We left on Tuesday morning, Bella's birthday. It just worked out that our trip could fall on that day. One our way, we stopped in Hoboken. NJ. This was planned. We wanted to surprise Bella with a cupcake from Carlo's Bakery on her birthday. If you are awake of Cake Boss, on TLC, then this bakery will be familiar to you. This is the one show that Bella and I can actually watch together. She loves to see what creations they come up with.
We got a great parking spot on the road right in front of the bakery. Bella jumped out of the van as fast as she could and then just stood in front of the bakery. She seemed in awe. Then she said with such enthusiasm, "It's just like on TV!"
Except for the $30 parking tip we ended up getting. Apparently that 2-hour parking wasn't free.
After leaving Hoboken, we officially headed to Connecticut. The trip was about 2 hrs. total. It was after lunchtime by the time we got there, so we headed to a diner on the main street in Stamford. It was a tiny little place located on a river. The huge windows overlooked the beautiful scenery. I didn't get any photos of it because I was consumed by this view right here:
Next stop: our hotel! Next activity: Swimming! This is always a highlight of our mini trips.
This was Curtis's first time in a pool. His reaction was very neutral - the same way that Bella and Graydon were.
After we all dried off, it was time for Bella's birthday dinner. We went to Friendly's.Bella was serenaded by the wait staff. So were two other boys.
And here is the birthday girl standing our our hotel lobby at 6:52 pm.
Exactly five years after she was born.
We brought some of her birthday gifts to open. She sure loved being the birthday girl!
The following day was spent swimming again and then on to the Discovery Museum. 
Summary: I loved this little getaway. I have so many happy memories. Snuggling up in our king bed and watching the new TinkerBell movie. A super huge Kit-Kat bar. Free doughnuts from the diner. Bella officially turning five. Kids taking a bath in their swimsuits.
Family time is so precious to me.
This next photo isn't from our trip, but I like it.
Now it's back to the real world. We got a big dose of reality last night. Graydon woke up around 10pm crying intensely and struggling to catch his breath. It was a no-brainer. Off to the ER we went. As we loaded Graydon into the car, I felt very grateful that we have health insurance and access to good health care. We didn't have to think twice about taking him to the ER out of fear that we couldn't afford it. We are very fortunate as this is not the case for everyone.
The ER was not busy and we were seen right away. The nurse and doctor easily identified Graydon's problem: Croup. His airways were inflammed which made breathing difficult which freaked him out which made him cry which made it even harder to breathe. They treated him with a steroid and kept us there for three hours for observation. By 2:30 am, we were given a prescription for Prednisone and free to leave. He is on the mend, but we're definitely taking it easy.
Auntie Lori came into town.
Popsicles are yummy.
Curtis sleeps the day away. 
Ava's post-bath jam session. 
Grandma & Grandpa Kilps stop by for a visit.
Scott's turn for uncle duty.
Bella plays dress-up in Great-Grandma's wedding dress.
This was Bella's first time. 
Graydon thought the food was for him.
Jeff and Sydney arrived in town that evening.
Taking some photos
Pony rides!
Train rides!
Moon bouncing!
It was a hot day. Had to keep hydrated.
Back at home, post bath time. Graydon took a doll bike for a spin.
The whole Benetti crew (minus Andy & Steph) 
Aunt Cindy got out the lawn mower and pulled the little ones around the yard.
Good times! 
Curtis got passed around:
We spent the entire day at my grandparents' house and when we got back, it was time for me to pack up all of our stuff.
The next morning we were out the door around 7:30 am.
