We made it!

Whew - our road trip plan included FOUR days of driving (not all day) and with little ones, I'm glad the big push is over! We are now happily snuggled in at my sister's and having a great time!

My Grandma flew out and drove back with us since David couldn't go with us this time. She was a big help passing things to the back seat, getting snacks and dropped Pinky and Ellie's, holding Samuel so Mama could go to the bathroom and keeping me company! Thanks, Nana!

Here's what we've been up to so far: (Daddy, hope you enjoy seeing all your little family! We miss you!)

Day One ~ drove to Chattanooga; we stayed in a guest cottage at Covenant College. It was great! I felt good about staying at a Christian college rather than in some random place! The ladies had a ball playing with all the gravel outside and we had a beautiful view! I will definitely keep this in mind when traveling in the future - especially in the summer, to check with colleges for accommodations.

I had told the little ladies we would have a manicure/pedicure session when we got there that night so they had something fun to look forward to! And, we spread out a blanket and had a picnic dinner!


Day Two ~ drove to St. Louis (naturally we had to stop and take a photo with "Cinderella Road" sign!); had dinner with Craig, Megan and ladies - thanks for a fun and tasty time!

Rachel - some day when you can read this, I just have to say that you cracked us up with how many times you talked about seeing the cow at Chick-Fil-A! You would say it like this every time:

Rachel: "I saw cow at Fay."
Mama: "Really? You saw a cow at Chick-Fil-A?"
Rachel: "Outside!"
Mama: "It was outside?"
Rachel: "Corner."
Mama: "It was on the corner (waving to people)?"
Rachel: "Uh-huh!"

Day Three ~ drove to Kansas City - to see my aunt! Stopped at an ENORMOUS indoor playground and the ladies had fun! Had a fun afternoon playing and visiting. I put everyone to bed downstairs and headed back up to visit with my Aunt and Grandma! It was fun and as I headed downstairs to bed myself, I realized I've graduated to the living room - I have lots of memories of laying in bed on vacations hearing my Mom and her sisters and mom chattering in the other room. Now I am one of them and my little ones are listening to me - it was fun!

Day Four ~ had powdered sugar donuts for breakfast - a tradition my Grandma started when I was a little girl; then we went to get a picture taken of all three and get Rachel's two year photo and Samuel's six month photo - I'll share them when they come by e-mail; drove to Carrie's! Had a fun welcome with her trademark signs on our doors! After dinner, we walked to a park and the cousins had fun playing!

Today is Rachel's 2nd Birthday! Happy Birthday, Rachel! You are such a sweet and fun addition to our family and we are thankful for you! Rachel's new things lately include learning a few colors, saying different animals and what sounds they make, she finally says her name and Samuel's name! Happy Birthday, Rachel!!!

Pictures of our visit with Aunt Carrie and the cousins playing together to come next time!