightmare in Seat 17C, Dresses, Clips, and Shiny Shoes, One Wild Night

The 2nd through 4th of October we took a trip for the weekend to Reno, Nevada.  Every year Chant's uncle Jack hosts a fundraiser benefit for AIDS research and to help those who have AIDS.  This was a special one for Chant's family because 20 years ago his cousin, Jason, died of AIDS.  Jason had hemophilia and had to get a blood transfusion.  He was given infected blood.  They really wanted to whole family present at the benefit because they were going to be honoring Jason.  (Chant's mom gave the tribute.)  We were blessed to be able to fly to Reno for the weekend to attend this fabulous event.  So, there's the background.  Here's the story.

NIGHTMARE in SEAT 17C was not just a catchy phrase, but a real horror story.  My little man decided that he did not want to sit still for 3 hours.  he decided to protest in his loud, ear-piercing shriek.  Granted, we had a few good moments but those were far less than the bad.  After 3 hrs and 35 minutes we had to switch planes.  Chant stood in the back of the plane by the restroom bouncing Porter in an effort to keep him quiet for the entire 1 hour and 50 minutes to Reno.  By the time the plane landed, we couldn't wait to be off and neither could the other passengers ;)  Side note:  I just love all the nasty looks we got.  It was as if the other passengers thought I was pinching my baby or holding a treat just inches from his fingers in an effort to draw the loud screeches from him.  

Friday we spent the day at Jack's home.  It is beautiful!  He designed it himself.  We were fortunate to have all the family there besides Uncle Gary (I think that is the only one we were missing, sorry if I left someone out).  The girls had a blast playing with their cousin Brayden.  He is a few years older than Brinn.  They had a great time!

Saturday we took a walk around Reno.  In the spirit of being in gambling country, Chant dropped a few quarters in a claw machine in an effort to win a stuffed animal for the kids.  Well, not only did he win one toy, he got two.  The unsuspecting monkey's arm was squished up against the lion and there was no escaping.  Hot Dog!  A two for one!  The afternoon was spent getting everything ready for the evening festivities, or watching others do it would be more correct.

About 4:00 the pampering began.  First I got ready and then started on the girls' hair.  I spent more time on Brinnley's hair than I did on mine.  But they looked gorgeous!  I put ringlets in their hair then a fancy clip to hold back the bangs that are growing out.  Each girl got new shoes for the event.  Brinnley got red Dorothy shoes and Ainsley's were black.  Porter looked so handsome in his sweater.  And Chant in his 3-piece suit was enough to make me swoon!

We had a wonderful evening.  The dinner was fabulous!  Shrimp!!!  The entertainment amazing.  The Reno Dance Company Performed and they did a marvelous job.  And then to be there for the tribute to Jason was so special.  Margi did a wonderful job.  I am sure it was hard to talk about her nephew and still be composed.  It was just really special to all be there together.  Thank you Aunt Stephanie for making it possible for us to come.  We love you all and can't wait to see you again!

P.S.

The flight home was miraculously pleasant.  I was a little worried though because for the 15 minutes before boarding the plane Porter pulled his bloody-murder scream.  Everyone was staring at us with the shooting-daggers-out-of-my-eyes look.  But within a few minutes of getting on the plane, the cries stopped.  He did great!  Yay!!!  Thanks for the prayers all of those family members who were concerned about my sanity!  

Porter on the way to the party

Don't we look fabulous?

Jordan and Brinnley

The whole family

Too much fun for one little man to handle