Cute bottom chasing ducks
Saturday was our final day of vacation. I was really trying to convince Pierce to stay another night, but no such luck. I was excited to get home, but at the same time I was having so much fun just being with our family and away from our daily responsibilities. The last night, Friday, Pierce and I made s'mores again after we put the boys to bed. Then we sat by the fire and just talked; about the boys, our vacation, all the things going on in our lives right now. I think that was my favorite part of the whole trip. Pierce and I talk and communicate really well, but that night was just better.
Each of us has a different favorite part of the trip so here's the list:
Pierce-the Caverns
Me-the last night
Draven-the Cavern & the Waterpark
Brody-the swirly slide (at the waterpark)
PJ-I think he liked chasing the ducks the best.
PJ also learned a new phrase on our trip; "Jedi says woof, woof." No one can understand him except the family because his version sounds more like "Dadi, puff puff."
PJ & Pop at Reunion
On our way home we detoured through Chattanooga for a small family reunion. We met at Riverpark and had a picnic and let the kids play. The reunion was for my paternal grandmother and her sister's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. My grandmother had 7 kids (only 3 were represented) and her sister, Marguerite, had 4 so there were quite a few of us there. It was the first time I had met most of Aunt Marguerite's family. We also visited my great-Aunt Louise. She is 89 and living in a nursing home, so it was good to see her again.
Two weeks ago, before we left for our vacation, we replanted our front garden. It used to be shaped like a thin rectangle across the front of the house, and the only things in it were rosemary and weeds! We started on Monday and worked all week to finish it before we left. We reshaped it to be a half circle, dug out the grass in the new area, pulled all the old railroad ties out, moved the dirt around so it wasn't so high on the far side, and planted all new bushes and flowers. It took forever, but it was fun to do. The boys helped and because Pierce was really busy with work and school I ended up doing some of the heavy stuff myself. It made me feel big and strong and tough; I liked that too! My dad really helped out too, coming over 4 days in a row and letting us borrow his truck-that was the boys' favorite part! The bushes are burning bushes and something I can't pronounce or spell, but that look really cool. We also planted knock-out rose bushes, yellow daisies, and a Yoshimo Cherry Tree in the middle. Along the front we have Lamb's Ear, Columbine, and some purple flowers. We also planted Crocus bulbs, irises, and daffodils. Those won't come up until next year, but I think it still looks good even without them! All the plants are perennials so we won't have to plant anything else, just weed like crazy.
