Mama Vacation

When one of my best friends, Rachel asked me in March if I'd be interested in doing a "Mama Vacation" sometime in the summer to go visit her hometown in Mobile, Alabama I was instantly excited.  As the days approached my excitement turned to anxiety as I had never left the kiddos more than 48 hours and we were doing a week getaway.  Now that I am home I have nothing but smiles on my face and nonstop joyful stories to tell.  Beyond thankful that she asked me and that Dad encouraged me to do it.  Dad even knew I had so much fun I think he as well as Rachel's husband, Aaron became a little fearful that this maybe become an annual thing...and it just might :)

The Trip
We left Sunday morning bright and early on the Amtrak Train.  We landed in Chicago, Illinois and spent the evening there.  We boarded around 8 PM and arrived the next morning at 11 in Jackson, Mississippi where Rachel's dad picked us up.  We then drove to Mobile to meet her mom, settle in and relax a little.  We spent Tuesday to Thursday evening visiting her favorite spots, meeting friends and eating southern food that I have never ate nor even heard of.  On Friday her amazing parents (Al and Wilma) drove us to New Orleans where we spent half the day exploring the town and experiencing the culture down there.  Arrived back on the train at 2 Pm to arrive home late Saturday evening. 

Top Favorite Things (besides all the talking and hanging out with Rachel)
-Spending afternoons at Gulf Shores with white sand and a book
-Spotting alligators while at "Alligator Alley"
-Seeing 4 dolphins swimming while riding the ferry
-Experiencing a live radio station and commercials being made at her mom's studio
-Eating delicious meals in peace with no preparation or clean up