Could it have been b/c Mom spoiled me the entire 8-days and it felt like a vacation??? Quite possibly, yes :)
She was indeed super Mimi and met Chris on Monday of the previous week so the big girls could have a few days all to themselves in Ohio. They swam and went to Kings Island! A huge/fun/special day that they always look forward too.
And then the little girls and I arrived Thursday, and she took all 6 of these kids to the pool all by herself on Friday & Saturday! Packed them up to and from, came home, unpacked, fed them supper (plus Dad ;), put them to bed, got up in the morning, fed them breakfast and did it all over again! It's not an easy feat!
All so I could have virtually 2-days to myself and an overnight trip w/girlsfriends... super special and I am so grateful.
(hair down again :))
Here she is occupying the littles while the big kids waited out front to spend the night at Aunt Ashley's house!
the donkey's never did come out :( but the distraction worked!
A vacation + childhood memories that I got to share w/my girls = priceless. The whole thing. From creeking, to Hiltbrands, to the DAV for a wedding reception, swimming, jumping off docks, playing with cousins for hours on end, riding horses...
I felt so much emotion, happy & sad, that I wanted to take these pics just after we left on Thursday morning. I knew I wouldn't have the exact words, but I just felt (and still feel) very blessed to have had this amazing and special time with so many relatives & friends and experience and share so many special things with my girls.
Several times I drove to Donnie's house, parked and ran on this road. This is the end of Cotton Run, where the William's lived, where Sara Mainous used to live, and it turns into Mill Road. :) Maybe it's b/c it reminds me of Iowa... but I love it.
So peaceful
I listened to the song, "Southern Comfort Zone" by Brad Paisley, and though I'd insert the word 'Ohio' for 'Tennessee' it's exactly how I felt as I drove away from my 'sourthern comfort zone.'
Here I am looking south towards Mom & Dad's and Donnie's
North towards Mill Road
A few tears (all happy) and we were on the road. Didn't have to stop until Maquoketa, Iowa for gas??!! I'm not sure how Dad does it, so I took a picture to prove it. One tank of gas, 450(!) miles and still almost a 1/4 left... unbelievable.
So thanks Mimi & Pap for an amazing trip. We all love you so very, very much.
it was a Wonderful visit! Dad thinks he probably (?) got an extra 2-3 gallon in your tank by 'necking' it-and the Harvest Land gas is better grade than gas station and he put more air in your tires (had 30, & he put in 50#) And I have to admit Nana helped me at the Trenton Pool with all 6!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, those photos are amazing!
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