We are so glad we were able to spend our Thanksgiving in Alabama! It was a very strategically organized trip so we could see and do as much as possible, but completely worth every bit of it (including the lack of sleepl!).
Jeremy was able to fly up on 11/19 (Saturday) to spend time with his family and hunt. He was able to get a couple of deer while he was up there and the processing was done in time for us to bring the meat home! Yea! I did tell him he may want to get a third to make sure Major could eat!
By Monday, the kids and I were packed up. I was going over our plan with them on Monday night. I reminded them Alabama was to play Auburn on Saturday & it was the last regular season game, even told them I had packed their UA shirts to wear Saturday. Ella Grace asked me if I had packed their shakers. I told her no and she said "You have to be like the worst Mom ever." ha! Really?! I thought I was doing pretty good!
Tuesday morning I realized the Tahoe needed an oil change before our trip. Major & I took Ella Grace to school, then stopped by a Redbox and got a movie for the ride. After we dropped off the car, we walked to CVS and picked up another movie (there wasn't a good selection at the first). I thought we would never leave the CVS parking lot because Major wouldn't stop collecting acorns.
Finally we got back to the oil change place. But, Major couldn't even sit down without acorns falling out of his pockets. He had a few people laughing in there. Then, another customer brought a Styrofoam cup over to him so he could count them into the cup rather than his hands and arms (which further contributed to acorns all over the floor). Sixty was the final number. 60 acorns in two little pockets! ha!
After leaving, we had lunch with sweet Ella Grace at her school. Then, we headed home where I rested up and did a few last minute things (except taking the garbage out, because I forgot to do that). At 2:30, we left the house, parked near her school and walked up to get her. We hurried to the car and off. we. went. We had the usual dinner at Chick-fil-a, I let them play for a few minutes, I fueled up, and we were gone again. It was getting late and they were getting sleepy so we stopped just outside of Alabama around 10:30 pm, in Georgia, at a rest stop - everyone potty'ed, I washed my face (sans paper towel), and Major took his medicine. After a license check three minutes from Grandmother and Granddaddy's, we made it about 1:00 am! So happy!
We got up early Wednesday morning and headed south west to visit some dear, dear friends. First we visited Jeremy's old workplace and got to see the few there the day before a holiday. Then, we visited with Ella Grace & Major's teachers at their old school. And finally, we got to see good friends! The Mayos were the first good friends we visited with! How wonderful to see these sweet faces (and Mark's, too!). Ellie, Ella Grace, Major and Sadie Kate just picked up and got to playing. I love that sight!
Comparing blisters after several trips across the monkey bars.
My sweet friend Laurie (aka Mrs. Mayo).
Next, we met our favorite Mrs. Sandi and had lunch. And I was so happy to see Amber, too!
After lunch, we visited with the Lamberts. Jack, Ella Grace, Major and Ray did lots of catching up in the short time we were there.
Special friends are just the best. And I am so glad to have several of them, even though there are lots of miles between us.
When we got back to "home base", Grandmother made a "who-ge" pot of "chicklin" and dumplings for us! The very best! We filled our tummies and enjoyed catching up before getting to bed!
