Our trip to New Jersey

On February 12th, we left for New Jersey to visit the McKillop family. That Thursday morning, Rilynn took her first flight from St Louis to Philadelphia. Rilynn did very well on the plane. She played and slept most of the time on the way to Philly and cried for about 5 minutes on the plane ride back (she was a hungry girl and we couldn't make the bottle fast enough!). All in all, her first flights went surprisingly well. Here is a picture of Rilynn and Mommy on the plane to Philly.

Once we arrived in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, Rilynn got to meet her Mommom and Poppop. Here are a couple of pictures of Rilynn with her great-grandparents.

Later that night, she also got to meet her Aunt Betty and cousin Ryan who flew into town from Tampa, FL.

On Friday, Uncle Jeff flew in from Tampa and Aunt Kris flew in from Atlanta. With the entire McKillop family there, the party could finally begin. We had a great time playing cards, talking, watching Rilynn play, and just being together.

At 1pm on Saturday, Valentine's Day, a photographer came to the house to take family portraits. Here are just a few of the pictures taken that day.

the entire family

4 generations of McKillops - Poppop (Jack), Pappy (John), Daddy (Matt), & Rilynn

The McKillops

the McKillop women - Mommy, GG, Rilynn, & Aunt Kris

Poppop talking to his precious great-granddaughter

Saturday night the house turned into a party zone as Mommom threw Poppop an 80th birthday party. She had it catered and invited some of Poppop's nieces & nephews over for the celebration. Here are a few pictures of the party.

snuggled up to Aunt Betty

telling Poppop Happy Birthday!

hanging out with Uncle Jeff before bedtime

On Sunday, Poppop's actual birthday, we went to breakfast at the Shore Diner and then headed over to Atlantic City for a little gambling & shopping and a walk along the boardwalk. Here are a few pictures from AC.

Getting ready to head off to AC

Rilynn enjoyed her stroll along the boardwalk - she slept the entire 2 hours!

riding in my Bjorn with daddy!


On Monday we headed back to Philly to catch our flight to St Louis. All in all, Rilynn enjoyed her trip to New Jersey and loved meeting her Poppop, Mommom, Aunt Betty, and cousin Ryan. Here are some more pictures of the trip.

in my seat, bundled & ready for an adventure

cuddled with Elly after waking up from a nap

having fun at the diner

hanging out with the family at Poppop's bar!

playing with my monkey with Poppop & Pappy

sitting in my bouncy waiting to see what we do next!

playing cards with Pappy

playing airplane with Uncle Jeff

getting ready for bedtime with Mommy & Daddy

fast asleep in Mommom's arms

back in my Bjorn with daddy - gotta love my crazy hat!

checking out the fish in Poppop's lake with Daddy

walking back to the house - it was too cold outside!

getting in one last nap before heading to the airport