Eli's Nashville Trip

Eli got to have a trip the to Nashville to visit Aunt Raeanna and Uncle Josh the year after Luke. We went in March of 2018. 

We visited the Science Center and Eli enjoyed playing with all the different things there. 

 Eli got to "walk on the moon". 

Aunt Raeanna was about 7 months pregnant with Rae Clair. She was a trouper.

Eli, of course, loved all the eating and drinking.

He got to go to the Predator's game and they sat right next to the penalty box. He even was on TV!

We got to be there for a baby shower for Raeanna at her work. 

We did the escape room twice and solved the second one! Eli found the final clue that got us out. 

Eli got a little silly while we were clothes shopping for him. 

It was chilly while we were there. Just left over snow.

I love traveling with my Eli!

Luke's Nashville Trip

Trying to catch up here, so I'm going way back to 2017. In the early part of the year (I can't even remember exactly when!), Luke and I took a trip to Nashville to visit Raeanna and Josh. They had lots of fun things planned for you, Luke, mostly things you had requested. We had to find you a jacket for the symphony before we left, and you enjoyed dressing up a bit.

We flew, of course. I think it was the first time you had flown since you were about 4 so you were pretty excited. 

Their first treat for you was a Predators' hockey game. You had never been to an ice hockey game, but you totally understood what was going on and really got into it.

 Uncle Josh has a really cool drum set, and you were starting to get into the idea of music and loved that you could play as much as you wanted.

We both looked very nice for our night at the symphony. It was a really cool experience for both of us.

The science center was a fun experience too. You liked trying out all the things and really enjoyed the moon walk. It did take a little getting used to...

 We missed the snow by a few days, unfortunately. But Aunt Raeanna saved you some in the freezer. :)

I'm Spoiled

You know the kind of friend who flies across the country and then drives three hours to spend time with you?  No?  Well, I do.  But this time I got the chance to (kind of) return the show of affection by driving to Jacksonville to share a lunch and meet the boyfriend.  It was well worth the drive.

This also happened to be the weekend that my Daddy made me so proud of him (which is not hard to do) by walking the Gate River Run. He and a friend walk every morning before work, and they decided to take on the 15K (a little over 9 miles) challenge.

After my visit with Catherine, I had two luxurious hours to myself in my parents' hotel room before they got there.  Mama, Daddy and I spent Friday night in Jacksonville.  Saturday morning, while Daddy conquered the world, Mama and I laid in the bed and talked.  When Daddy got back we drove to St. Augustine so Mama and I could go shopping for a bit.

After a yum dinner I drove back to Deland with a few new things for my closet and a happy heart.  I'm spoiled and I know it.

Tennessee Vacation

We spent last week in Tennessee with my family. We left Sunday and flew to Sevierville, where we stayed until Saturday with two grandparents, four children, three in-laws, a friend and eight grandchildren. We visited Dollywood, Dollywood Splash Country, Cades Cove, lots of restaurants, Wal-Mart (which would have been better left undone, in my opinion), the urgent care center (never fear, all is well, but it was to be expected with that many children), an indoor miniature golf and arcade center, the pool and some beautiful streams and camping sites.

Unfortunately, we weren't able to take our good camera with us, but here are a few shots.

Eli and Rae meeting Brer Rabbit

Luke and David exploring the stream

Eli didn't want to be left out, but he needed a little help.

Eli and Daddy taking a rest

Luke and David joined them On the never-ending trail at Cades Cove

We made lots of good memories and had a good time. Oh, and Judah? He got lots of a great bonding time with Grandma Clair. And, I got to change his diaper on the plane to Tennessee and on the way home as well.

Lord Help the Mister

I spent this past weekend with my two sisters, hence the title. Fortunately, the only "mister" involved was Judah. And he was a perfect gentleman.

We left Thursday afternoon and flew to Nashville to meet up with Kate and Raeanna for four days of fun. I've never flown with a child before, so it was a learning experience. I had no idea that when you go through security they make you fold up your stroller and put every piece of equipment you have with you through the scanner. Thankfully I was in the "family" line behind a family with more children and way more stuff than me so I had time to watch and then figure out how I was supposed to hold Judah, fold the stroller, and get all my stuff on the table. And, oh yeah, if your baby happens to have a cast on, you have to stand in the glass box like a suspected terrorist and wait for the security people to swab the cast and test the swab in their special terrorist-detecting machine (I'm sure that isn't the proper name, but you get the idea, right?). This is while everyone in the area stares at you in the glass box, certain you really are a terrorist because I mean, come on, your five month old has a cast on. I was sweating by the time I got my tennis shoes back on. I sat down to wait for my flight and had time to stop sweating, but again, you have to unload and fold your stroller while holding the baby and your bags and trying to get out of the way of everyone else pushing past you to get on the plane. Nothing about this was done gracefully. But we did it and sat down next to two delightful sisters who were helpful the whole flight. Even when Judah completely filled his diaper and, subsequently, the surrounding area with the lovely odor. Did I mention he was constipated recently. Well, don't worry, he's not anymore. He fixed that problem right there at 38,000 feet. Have you ever changed a poopy diaper in an airplane?

So, all in all, Judah was perfect and I was fine, too. I was just really sweaty. And by the flight back, we were both pros.

So, we did lots of this.

We also, shopped, got pedicures and manicures, ate way too much, took a painting class (totally fun), laughed lots and slept very little. It was a fabulous weekend. Can't wait to do it again, Girls!

"Sisters, sisters,There were never such devoted sisters.
All kinds of weather, we stick together, the same in the rain or sun.
Two different faces, but in tight places we think and we act as one.

Those who've seen us know that not a thing can come between us.
Many men have tried to split us up, but no one can.
Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister,
and Lord help the sister that comes between me and my man."