Family Vacation in Alabama

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Wow...BOTH kids and grandkids came to visit for a week. It was exciting, fun-filled, exhausting, rewarding, and ought to be repeated at least semi-annually.

Kim had finished her summer classes for her MBA and had a 4 week break. Her visit had been in the works for a while and she wanted to be here for Trish's birthday (Aug 2). Josh wanted to bring the boys to visit, go to Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, and catch fireflies. He told us this spring he hoped to come at the end of July. Finally, both kids talked to each other, worked out details, and Kim, Kris, and Sophie (chocolate lab) arrived Sunday, July 30. Lots of excitement, dog running around fields, suitcases up to guest room, hugs, dog finding other doggie friends from across street, and stretches. Then Trish had a big dinner of chicken and dumplings. (No, darn it, we forgot to sing at the table when we served. Much to Kris's relief, I'm sure.)

Monday we all relaxed, caught up, and walked the dog, or watched the dog as she ran all over. Kim helped setting up the bedroom for Josh and boys. Did a little shopping for food and then got ready for Josh's arrival. We pulled out the grill and had hot dogs with Mom's home made macaroni and cheese. We even got gluten free noodles so Kris could enjoy. Boys came in Josh's new (used) Prius and there was one back pack or suitcase each plus some pillows and stuffed animals. VERY easy to unload and set up in the big room upstairs. Turns out the hot dogs were a BIG hit and boys eat everything. Then we relaxed, shared stories and the boys explored inside and out.

Tuesday Kim and Kris wanted to go to Unclaimed Baggage. We said we'd watch the boys if Josh wanted to go along, but he felt no need, so instead, after K&K left, we pulled the RV out, loaded up some food and headed to a picnic spot. Both boys really wanted to ride in the "V" (or as Xander calls it, the VR). We made a short stop at Publix for premade sandwiches and then drove to a lakeside playground where we fired up the generator on the RV, turned on the A/C and heated up hot dogs for the boys while we munched sandwiches. Then the boys went out to play while we watched from inside and later Josh went and walked the lakeshore, looking for crawfish/crawdads/mudshrimp/etc. Both boys enjoyed the ride and the picnic and said they would like to go camping overnight. We shall see. Maybe next trip to FL we'll take the older one for an overnight. Love to pull an Auntie Mame and whisk them off for a trip to exotic places and experiences. That afternoon Kim got the riding mower and mowed the backyard. She loves to get on and go, anything physical is good and a welcome change from the tedium of sitting at a desk in the office. She put the boys on her lap and let them steer some. Most important, she got the back and side yard mowed. Now to get...er, LET...Josh mow the front yard.

Wednesday it was a road trip to Chattanooga and the Tennessee Aquarium. We've been before, and it is a huge complex, actually 2 separate buildings. One is the Tennessee River experience and the other is an ocean experience. Lots of walking, looking, learning. And that was just the river part. There were outdoor sections, large tanks with varieties of fish, turtles and alligators (for the lower section of the Mississippi) and always opportunities for education, which Josh gave to both boys at their levels. We finished the first building and headed for lunch at Mellow Mushroom (pizza) and then back to the 2nd building for ocean views. We started on the top of the structure and saw a pool of rays and mantas we could touch then entered a large butterfly room with hundreds of butterflies that would land on your head, back, fingers, shirt, neck (don't swat!) and elbow. Lots of fun and educational. Then down to the penguins, sharks, ocean fish, sea turtles and jellyfish. WOW! Really amazing exhibits.

Thursday was go swimming. We went to a nearby County Park, High Falls, and walked across a beautiful 5 arched bridge and then clambered down a rock slide to the river. It was reasonably deep here and the boys could jump from a tree into a pool of water, splash on rocks where it was shallow, and wade upstream to even deeper pools. Everyone except Trish went on this trip; she stayed home to avoid twisting her gimpy knee. The water was surprisingly warm and the river was clean and clear. Josh walked the boys to the edge of the falls so they could look, but it was a 30-40 drop so they were restrained and did not wish to attempt it (YEA!) The falls are actually pretty close, about 20 minutes away, and Kim said she wants to come back and bring the dog. When we got home, Josh (after a bit a nagging from his sister) got the mower out and started on the front yard. He also had the boys on his lap for some of the mowing, but eventually let Drew mow all by himself! Drew did a great job and kept straight lines and went back and mowed patches he had missed. He told his Daddy, "Next time we come, I want to do the whole yard by myself!" Thank you, Tom Sawyer.

Thursday night we celebrated Trish's birthday, complete with her cake of ladyfingers, chocolate and whipped cream. Xander dutifully ate his veggies and potatoes so he could have the cake. In the evening, Kim and Kris had brought sparklers so the boys could light them off while Kris photographed circles, shapes and moving light.

Friday morning, Josh and the boys left early and we all just relaxed. Kris and I went to see Dunkirk in the afternoon while the ladies stayed home. In the evening, we all went out for Mexican food and then home for more cake. It was a relaxing, fun filled week, rapidly coming to an end. The next morning the kids packed up the car and Sophie and headed out for the long drive north. Suddenly, it was very quiet, lonely and empty in the house.....sigh. But we have the wonderful memories and photos. And we're already looking forward to the next get together.

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Photos

Road Trip!
Xander looks out the side window while Drew sits at the dinette as we travel down the road. Xander wanted to sit up front for part of the trip but decided sitting on a couch in a large "bus" was way cooler.

Inside picnic lunch
They liked the hotdogs on the grill the night before. We had 3 leftover so took them, heated them up and added chips and drink. Picnic in air conditioned comfort with a great view of the lake and playground. Yep, they ate everything.

River life in a swamp
Boys checking out turtles, alligators, ducks and fish in a re-creation of a bayou. They were happy there was 2" thick glass between them and the gators.

Discussing the fish with Daddy
Drew has always had an interest in animals, just like his Daddy. Since learning to swim and now snorkel, he is really fascinated with undersea life.

Ba-san and Ji-san with the boys
Posing in front of a GIANT turtle shell. Told the boys it was the original Mutant Ninja Turtle.

Petting rays
These gentle rays swam close to the surface and allowed people to touch and stroke their backs. Very soft, almost velvet like feel.

John and Josh at Aquarium
Don't often get a candid shot with the kids. Thanks, Kris, for the great photography.

Up close and personal
Hundreds upon hundreds of butterflies fluttering around at the aquarium in the butterfly house. It's really fun to watch them and learn how to attract them to your yard.

Sparklers
Boys were encouraged (by Kris) to draw designs in the air while he captured the antics on film.

Drew jumping off the tree
Josh was the first to jump so Drew had to try. He tried the rope, but didn't let go and banged back on the tree. This was 2nd attempt and he (wisely) opted to not use the short rope.

If big brother can....
Xander got up in the tree, no rope and counted...1...2..JUMP! Reminded us of the scene from Lethal Weapon as Danny Glover and Mel Gibson argue over when to go.

Shallow part of creek
Town Creek, running through the park, is of varying depths. It was challenging to walk on slippery rocks, but as both our kids grew up with a creek in the back yard, they felt right at home, and so did the grandkids.

Relaxing on the couch
Drew used to sit and read or be read to. Now, with tablets, both boys can entertain themselves with educational games and mazes.

Comments

[Bill]

Fun times
It appears you provided an interesting and entertaining week for your grandchildren. We are taking our to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for special trip before school starts. They live one mile away so we see them frequently and have watched them Fridays this summer.