Dad and Mom Getaway

For the past few days Nana came up to bless us by watching the kiddos so we could get a much needed getaway.  We headed north to Duluth to experience its fascinating history and beauty.  We explored many boardwalks, lighthouses, the Glensheen Museum and the William A. Irvin ship.  We also took advantage of the amazing weather by eating delicious foods outside and lots of hiking.   So many favorite things about this weekend, but my company topped my list.

Again, special thanks to Nana, we are so grateful and appreciative of all you did.  Love you lots!

Beach Day

Today Dad decided we were going to enjoy this humid 90 degree day at our local beach.  We had so much fun building a sand shark, making a molt and swimming.

VBS

This past week the kids participated in Vacation Bible School (VBS) at the kiddos' preschool.  Every year the kids look forward to this week.  This year's theme was titled "Maker Fun Factory" where they learned about how individual and special they are.  Throughout the week they met new friends, heard new stories and songs about Jesus, and had lots of fun.  

Good Old Friends

When I found out a month ago that our good friends that moved east were going to be at their cabin for a few weeks I knew we needed to make sometime work to hang out.  Jenny offered to have us up today and I don't think Elyse has slept for three days with excitement to play with Aiden again.  The six boys and Elyse all played so great together and my heart was full of joy catching up with Jenny.  They are people that you may see and talk to only a few times a year but it always feels like I just saw them yesterday.  I am sad to think it maybe another year before we get together again but I am thankful we had today!

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