To grandmother's house we went!

We just spent the past three days in the little bitty town in west Alabama where both my parents grew up.  In fact, all four of my grandparents still live there, and it is wonderful to be able to visit with everyone all in one trip (aunts, uncles, and all my grandparents).  To say that my kids love going there is truly an understatement.  They have a blast every time, and we should really do it more often.  

During the past 3 days, we ate some really great food (beans, greens, and cornbread were at the top of the list), slept in very comfy beds (thanks to my grandmother, Bubba, who makes the best bed in the Northern Hemisphere), and slowed down a bit (well, at least when Greer was sleeping).  It was nice to unplug for a few days (no internet access or cell service really makes for a relaxing time)!  In this New Year, I am going to try to go for a visit at least every couple of months....who knows how much longer I will have my grandparents (all four still married and living in their own homes) living like they are now.  It is such a gift to spend time with them and to have the opportunity for my children get to know them.  I am feeling immensely blessed.  Thank you God for Bubba and Poppa and Nana and Granddaddy!

And, well,  as for the rest of our free time...

Reeves has been doing a whole lotta this!

All three of the kids have been doing not enough of this!

(although I did manage to get them in the bath this morning for the

first time in who knows how long!!!)

And after they got all clean...we all enjoyed a gloriously beautiful day together!

It was sunny and warm and gorgeous!!  The big kids had a blast exploring all around Bubba and Poppa's house.  They hiked, climbed, and played in the mud (I actually had to change Reeves' clothes 3 times before we finally left to head home).  They climbed trees, ran, and slid down hills on cardboard boxes.  But most of all....we laughed. Reeves, Lucy, and Greer laughed and loved and spent time with their Great-Grandparents!  What a BLESSING that is!!!  

I just wish I had more pictures to share.  Turns out, great-grandparents houses are not exactly kid friendly.  I spent the better part of the past 3 days keeping Greer alive (i.e. away from stairs and gas space heaters) and attempted to keep their treasures intact!  Didn't leave a lot of time for snapping shots!  Maybe next time!