Georgia Visit - Week 1

I know if I don't blog while I am visiting I will get so far behind I will just leave stuff out. So while my girls are napping and Topher is watching a movie with his papa I will share our first almost week in Georgia.

Tuesday, July 2
We left on Tuesday morning from Salt Lake. Kids were pretty good on the plane but it is a lot of work maneuvering three bodies and all the supplies (2 duffle bags, 3 book bags, a Maddie Mae purse, a diaper bag, and a double stroller) through an airport.

Once we arrived in Atlanta (around 6pm EST) the kids were sick of sitting but excited to see Mimi and Papa. There was no shyness on the kids parts. They knew who they were and were happy to see them.

I enjoyed the drive back to their home - finally something green! And I think that the hour drive to their house was about all the sun we've seen since we've been here!

Kids were happy to be with grandparents and very happy to be out of a seat. They enjoyed running around and catching fireflies. Topher was going to let them out in his room that night but they didn't make it the two hours to bed time.

Wednesday, July 3
We woke up on Wednesday to rain. A lot of rain. Katie turned 16 but we postponed the party until Friday. We did get to see my friend Holly (Marie), her little boy, her husband and her mom. It was fun to talk to Holly again.

I really should have taken pictures.

We went to bed with it raining and expecting Drew and Jessi to arrive.

Thursday, July 4
We woke up to more rain and Drew and Jessi! Kids were excited to see them. We enjoyed a meal of traditional American Forth of July cuisine - Teriyaki Chicken. :) And of course, lit fireworks!

If you look you see Caroline's shoes and legs in the pile.

Jessi is smart. She lets Drew play rough and she gets all the hugs.

She loves the camera. She smiles and holds her hands. What a sweet baby she is.

Ready to blow things up.

Also ready to blow things up.

Ready to make things sparkle.

Cute boys!

Yup - a blanket. In July. In Georgia.

Making her world "sparkly."

She is a fan of fireworks.

This year's pyros.

 



She is still smiling - just hiding a little when fireworks get loud.

It was raining quite hard during part of the fireworks so...

Maddie and Mimi watched from the "parlor."

The rest of us lined up along the edge of the porch and watched.

As the fireworks ended so did the rain. For a little while anyways.

We ended the forth by eating ice cream and cookies.

Friday, July 5
More rain on the forecast. So, we did Atlanta things. The aquarium and the Varsity. We also celebrated Katie Jo's birthday.

Excited and tired - we were up a little earlier than normal. 



First tank.

You could "pet" bonnet head sharks and rays. Tyler was showing Topher what to do.





Beluga Whale tank. Quite cool.

Caroline laughed at these little guys.

And at these guys - otters.

Maddie Mae climbs and hangs where ever she goes.

 We then went into the "big" tank. And it was big. The kids were a little overwhelmed I think. Topher's favorite was the manta ray.

Maddie Mae climbing again.



This guy was Topher's favorite.

We left the "big" tank and went into the tropical section.

The "grass" in the sand is not "grass" but little yellow and white snakes.



I'd be a little claustrophobic.

We left the tropical tanks to go to the Dolphin Show. You can't take pictures during the show but it was a lot of fun. We saw dolphins doing all sorts of tricks and people "surfing" on them. The kids loved it. The pictures I do have are going into the show and right before.

And, if you are going to go all the way downtown in Atlanta of course you have to eat at the Varsity. Though after eating there you are left wondering why.

This is looking down towards the line. It is always like this.

Mom is showing off the one thing that you don't left questioning why you ate it - the frozen orange drink.

Long day = grouchy.

Long day = silly.

 After naps we celebrated Katie Jo's birthday with Pizza and Cake. Happy 16th!

She also got her certificate of completion for New Testament in Seminary.

Caroline came to help.

Dad likes to blow out flames - remember?!

Caroline is always ready for food.

Happy 16th!

Saturday, July 6
More rain. Philip and his wife came to visit Drew and the rest of us. Tyler and I went for a walk around the neighborhood. Tyler unfortunately had to return home so we drive him to the airport. We were a little worried that he may be stranned along the way due to the airplane that semi-blew-up in California; but overall he had a good trip home.
I will miss him :(

Sunday, July 7
No rain, just overcast. We went to church. The church I went to as a child. Saw people I haven't seen in 10 years. I agree with Dad - I now know how Rip Van Winkle felt.

Drew and Jessi packed up a washer and dryer and left for home in Raleigh. Boy am I jealous I can't call that home.

It has been a great week. It is so fun to spend time with family. I love that my kids get to hang out with Aunts, Uncles, and 2 "Papas."