A few weeks ago we hauled out the suitcases, put the mail on hold, packed up extra pairs of underwear and charged up the iPad, mobile DVD player, iPhones and laptops (I think I counted that our family of 4 traveled with 5 screens… oy!) and went on our annual pilgrimage to Tennessee. It was, as always, a whirlwind of family, food and fun.
As always, travel with the kiddos is quite an operation. I tried to pack for every contingency (without overpacking), made arrangements for optimal kid behavior (without completely becoming slaves to nap schedules, and tried to make everything run at smoothly as possible. Of course, ultimately, it’s not up to me. It’s up to the Gods of travel, the weather, and, the kids. I have to give them credit where credit is due – they did great. 4:00 am found us at the airport (picture above). Two airplanes, two airports, snacks, movies and brief naps and very minor frustrations later – we were in Tennessee!
We did something a little different this trip and booked a cabin on a lake with just Wayne and Darlene for a few days. It was a lovely way to relax, visit, and just play together with our beloved Papa and Oma. The weather was cool but sunny, it gave J and I a chance to explore a part of the country we’d never been before, allowed for a little bit of hiking and general vacation feel. J made a camp fire one night and we made s’mores and hot cocoa.
Of course the best part was lots of snuggling and cuddling with Papa! Clare immediately ran up to him, arms outstretched for a hug, and they got along like a house afire. Sammy was a little pricklier, but then we noticed 4! new molars in my mouth which explains his fussy attitude. As you can see from the picture below, once those teeth came in all became right with the world – including Papa.
After our relaxing trip to Kentucky Lakes, we went back to Nashville for more family visiting. We met up with Aunt Donna the Great, Mike, Brenda and Hannah at the Opryland Hotel. The hotel was gorgeous, but the best part was catching up with the family. Sammy fell in love with Donna immediately, and Hannah and Clare picked up where they left off last year.
Unfortunately my photography skills were seriously lacking on this trip, but I captured a teensy slice of the sheer cuteness of cousins Hannah, Clare and Sam. Hannah is so sweet and kind with the little kids and they absolutely adore her. They, especially Clare, follow her around like little ducklings and want to be just like her. At once point Clare put on Hannah’s boots, hat and purse and paraded around saying “I’m like Hannah!”
We also saw our beloved Nanny, Jan, Justin and Jayden – in addition to Meta, Lace and Levi. Phew! Family for days! We’re so blessed to have such wonderful people who welcome us with open arms when we visit. It’s such a treat to introduce our kids to their Southern roots.
