More Family Visits: In NC and FL, Pt 2

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We left the nice campground in NC early Monday morning for a drive through North and South Carolina and then down I-95 to see Josh, Jen, and Drew. We drove through parts of the Carolinas we had not been through before and they were, for the most part, rural and very pleasant. Going around Charlotte and Columbia were smooth and soon we were on I-95 headed for Jacksonville, FL. A very heavy rain at one point and we pulled over for 30 minutes, but other than that, the drive was good.

When we got in, Jen was in Syracuse on a business trip so it was just Josh and Drew for a bit. Again, Drew was a bit leery of us, but eventually warmed up and liked coming out in the drive and seeing the RV. We'd had a nice drive from NC, but hit some rain and pulled over and waited it out. As a result, we got in later than expected. Instead of dinner, Josh suggested going to FroYogi (Frozen Yogurt) because Monday nights was 1/2 price. Sounded good to us, to once we were set up, the 4 of us headed for the dessert and had a ball. Drew really likes the frozen yogurt and very carefully and politely gathered all the cups (after we were done) and walked them to the trash bin and threw them away. He took great pride in cleaning up.

We spent our days with Josh (who was on vacation) and Drew watching tv, playing, working in the yard some, and going to the mall, where Drew rode the indoor electric train around the mall. Josh fixed some great meals; one night he made a chicken/stuffing cheese casserole that was good that night and a couple of nights later. We got steaks once and enjoyed those as well. Drew likes corn and we watched as he actually ate the corn right off the cob.

We helped Josh with some outside work, weeding a garden, cutting limbs and trees near his pool, and installing a new hose bib for an outside faucet. We relaxed in his new outdoor pool with Drew. Drew has a special life vest he wears and paddles around the pool, splashing and having fun. His daddy will also take him, toss him in the air and catch him with a big splash. The pool was a birthday present for Jen in June and allows them to get in anytime. Drew is a real water bug, so this is great for all of them.

One day we went to the mall to look for some items and go to the bookstore (of course!) an Drew got to ride on the large battery powered train that tours through the mall. With his love of trains, Drew is in 7th Heaven on these trips. Friday Jen was due in from her trip and we picked her up at the airport and then went to PoloTropical grill for early dinner. We had been when we were down before and really liked this healthy menu. We opted to get a large TropiChop. First, choose either grilled chicken, mojo roast pork or a vegetarian build. Then order the “base”— yellow rice with veggies, white rice, brown rice, romaine lettuce, or a combination of lettuce and rice. We went with the chicken and a base of white rice and lettuce. Next you get as many toppings as you want. Choices include beans, chopped fresh tomatoes, kernel corn, sauteed onions or sauteed peppers and onions. Finally you go to the salsa bar and have a choice of salsas or sauces. We had a garlicy lemon salsa and some mango salsa. Trish and I split the bowl and it was plenty! Drew loves the choices also and ate it all down. (When we came home, we tried to mimic this with some leftover grilled chicken and rice. It was pretty good; just needed some kinky salsa to "kick it up a notch.")

Sunday was a beach day and how Drew loves the ocean! He played in the sand, ran in the waves and delighted in splashing and teasing his parents. At times he was studiously serious and quiet, making roads or pushing his cars in the sand. Then he would dash to the ocean, squeal, and run back in time to stomp whatever sand castle his mom had made. While there, we had a couple of riders go by on horses and instantly thought of Kim and of Trish's mom. Gigi always wanted to ride a horse on a beach.

Monday I went over to Naval Air Station Jacksonville (a short drive away) and checked to see if I could get new DOD decals for the RV and car. Mine had expired in April and while I had tried in Huntsville, it seems they don't issue decals anymore. The decals make getting on military bases easier with the car or RV, if we are going to camp there. NAS Jax was very helpful and in less than an hour, I had the new decals. I also checked out the campground and found I could bring the RV in and use the dump station at no charge. So back to Josh's and we packed up the coach, put up the awnings, stowed loose items, and with Josh and Drew, drove over to the base to empty the sewage tanks on the RV. Drew was excited to go along and also glad to have his daddy with him. But at last he was going for a ride in the "V". I pulled in, got out and dumped the tanks. While I was outside, Trish and Josh agreed that Josh should drive back home. So Drew's car seat was installed up front and when I got in, Josh drove back to his house. He is an excellent driver, used to bigger vehicles, as he drives for FedEx. But we did have to caution him that our "packages" are indeed ours and consist of dishes, books on shelves (behind closed doors) and lots of "stuff" underneath in storage. So maybe a little easier on turns and bumps would be better. We got home and reconnected the electric and water, set out the sink items, and settled back down for one more night.

Tuesday Josh went to work, Jen took Drew to child care and then on to her work, and we packed up and left. We opted to drive back along US 90, which parallels I-10. It is quieter, a bit slower, and very pretty. We went as far west as US-19 and then headed north to Albany, GA. We spent the night at a county park and relaxed in the shade of the trees. It was a quiet campground with few campers since school was starting soon and we enjoyed ourselves. Next day we completed our trip home and the cats were most happy to finally be back in their yard and not have to worry about being tossed in the big moving, bouncing, noisy box to be transported to some unknown location.

But they will get tossed in again when we go back in November to see our NEW grandson. And we may take them early in the fall when we go visit John's folks in Ohio. But for now, they are relaxing and enjoying the yard, the woods, and being indoors in air conditioned comfort on the hot days.

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Photos

Andrew looking at pictures
Drew loves to exert his independence (gee, where does THAT come from?) and so will sit in the BIG chair and look but not with us. At least, not unless we have donuts or M&Ms or such on the table.

In the pool with Josh and Drew
Josh got the pool for Jen's birthday and Drew loves to get in and splash. Like his dad, he will stay in with blue lips and chattering teeth, continuing to play until an adult realized he really needs to get out. Then, reluctantly, he will.

Andrew eating corn
Drew had some corn on his plate that had been shucked from the ear. I suggested he try the whole ear. We didn't expect much, but he cleaned that absolutely clean. Just 4 months ago he just toyed with the ear. Quite a change.

Relaxing in the RV
Jen came home from her business trip and the whole family sat in the RV and relaxed on morning. We were planning our trip to the beach. (Yes, Jen is due in October.)

Daddy, Drew, Mommy at the beach
Drew has loved going to the ocean ever since we first went a year ago. Mommy sits and plays with him in the shallow or on the sand, and daddy plays shark with him and swings him through the waves. They all have a lot of fun.

Day at the beach
We were at Mickler Beach when these two horsed slowly trotted through. We'd seen the hoof prints earlier heading south and then later, here they came riding back. Only other horses we've ever seen were wild ones in MD and the Outer Banks. This was really fun.

Going for a ride in the "V"
We'd been in the driveway camping for a week and needed to empty the tanks. So we decided to drive to NAS Jacksonville and use the camping facilities. This was an opportunity for Drew to go for a ride in the "V" as he calls it. Of course, Daddy had to come along for assurance ( or insurance). They rode on the bench seat of the dinette.

Josh driving the RV
While John was at the dump station emptying the tanks outside, Trish and Josh conspired to let Josh drive home. Drew got moved to the passenger seat up front and Mom and Dad sat on the dinette seat. That was a new experience!

Lucy and Ethel
When we were down earlier and helped to build the chicken coop, Lucy and Ethel were little. They have really grown and are now producing an egg a day per hen. Lots of eggs for custards, hard boiled eggs, deviled eggs.........

Comments

[Joe & Joyce]

Funnnnn Funnnnn Funnnn
What a great trip... the "baby" is no baby anymore.... but what a cute dude.... love to all