Road trip Part VIII - and DONE!

On Thursday, Jeremy and his dad went on a fishing trip with two Charles' - one a family friend, and the other his uncle. While they were gone Grandmother and I took the kids out and about. We tried a local park, but it the kids decided it wasn't much fun. There was a so-called splash pad and the water was just running into the playground area, making it very messy. So, we tried another park and this one was a hit.


Here, Ella Grace and Major were making pizzas.

Also while we were out we had lunch at CFA, went to a fabric store and looked for school shoes for Major.

The men made it home before we did, but we did make it in time to see the end of fish cleaning.

We were back at Pop & Nana's that night. Ella Grace was begging Nana to make s'mores, so they did get that done!

Great-Grandmother made Ella Grace a special treat for her feet!

On Friday, Jeremy & Dad went diving early. That afternoon/evening we attempted a cook-out at the lake. It poured earlier in the afternoon, causing us to all go inside the camper. I ran out to pick up my nephew Deven. Lo-Lo came around 5:00, along with Janie, Jon and Jackson, and Mom & Dad. All turned out well, and we had a great time with most of our family.

Ella Grace was attempting to touch her nose with her tongue - it may or may not run in the family.

 Saturday we were back at the lake with Grandmother & Grandaddy. Ella Grace was all about riding the tube.

 

 And I think jumping off of it was one of her favorite parts. During many of her rides she would let go, for no reason. When asked about it she would reply "I just let go for fun."

 This was me with her...apparently we hit a pretty big wave!

 Sunday we left pretty early. On the way we were able to stop in south Alabama to see Uncle David, Aunt Laura, Austin and Caroline for breakfast before they went to church (and while Uncle David was working). It definitely was a short visit, but we were just happy we were able to coordinate for that little piece of time together.

After being gone for such a long trip it was great to get back home and in our own beds. We had company coming soon ourselves and lots to do before getting started with a new school year!

Road trip Part VII - Tuscaloosa & north Alabama

Our night in Tuscaloosa was spent with the sweetest folks from our previous church - Mrs. Sandi and Mr. Brown. We have stayed with them before, and they are always so kind to open their home to us. We all adore them, and it's nice to be able to visit.

After playing in their yard Monday morning and taking some cute pictures of the kids, we headed out to wrap up our Tuscaloosa visit.

 We saw our old house...it was easy to say things looked mainly the same...we never let our shrubs get out of control like that, though!

We visited with the kids' last teachers at their preschool. This is Ms. Debbie. She just loved Major. He used to say they had the same haircut! When someone announced we were there, she really thought they were kidding her. Surprise!

 Major and his friend Drew Lee.

 Ella Grace and Mrs. Rhonda

One corner in Tuscaloosa when the damage and evidence of the storm is still so real.

 

 

The following day (July 24) we headed out to the lake with Pop & Nana. The kids rode the tube together (and yes, I know now that they were not supposed to wear those life jackets on the tube...)

(This is my favorite picture from that day, just the way they are both holding their hands the same way!)

 

Ella Grace rode the tube with Nana, and we swam, too.

Then, on Wednesday, July 25, Jeremy arrived! It was so good to see him, and I know he was excited to be in Alabama for a few days. We picked him up at the airport and then stopped for lunch at CFA. This was right after all the support/criticism  they were receiving for voicing their beliefs on marriage. The CFA we were at was soo packed. However, I think that is the norm for that particular restaurant, but good to see it was as heavily trafficked as ever.

After lunch, we visited with Mee Maw again. The kids had fun showing Dad how her chair works and playing in the exercise room again.

Next we visited with Granny.

Ella Grace wanted a girls-only picture!

Granny's mailbox was experincing some problems. Jeremy tried to fix it, but as he thought he was progressing, hit a nail and whack! That whole thing was so rotted it fell apart! We left Gran without a mailbox! But, thanks to her wonderful neighbor, he got her back in shape to receive mail again.

Alright, I think one more post and this trip will be recounted!