Last week, I took the girls and my mom on a trek across the southeast United States to visit some of my oldest and bestest friends. Thinking back on the trip, I have to say that it was really GREAT to see my friends, and I am very glad that we went, but it was definitley the hardest "vacation" I've ever taken. Thank goodness my mom was able to go with me, or I don't think I would have made it. Combine my trouble with sleep, and the girls' later bedtimes and lack of naps, plus a little more sweets and junk food than usual, and you get some wild and unruly kids and a mom who wants to call it quits. Thankfully, we pushed through and were able to visit several great friends. And what do you know? Magically, when we returned to our house and our usual routine, the girls turned into absolute angels. My friend Aimee told me when I was planning the trip that it was going to be too much, and she was absolutely right, but she held her tongue and gracefully never said, "I told you so"! Thanks Aimee.
We started our trip with a flight to Atlanta. We spent 3 days with my college roommate, Laura, and her family. We had a great time with them in their world. We went to a small waterpark, played at a park next to a small airport, took some walks, played on the big swing, went to a puppet show, and ate alot of good home-cooked food. Yum!!
Next we drove to Chattanooga to visit Katie and Joel and their two girls. It was my first time to meet baby Miller. She is ADORABLE, just like her big sis.
It was Princess's and Pumpkin's first time to have a slumber party!! (although there was not much slumber at the party)
In Chattanooga, we rode the incline...
...went for a short canoe ride on the lake in Katie's backyard...
...played at an awesome playground on Lookout Mountain...
...played in the fountain and rode the carousel in downtown, played a serious game of Shang Hai, and ate some more delicious food. I love my friends!
After a couple of days in Chattanooga, we got back on the road and drove to Nashville. We spent the first afternoon and evening hanging out with Aimee and her family. My girls love to play with those Guests!
The next day we went swimming with Holly, Jesse, and Joanie from our old WECC community group. A very fun, relaxing morning with the old BBCG crew!
We also spent time with Beth and Wallis and their kids at Beth's new house, and Princess and I visited Centennial's NICU to see the old work crew.
We also spent some time walking around Vandy and of course we hit all my favorite old dives, like Dairy Dip, Rotier's, Pancake Pantry, and Calypso Cafe.
My last night in Nashville I spent talking and praying with my bestest friend at good ole' Fido.
I am so glad that I took this trip to see some great, true friends. Being back in Nashville made me wish I still lived there. I just love the place and all the people, and I miss them incredibly. But, nothing can replace family, and that is what I have in Houston, so this is where I will stay. For now.
Sounds - and looks - like a great trip!
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