Category: Racen Family Travelog

First Father’s Day – Lake of the Ozarks

Wow! After all we’ve been through I’m so happy to celebrate my husband today for his very first father’s day!

Originally I had this day all planned out at home before I realized we would be here for Robert and Bobbi’s first big daddy’s day. I was going to make him eggs Benedict, take him for a pedicure (yes he’s cool like that), go out for Korean BBQ then simply see what happens. But plan B it is!

I did try to make it as special as I could on the road. I dressed Bobbi up in blue nautical overalls with pink text that said “Always Daddy’s Girl,” and put on her “First Father’s Day” bib to surprise him in the morning. I loved waking up to the sound of his cousin’s daughter’s feet padding on their hardwoods. I also got him a tank top that said “I’m a Sailing Dad. It’s Kind of Like a Normal Dad but COOLER.” I felt like if he was going to wear a cheesy dad shirt, which is a must on your first celebration, then that had to be the one. The problem was that even though I sent it to his cousin’s house who we were staying with, it still didn’t arrive on time. In fact, it didn’t arrive until weeks after we left with all the “supply chain issues.” Bummer, I know.

It’s all good though. We had a wonderful time with his family, and it was special that he got to spend it with his father too. We hung out on the dock, swam in the cove and grandma grilled hot dogs. It really was a good old fashioned American lake day. I loved every minute.

Later on, we decided to take the brush hog out for a spin. It’s like a rugged, beefy, off-roading golf cart. We love exploring the land since the family property is about 120 acres. Bobbi seemed to enjoy it. She was strapped to Robert’s chest in the ergo – safe and sound. It was really fun to explore together and we even spotted a few deer that commonly live around the area. We loved that she got to experience the wildlife and that this place will be here for her throughout her life. It warms my heart.

Baby’s First Flight (SNA to STL)

How old was your kid when they took their first flight? Bobbi was seven months, from Orange County (SNA) to Saint Louis (SNL) on Southwest.

Robert and I were so nervous for a few days, but of course our sweet girl did amazing! She’s already true traveler at heart!

We brought her ear protection, (which we got for another purpose but heard they are great for flights) -Bobbi tested, Bobbi approved- and gave her a bottle as we took off as the plane took off, just as the Dr. recommended. It worked like a charm! After that she pretty much just slept on Robert in the ergo until we started our decent into Saint Louis. When she woke up she didn’t make a sound. So although her first flight could have gone many different ways, but even with masks it was as smooth as we could ask for.

We’re super excited about the trip! Even if it’s a humble purpose to see Robert’s family, we couldn’t be happier. We haven’t been on vacation in over two years, as many others thanks to Covid, and it’s our first big trip with Bobbi.

Our hosts for the night were grandma and grandpa, who live in a lovely wooded area outside of the city. I always love the drive to their place, passing wide plains with houses with grand yards. As I dream of a yard that big coming from Southern California, I can hear my husband’s thoughts of horror how much mowing that would be, on the flip side how rad his riding mower would be if he lived out here.

When we got to grandpa’s and grandma’s house we enjoyed what every family does – dinner, drinks and pictures with the baby! It was the first time uncle Brian met Bobbi too. She naturally already loves him!

We slept in the basement. Have I mentioned I LOVE all basements? They are legitimately the coolest things for cali kids. My mind wanders as the possibility for the space – a Steelers Lady Den? Library? Art/Scrapbook Studio, a Wine Cellar? SO many options! Anyways Bobbi started out in the pack and play after falling asleep while the boys caught up and we watched Sweet Tooth on Netflix (5 Stars BTW), but ended up waking up multiple times so we transferred her to our bed. Day One Down! It’s just the beginning!