This month has been so busy. We are well traveled and quite tired, but it was well worth it. Shortly before the 4th of July, Brendan, Aubrey, my nephew Ridge and I went to visit family in Illinois and Missouri for a week. The 10 hr drive to IL only took us 14 1/2 hrs and the 12 hr drive home from Missouri only took 15 hrs, so all in all we didn't do too bad.
Our week started with leaving out early Tuesday morning and arrived at my Uncle Max's house around 6:30ish. We stayed in my mom's hometown for 2 days visiting as many cousins and family as we possibly could. Thursday night, we drove to St. Louis, about an hour drive, to stay with my cousin Darcy and her family for two nights. Then we left and went to Springfield, Missouri to visit my dad for 3 days, about 5 hrs with the kids, and then ventured on home. Lots of traveling. Lots of cranky kids. Thank goodness Ridge went along. I wouldn't have made it out of Atlanta if he had not have been there to pick up dropped toys and change out DVD's.
The kids had a blast in IL. They have never seen so many lightning bugs! We actually had to sleep with a jar one night. They also went to their first parade and carnival. They didn't know they had so many cousins. They absolutely loved it. Thanks to everyone that put up with us. I know Darcy and Tom were glad to see us go! My kids were TERRIFIED of their PUPPY!! It was so crazy. They LOVE big dogs!! Terrified of little ones. Go figure.
In Missouri, my dad took the grand kids to the original Bass Pro shop. The kids could have cared less about all of the animals but were fascinated with all of the boats. The next day we all went to Bennett Springs State Park. They raise trout there and the kids can feed them in the hatchery. They loved it. We watched all of the fly fishermen and even saw a man catch one. Brendan got his first pair of REAL cowboy boots there and he is chomping at the bit to wear them. I had to tell them they are for school. I don't want them to get worn out before the fall.
We are safely home and have been busy, busy, busy. We've been to birthday parties, the zoo, the pool, and lunch dates. I can't believe the summer is almost over. They go back to preschool on the 17th of August and maybe then I can relax!.
Until next post...
Aubrey at Bennett Springs. It's had to see all of the fish here.
My nephew Ridge posing with me at the parade.
Aubrey wasn't so sure if she liked the parade or not...until they started throwing candy.
Brendan made fast friends with his cousin Bryce. Look how sweaty he is!
C A N D Y!!!!!!!!!!!! Check out Brendan's face! Priceless!
