Spring Break Road Trip ~Visiting Family ~Papa and Our Boys ~Gigi and Our Jojo ~We are Blessed

We enjoyed a full two weeks of Spring weather,

the Georgia countryside, and staying with our

grandchildren and their parents.

Jack, a typical five year old, loves to tell stories.

And I love to listen to him talk.

I got up early everyday to come downstairs to pour my coffee

and sit by him while he ate breakfast before preschool.

He has a vivid imagination and explains his ideas in great detail.

Henry is a “man of few words” and is so sweet.

He also gives the best hugs!

We spent a week staying in each household.

That way, we could be a part of their bedtime and morning routines.

When Joelle gets up, she gets a dry diaper and some milk

before coming downstairs to play.

I loved to sit by her and listen to her tell stories, too.

Her face and voice are so expressive and she is

a delightful conversationalist.

Our daughters have not lived this close together

since they were in High School…

That’s about 20 years.

It is wonderful that they are together again.

Siblings are there for you, they provide support

and companionship throughout your entire life.

This Papa and Gigi could not have been happier

visiting them all on our Spring Break.

We became a part of their everyday family life,

 staying in their own homes.

Plus, there were plenty of opportunities for us to

be all together for meals and activities.

We are Blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

Spring Break Road Trip ~Outdoor Fun with Family ~Warm Sunshine ~Take me Out to the Ballgame

We enjoyed the warm sunshine in Georgia

with our family as often as possible.

We all met at the neighborhood park for an afternoon

on the swings and slides. We still needed a light jacket,

however Papa and Gigi were not complaining.

Because this is what it looks like at our house.

Another 4” of snow. Hubby’s good buddies

came over to clear off our driveway.

🎶 Sunshine on my Shoulders makes me Happy 🎶

Spring means baseball season.

Papa has fond memories of playing as a young boy.

He was happy to bring his glove and play catch in the backyard.

It’s Jack’s first year to play with a team.

He was chosen to be the catcher for the game,

and of course, he took his turn at bat.

The whole family was there to cheer for the team.

Jojo put on her “game face” for cousin Jack.

We think Jack’s little brother wants to

get out on the field and play, too.

The young boys learn about good sportsmanship…

…and about teamwork.

Our family was proud of this little player.

Their team won.

He had a hit and an RBI.

But most importantly, he had fun.

Take care,

~Natalie 

Spring Break Road Trip ~March means Family Birthdays ~Celebrate Life’s Blessings

We planned our trip South to escape the cold and snow,

but especially to spend time with our family.

This year we wanted to be here for

a couple of family birthdays.

We had never celebrated with

this guy in person.

Turning five is a big milestone when you are growing up.

Next year he will go to kindergarten!

Jack wanted a Chocolate Cake for his Birthday and this one

did not disappoint. Fudge filling between layers

of moist rich dark chocolate cake…

with a chocolate chip cookie garnish on top.

What else could you even wish for?!

Oh yeah, a big balloon and a bicycle…

I think Henry wants both of those things, too.

We arrived in time to celebrate our daughter’s birthday a week earlier.

There is nothing more special than being with your child

on the anniversary of their birth. Now I understand

why my own mother would rather visit us

on my birthday, instead of her own.

We all gathered in their home on her special day.

Her hubby prepared salmon the the grill, along with rice pilaf,

and roasted asparagus. Everyone’s favorites.

And of course, there was cake!

We have so many reasons to celebrate.

We are Blessed.

Take care,

~Natalie

Spring Break Road Trip ~Burger Battle Continues ~Travel to Visit Family

Thanks to Google for leading us to this awesome lunch spot,

The Garage Burgers and Brews.

Hubby loves a good burger, and we especially enjoy  lunching

in a locally owned, Mom & Pop restaurant.

This is the Ultimate Brunch Burger…

Ham, Cheese, Bacon, Egg, a Burger, and “the Garden” all on a bun.

My Side Salad was perfect with a Quarter of that Burger

and some Crispy, Yummy Tots.

We had said “Goodbye, See you next year” to Memphis.

And we were making good time.

We stop occasionally to stretch and get some steps.

Of course, there’s always something to look at for creative inspiration.

Here, I see a lot of Banana Bread in someone’s future.

While it’s still gloomy here, I’ll take the gray skies with

green grass over what’s happening at home.

Yikes!

Even gray scenery can be striking.

This day we had lunch at Drakes Come Play, featuring a

wide variety of tasty Smash Burgers.

Their side salad was a BLT.

Bacon really does make everything better.

After four days on the road we reached Georgia and our family.

Both our daughters, Sons-in-Law, and grandchildren

gathered for dinner all under one roof…

It is a dream vacation for us.

Take care,

~Natalie 

Spring Break Road Trip ~Burger Battle Begins ~Visiting Family ~Sights, Sounds, and the Tastes of Memphis

As predicted, our Spring Break Trip started out in a winter storm.

We left early enough, so we could get down the road

before the snow got heavy.

Y’All remember our last “Burgers Across America” Tour?

Hubby and I enjoy this lunch plan when we travel.

Google and I find the Best Burger and Brew Pub along our route.

This was Red Robin’s New Tycoon Burger.

Those Burgers are huge. Hubby orders fries for his side.

I order a side salad and Hubby shares…

just a quarter of his burger is enough for me.

Iowa, this is where we drove out of the snow.

Still gloomy and raining, but better than the snow!

Missouri, still gloomy.

Near St. Joseph we have discovered a good place to stop

to stretch and get some steps…

The Jesse James Antique/Vintage/Handmade Mart.

There are two buildings, each with two floors of items to browse.

So much to look at, providing plenty of inspiration

to get back to my hand stitching while riding in the car.

Also Gloomy in Arkansas.

Finally, Tennessee.

We had plans to stay with family and see the sights in Memphis.

Here’s a closer look at that pyramid to our left of I-40

It’s the Bass Pro Shop, 32 stories high, and a wilderness inspired interior.

We had a wonderful visit with Betty

and her Hubby while exploring the Pyramid,

their favorite Brew Pub, and a local eatery.

So many people there, as the rain had cancelled the

Memphis St. Patrick’s Day Parade,

and everyone was forced inside to have their fun.

An elevator takes visitors to the 28th floor

to go out on the lookout balconies.

The facility has restaurants, a 103 room hotel with Tree House Cabins,

a 13 lane bowling alley, alligator pools,

and 600,000 gallons of water featuring 1800 fish.

Thank you Cousins Betty and Jerel for your warm hospitality.

And thank you to Fat Larry for the

tasty Memphis BBQ.

Take care,

~Natalie