This past week, Ray and I enjoyed 1800 plus miles of adventure. We traveled across 7 states, dinned at a variety of eateries, explored beautiful farms, and enjoyed actvities including befriending a talking mouse, bull riding, peach picking, slip and slides, toe painting, sight seeing, and good ole fashion Alabama Family fun. We are officially Bama Blessed! So enjoy a huge picture post of our Alamaba summer adventures with the family.
Day ONE: Wednesday
On Wednesday around 6:30AM with breakfast in hand, we were on the road ready to make the 12 1/2 hour trek to the great state of AL.
As we crossed the Mississippi state line, it was lunch time. We found a delicious diner in Jackson, MS called Chimneyville Smokehouse as found on Man V. Food. It was amazing and I could eat that peach cobbler all day.
After many hours in the car and passing over the AL state line, we needed to stretch our legs. Ray and I decided to make a stop in Tuscaloosa to see the
University of Alabama. Here they say, Roll Tide. It was a beautiful campus, but we prefer Auburn...war eagle.
After 12 1/2 hours and lots of caffeinated drinks and sugary treats later, we had finally arrived. It was such a blessing to spend time with my brother and sister-in-law and niece as well as my new niece and nephew. God truly is working in our lives. We are extremely excited and thankful for these new loved ones and are blessed for all the moments shared and the memories made.
Sweet Olivia showing off her room
Our Silly Ladies Photo
Olivia, Ryan, Ray, and Jacob
Reading Olivia a bed time story
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Day TWO: Thursday
The next morning we woke up bright and early to see this beautiful face. Boy did Olivia LOVE her uncle Ray. That morning we read stories, played games on our phones, climbed trees, played with Ryan's remote control helicopter, picked blue berries, and just loved on our family. It was surely a special time.
Uncle Ray loving on his niece
Olivia reading her story Olivia
Kendall and Olivia on the "porch"
That afternoon, we enjoyed a belated birthday party at
Chuck E Cheese for this beautiful 5 year old. We ate lots of pizza and played lots of fun games.
Happy 5 years Miss Olivia Grace
Olivia was not too sure of the robotic talking mouse
Uncle Ray and Jacob rock'n out to Guitar Hero
Our two beautiful nieces, Kendall and Olivia
Ryan and Tassie lol
After Chuck E Cheese, we made a stop to watch Olivia's VBS program.
Day THREE: FridayAfter a delicious breakfast, we journeyed into Georgia to
Butts Mill Farm. This was absolutely one of my favorite places. We explored bull riding, obstacle courses, Go-Kart racing, and a relaxed afternoon swinging over some very slippery rocks.
Later that afternoon, we ventured over to
Carroll Farms Peaches where we sampled some pretty amazing peach ice cream.
Day FOUR: Saturday
On Saturday the ladies and gents went their separate ways and enjoyed a day to ourselves. While the boys spent their morning playing frisbee golf and watching a movie...
The ladies had lunch at Shanes, enjoyed relaxing pedicures, and sampled some delicious cupcakes. It was definitely a great day to spend with the gals:)
Like Mother Like Daughter
I loved getting to know my new family. These ladies are amazing and I am truly thankful to call them family:)
Tassie and Olivia
Olivia and big sis Kendall
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Slip & Slide FunWhen we returned home, Ryan pulled out the slip and slide for the kiddos including my kiddo that I'm married to. They lathered up with soap and sure had a great afternoon of slip and slide fun. While the kids were playing, I had the opportunity to catch up with Kendall. She is such a beautiful and talented lady. It was a special time to spend with her.
Olivia posing for the camera
Ray 0, Trashcan 1= black eye
Day FIVE
Sunday was the day we told our nieces and nephew good-bye. Kendall and Jacob would be returning to thier grandmother's house while Olivia would be joining her mama for the rest of the weekend. It was hard to say good-bye as we had such a wonderful week with them. We are absolutely looking forward to our next trip together. So before they left we had a small family photo opt.
After our saying our good-byes, the adults left for an afternoon out for dinner and a movie. Ray has mentioned eating at
Shoney's for years. It was time to put his money where his mouth was. It wasn't too bad. The desserts of course were my favorite:)
Day SIX: Monday
Monday morning we said good-bye to Ryan and Tassie. I think this was one of the hardest as I knew it would be quite awhile until our next visit. But the countdown will officially begin as we will see them again for Christmas. We had decided that instead of going straight through we would travel to Chattanooga and Nashville, TN. Enjoy our travel pictures.
Nashville Welcomes You!
Day SEVEN
Our travels continued as we were excited to continue our trip home. After a wonderful trip away, we were ready to get back to the pups and to our little home. Last stop,
Little Rock, Arkansas.
Once in Little Rock, we made our way to the Rivermarket where we found lunch at
Gusano's Pizzeria and enjoyed some Chicago-style pizza. Boy was it yummy! After many hours and naps later, we arrived back home.
We send lots of love to our family. Thank you for a wonderful weekend, filled with lots of love and laughter! Thanks to my husband and favorite travel partner. I look forward to many more adventures in our future!
