2012 ~ April 22-25, Trip with sisters to Gulf Shores, Alabama

Day 1: Sunday, April 22,  2012

I was out of bed by 5:30 A.M., got dressed, checked my email, updated my laptop computer, and added movies to my iPhone. I broke a fingernail while making the bed finished packing, ate some chocolate pudding, and was ready to leave by 7:35 A.M.

My sister drove her new Jeep. She picked up her sisters, who arrived at my house at about 8:30 A.M. Teresa used her droid telephone as a navigation system. 

We took US 43 to US 72 to Athens, then I-65 all the way to Hwy 287 exit 37 toward Gulf Shores Parkway/Bay Minette/Rabun. We turned left onto Rabun Rd for 4.4 miles, then Rabun became Al-59 S. We turned right onto West Beach Blvd Al-182, and the Condo was on the left at 809 West Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores. 

We travel over 400 miles, taking over seven hours, including stopping for gas and food. 

We stopped for lunch at Subway(258 Interstate Commercial Park Loop Prattville, AL 36066(334) 358-4950). 

We filled up with gas at Texaco.
(We were going to eat at Cracker Barrel location 796 Businesses Park Drive Prattville, Al., but it was a long line.) 
We arrived at Meyer Real Estate at 3:30 P.M. to buy a parking pass for Island Royale.

I arrived at a condo called Island Royale, located at 809 West Beach Blvd, a mile west of Highway 59. It was a Yellow 17-story building, room 1203 (P503). 

We took our luggage up the elevator to room 503 on the 12th floor. It was very windy, and because of the wind draft, we had to make sure that the balcony door was closed before opening the front door.

View of the beach

View from our Room

After getting settled in, we went to Long Horn Steak House, 3810 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores (251-96793480), for supper. We all ordered from the flavorful under-500-calorie menu. We each ordered Renegade Sirloin 6 oz for $11.99. It came with fresh vegetables or green beans and a garden salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing. 
I ordered unsweetened iced tea with lemon, and everyone else ordered water. With tip, we each spent $20.00. (My sister and I had leftovers for the next day.)

Long Horn Steak House

After dinner, we went to Target, which is located at 3820 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, Alabama, in the shopping center behind Long Horn restaurant. 

Everyone bought something to eat to take back to the condo. I bought a couple of frozen dinners and some Jergens tanning lotion. 

We played dominos until about 10 P.M. We were all tired from the long trip. 

My sister and I slept in the front bedroom, which was very noisy, with people coming and going and noise from the wind. 

Day 2: Monday, April 23, 2012 

The following day, I ate a granola bar and showered; Paula and  I walked up the beach almost to the pier while Becky and Teresa lay there. It was still very cool and windy. Becky called on the cell phone, said she and Teresa were leaving,

I told Becky to wait for  Paula and I for we were almost back to the condo.  

We all took showers to get the sand off and got ready to go out for supper. 

We went to Lulu's Restaurant at 200 East Twenty-Fifty Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, just off Al-59 at the Intercostals Waterway and Homeport Marina.

Teresa and I ordered Lulu's Famous Fish Sandwich Blacken with Lulu's wow sauce and chips for $12.95 with iced tea. Becky ordered a grilled chicken quesadilla (jack cheddar cheese, sautéed peppers, and onions served with Lulu's sassy Salads and sour Cream) for $9.95, and Paula ordered a Seafood Platter.

Teresa ordered an appetizer of smoked Tuna Dip for $7.95 (she had never seen the inside of a can) and Lula's Favorite Margarita for $10.00. (The margarita contained Sauza Tres Generaciones organic Tequila, Patron Citronge orange liqueur, and five freshly squeezed limes.)  

Some locals were singing and playing music, which Paula said she did not like.

We looked around in the gift shop; Becky bought Steve a T-shirt. We rode up to Tanger Outlet but did not get out. We then went to Wal-Mart, where I bought some strawberries, Cool Whip, bananas, and cake. 

Paula bought a Yahtzee game, and when we returned to our condo, we played dominos and Yahtzee until about 10 P.M.

The wind had died, and the neighbors were not quite so noisy.

Lulu's

Day 3: Tuesday, April 24, 2012

We sat around until about lunchtime. I ate leftovers from Lulu's, then we went to the beach.

Becky lay in the sand while Teresa, Paula, and I walked up the beach again, almost to the pier. 

We dressed and rode over to Fort Morgan, stopping to buy gas, which I paid $36.70 for at Chevron. We then rode to the Goodwill Store, where I bought a pair of shorts and a top for $6.00.

Souvenir City of Gulf Shores 

We shopped at Souvenir City of Gulf Shores located at 217 Gulf Shores Parkway Gulf Shores, Al 36542 251-948-7280, Paula bought a dress. 

Bahamas Bobs Beach Side Café 

We ate at Bahamas Bob Beach Side Café 601 West Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores, and Al 251-948-2100. 

I ordered Coconut Shrimp $6.00 (Coconut fried shrimp appetizer five large shrimp fried in a coconut batter).

Paula ordered an Island Sampler for everyone, which included a combination of two fried cheese sticks, fried mushrooms, and chicken tenders for $9.99.

Paula also ordered Fried Stripped Pangus with steamed royal reds, which cost $13.99.

Teresa ordered a Char-grilled delight Tuna sandwich for $9.99.

Becky ordered Stanial Cay Chicken Tenders fried golden brown and served with a delicious dipping sauce for $6.99. 

We stopped at TCBY, and we ordered Greek Yogurt.

Day 4: Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Today was our last day. 

We cleaned the rooms of any garbage, loaded the dishwasher, put dirty towels into laundry room, packed bags, I ate a bit of breakfast, loaded the car, locked room and put key back into key box. 

We left at about 9 A.M., stopping only for gas and lunch at Wendy's in Prattville. We were halfway home.

I ordered Wendy's hamburger and Frosty, and Becky and Paula ordered a hamburger, fries, and a drink. Teresa did not order anything. 

We arrived home at about 3:30 P.M.
I always have fun with my siblings. 

    

My husband said that while I was gone, the refrigerator ($1,115.00) stopped working, the jacks stopped working ($270), and we needed new tires for the RV ($3,000), which we decided not to buy.

The motor for the jacks was $270.93 from HWH Corp Motor, which my husband installed.

Added oil into jacks. (The proper front jack still will not work.) Hose for power Steering busted bought new hose at Alabama Hose products cost $27.47. Bought power steering fluid at Tri Cities Truck parts $88.00. 

Ordered part to fix refrigerator RV Cooling Unit Warehouse $1,115.00 that My husband has not fixed as of (6/2/2012) we had it shipped to Dixie Signs had to be shipped to business.

On May 8, 2012, my husband moved the RV to drive in front of the house because we had a concert that cost $1,900, which was taken from our savings.

From Tuesday, May 8, 2012, to Tuesday, May 15, 2012, I waxed the RV while sitting in front of the house.

During this time, we had no direct TV or Internet; we watched many movies. 

🎄🎄🎄🎄2012 December 8, Saturday, A Dickens of a Christmas in Franklin Tennessee

2012 Saturday, December 8, Franklin, TN

Was it a Dickens of a Christmas in Franklin, Tennessee?

My husband and I ate breakfast of eggs, sausage, and toast. 

We arrive in Franklin, Tennessee, about 10:00 A.M. 

My husband and I walked around taking pictures of costumed characters from Dickens' story"A Christmas Carol.

I rode the horse-drawn carriage around the Public Square for $2.00. 

The carriage had four padded bench seats that would seat up to twelve people of normal size.

It was pulled by a couple of horses, one of which was brown and whit, and the other pitch black.

We saw holiday bazaar arts and crafts throughout the public square. 

There were musicians along the streets; we saw violinists, handbell choirs, harpists, and carolers. 

I grabbed a picture of Scrooge, the  Old "Humbug" himself. 

My husband took a picture of me next to the Grim Reaper.

I took several pictures of the Cratchit family, along with Tiny Tim, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and Bob Cratchit (who are actually Franklin police officers on duty), Father and Mother Christmas.

We sampled peppermint pretzels and watched the Morris Dancers perform a Cornish dance featuring swords and sticks from the mining communities of Cornwall.

It rained for the first part of the morning. We saw many people carrying umbrellas, but the rain did not deter the festival.

We ate lunch at Papa Boudreaux's Cajun Café & Catering Co. and spent $33.15.

The building was painted purple and trimmed in bright yellow, with iron-metal tables and chairs sitting outside. 

Inside, there were long wooden bench tables that could seat up to eight people, and the total occupancy max is 49.

On the outside of the restaura,nt on the purple do, or was a sign that read," Restrooms are for paying customers ONLY! Sorry, we are a small establishment…….SignedPap's Management.

Scrooge walking the streets of Franklin

Wet Streets of Franklin

I took pictures of many historic markers, including the courthouse. Behind the marker was a sign that read, "Franklin on foot."

What once was the local courthouse is now the Visitors Center in Franklin.

Another sign that Union Headquarters Was Planning for battle was located near a manger scene.

The St. Philip Chaotic Church Marker was in front of the Church.

The Old Factory Store is now a bookstore where, there was several authors were singing book.

We also saw the Masonic Temple, Hiram Lodge No. 7 & building and marker, which was on the Civil War tour number 17.

We saw the Ewen Cameron marker at the Presbyterian Church.

We stopped inside the Starbucks Coffee store to use the restroom before we left Franklin.

We passed many war markers as we walked back to the van. We saw the Chickasaw Treaty Council, Fa Field Hospital, caring for the wounded, the Franklin Special School District, the Franklin Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Hincheyville Markers.

Christmas Tree in the Center of Town

Lady in Pink

Carriage Rides

Cratchit Family

We rode to Leipers Fork around 1:30 P.M. to watch the Christmas parade, but it was canceled due to the weather. The town was hit by lightning earlier that day. 

The participants of the Christmas Parade had gathered and dispersed after the storm.

Many of them had to travel down Main Street, and we saw many.

We saw a sign that read "Possum Holler Garage Like US on Facebook."

Radio Flayer Wagon 

Possum Holler Garage 

We saw Radio Flayer Wagon atop a Jeep full of riders full of Christmas Cheer.

We saw a Possum Holler Garage tow truck pulling an old Plymouth car behind it.

We saw an F-150 truck pulling a boat on top of a wagon with riders wearing Santa hats.

We saw an Old Chevrolet Truck with the inscription "Posser Holler Garage" pulling an outhouse, inscribed on the side, which read "Old NO. 7."

There was a round hole cut in the outhouse, and it had a reindeer hanging out of the hole with four legs closed underneath. On the backside of the outhouse was a satellite dish, a sign that read, "Merry Christmas.

A sign that read "Possum Holler est. 2006, "The other White Meat", "24 Wreck Her Service", "You Bend We Mend 'em".

Behind the signs was Frosty the Snowman, with a couple of reindeer and a sign that read, "  TAY BACK 100 FEET EXPLOSIVE GAS."

Riding in the  1921 Clampett's truck

STAY BACK 100 FEET EXPLOSIVE GAS."

We saw the Hillsboro United Methodist/Bank of Leiper's Fork historic markers located at Old Hwy 96 W.

We walked through the Winters Arts located at the Locke Building.

We went inside the Serenity Madison antiques and mercantile store.

We stopped inside the Laurel Leaf Fashion Store.

We saw the Puckett's grocery restaurant with men sitting outside.

My husband made a picture of me sitting in Clampett's old Ford Truck. It had a homemade wooden bench for sitting.

Inside and hanging along the old truck, I saw a jug of moonshine, a washtub, a trunk, a five-gallon bucket, a frying pan, and a dead opossum lying in a wash pan, hanging under the backside of the truck, just waiting for Granny Clampett to fry.

We saw an outdoor theater that was located inside, which had a live Christmas tree with hundreds of colorful bulbs strung around it. On either sid,e standing straight and tall were nutcrackers. 

As we wereleavingi, we saw the Church of Christ at Leiper's For,kWhich Meets Here,e EST 1831.

We walked around the many stores but didn't buy anything.

We left around 2:30 P.M., traveling down the Natchez Trace to Lawrenceburg, TN.

We stopped at Kroger's in Lawrenceburg, where we purchased baked chicken, two slices of red velvet cake, chocolate-covered almonds, and rolls. 

We took all that food home to have a feast.

2012 June 19, Tuesday, Trip to Plains, Georgia Home of President Jimmy Carter

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

My husband and I were up at  4:30AM we both ate a tomato sandwich for breakfast. (I ate 1/2 sandwich.)

We stopped at the rest area in Birmingham, AL., to use the restroom, and to get snacks of Reese’s pieces, and Diet Pepsi. $3.00

We filled up with gas in Alexander City, which cost $50.00 at 8AM we put 15.38 gallons in the van at a cost of #3.24 per gallon.

After we filled with gas, our GPS went crazy and stopped working. 

We drove through Columbus Georgia and we stopped at Carl Gregory Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Dealership at 2201 Victory Dr. Columbus, Ga., 

My husband wanted to ask someone in the services department about why the GPS was acting the way it was but they did not know.

We stopped at the Webster County Courthouse (red brick with four large white columns) to take pictures of the historic markers of Walter F. George 1878-1957 who served as senator of Georgia for 34 years, and the historic marker of the First Confederate flag that was raised in Georgia, and Webster. I took several pictures of the surrounding area. 

Webster County Courthouse

The buildings across the street from the courthouse were Simply Country Thrift and Snack Bar, Mom’s Kitchen Restaurant, which had a mural of grilling out in the park, and Jesus with the twelve disciples sitting at the Lord's Supper. 

We arrived in Plains Georgia. Our first stop was Jimmy Carter’s Boyhood Farm. 

After parking, we both walked to the rest room which was located at the front of the parking lot. 

There were several markers along the walkway, “From here to Plains, Jimmy Carter’s Boyhood Farm, Jimmy Carter's signature and his hand print in the cement dated Sept. 24, 2010, and Always a reckoning.

We saw chickens inside the pen, an outhouse, a garden with fresh vegetables planted, a marker saying Carter Slept here marker, a chicken house, money on trees, and a water pump.

Inside, The Earl and Lillian Carter home, we saw the kitchen which had a dough bowl, rolling pen, bowls, cook stove, in the hallway an old talking telephone, Jimmy carters bedroom, bathroom, dining room, breakfast room, Earl and Lillian’s Bedroom, Gloria and Ruth’s bedroom and the living room. 

I sat in a rocker on the front porch for my husband to take my picture.

Jimmy Carter's Boyhood Home 

Jimmy Carter's Boyhood Home 

We walked past the Carter tennis court, the windmill water pump, old gas pump next to the store that was owned and run by the Carter Family.

We walked past the Winds of Change marker, the Carter family garden, which grew velvet beans, black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes, collard greens, and peanuts.

The Carters also owned a Blacksmith Shop and a barn.

Jimmy Carter's Boyhood Home & Barn 

 We walked past the marker of Catch the Mules and the next-door neighbors, Cash Crops, Never Far from Home, and Legacy of an Outdoor.

We were greeted by the Park Ranger Ivan, Pierson, he told us a little about the farm and he walked around the park with us. We asked him about his college, and he said he was going back to get his master's in History but loved what he was doing.

We thanked him and we rode into the small town of Plains. 

We crossed the railroad tracks and spied the historic marker of President Jimmy Carter.

We stopped at the Train Depot that Carter used as his campaign headquarters when he was running for president.

I took many pictures, inside the depot.

Our next stop was the Plains Museum the former Plains High School.

Jimmy & Roseland Carter

Sitting at the President's desk 

We were greeted at the door and given a paper about the school. We walked through taking pictures and reading posters inside. 

Bought four postcards and was told that we could get them stamped at the post office.

We asked where was a good place to eat and we were told that Mama’s Kitchen 203 Church St Plains Ga.

We rode over to Americus Ga. and ate lunch at Captain D’s on 1305 East Lamar Street Americus, GA 31709. 

I ordered twelve butterflies Shrimp Plate with green beans and a salad. 

My husband ordered a deluxe seafood Platter with baked potato and slaw. 

Next, we rode over to the Charles Lindbergh monument at Souther Field near the airport. 

Next, we rode to the historic downtown of Americus to tour the Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel. 

I took pictures of storefronts, the hotel, and the visitor’s center that was inside the hotel.

Inside the hotel was an ice cream shop called Richelle’s Bakery 123 W. Lamar St Americus Ga. 

Richelle’s Bakery

My husband and I share a bowl of vanilla ice cream and two chocolate chip cookies, which cost $5.50.

We rode back to Plains Georgia to the Golden Peanut Company formerly the Carter Warehouse where we tasted the peanut butter ice cream, bought a basket of tomatoes and a bag of peanuts, and spent $9.76.

We drove to the post office where I had my four postcards stamped with the seal that said Hometown of the 39^th president of the USA and 2002 Nobel Peace Prize Recipient Stamp said Plains Ga Jun 19, 2012 AM 3180. Cost $2.14.

Post Cards

 Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm, Plains GaJimmy Carter Boyhood Farm Plains Ga., as a young boy Jimmy Carter lived on a farm Smiles from Plains. Pictures are (1) Commissary and Gardens (2) Jimmy Carter (3) Barn (4) Boyhood Farm.

The Smiling Peanut, (The Smiling Peanut was made for a Carter Rally in Evansville, Indiana, in 1976 and later given to Plains in 1977. It is a favorite spot for photographs and a reminder of the importance the peanut played in Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign. Jimmy Carter.

Presidents and Mrs. Jimmy Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains Georgia. The Carters returned to their hometown of Plains in 1981 after leaving the White House. 

2008, April 7, Monday, Having fun in the park with grandkids

I picked up Sierra, Montana, and Nevada at their grandmother Clanton's house.

I had packed a picnic lunch of peanut butter sandwiches, bananas, fruit bowls, and Mountain Dews. 

We ate lunch at St Florine Park, and when we finished, we walked the trail.

About midway through the trail was a hill of loose dirt

The kids wanted to climb atop the dirt hill, and I said they could.

They said Grannyncameme up, so I did.

We walked around on top of the dirt pile and up and down several times. 

The kids loved this area. 

We walked around the park and I took pictures. 

I took the kid's picture standing on a bridge next to a statue of an alligator.

Nevada 

Sierra 

Montana

We saw, sitting on a stump, some tin statue-singing frogs, which intrigued the kids. 

Along the walking trail, we saw a face carved into a tree; it had large marble-like eyes.

I took pictures of the kids everywhere in the park. 

When we finished walking, the grandkids played on the playground.
Deibert Park was the next place we went to. 
We walked on the trail, and there were signs everywhere about the animals one might see along the way.

Sculptures in Deibert Park

Sculptures in Deibert Park

The kids and I got very hot, so our next stop was McDonald's for an Oreo McFlurry. 

Next, we went to Loaves and Fishes, a thrift store in Muscle Shoals.
I let the grandkids pick out five books each and two movies. 

We stopped at train Tressel on the Colbert side of the Tennessee River.
We walked to the end and back by the time we finished, and Montana's long curly hair was glistening with sweat.

Our next stop was River Heritage Park, located next to the Marriott Hotel.
The kids played on the castle and the train playground equipment. 

Stopping for a pose

Having fun at River Heritage Park 

I made pictures of the kids playing, and when we were leaving the park, we stopped at the waterfall in front of the Marriott hotel.  

My granddaughter called and said she needed someone to pick her up at school.

For dinner, I baked a potato, and the grandkids dressed it with cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream.

For dessert, I served strawberry pie.

Strawberry pie is Montana's favorite, and he ate pie until he said Granny, my stomach is about to pop.

Hannah and Sierra went outside to ride scooters.
My grandson, Jake, came over to pick up his sister, Hannah. 

He was hungry, so he ate a potato with all the trimmings.
After Jake and Hannah left, I took the other grandkids to Ron's, where they played with Ron's Star Wars Dolls. 

We got home, and later that day, the grandkids' mom came to pick them up.  

I spent the day with grandkids climbing a dirt hill, hiking, picnicking, walking trails, playing in the park, reading signs, and making memories. 

2007 April 17-22 Trip to Whigham, with Lora

Day 1: Tuesday, April 17, 2007

We left the home around 8:30 A.M. 

For lunch, we stopped at Burger King. I ordered a Whopper, fries, and a Coke. 

I gave Madison half of my sandwich. 

The kids played on the playground equipment at Burger King.

Meadow got excited and bumped her head on the table. 
Arriving around 3:50 P.M. at my son's home in Whigham, Georgia.
We ate peanut butter sandwiches for supper. 

Charity took Dakota, Nevada, and Sierra to ball practice at Boat Basin Park. 

Madison and Marcus went with them. 

Andy had a visitation, and he will not be home until 8:30 P.M. 

Everyone is watching American Idol. 

Andy is recording it for Charity, and she will watch it when she returns from the ball field. 

Montana slept with me in Sierra's bedroom. 

Lora, Meadow, and Marcus slept in Dakota's room. 

Madison, Sierra, and Nevada slept in the boys' room, and Dakota slept on the sofa.

Sierra and Madison

Montana would not shut up talking.

I called Ron and asked him when he was coming to Whigham, and he said the second week in May. 

Montana said he did not want to talk to Ron unless he brought his camper, so he could go camping. 

Day 2: Wednesday, April 18, 2007

I heard Meadow, and I put her in the bed with me. 
I was talking to Meadow when Andy came into the room.

Meadow can say Andy, and she can say I love granny. 

Later that morning, Lora cooked brownies and a cake. 

Charity made peanut butter icing for the cake.

I pushed Meadow in her stroller, and while we were walking behind the church, I found a bracelet. 

I went with Andy. He was taking the garbage to the dumpster up the road. We stopped to check on the boys, who were fishing at the lake.  

The boys fishing 

Marcus and Dakota had gotten their clothes, including their shoes, wet.

Before we went to the park, we stopped at Wendy's. Lora and I ordered chili, crackers, and a Coke.

Sierra ordered a cheeseburger with catsup only, and Montana and Nevada ordered chicken nuggets. Charity and Andy went to Burger King, and they ordered the other kids' sandwiches.

Then we went to Bainbridge Park to eat our food. 

It started to rain, and the kids thought it was fun to play in it. 

I took pictures of the ducks and ducklings that were swimming in the pond.

Checking out the engine

Montana under the umbrella

Resting after the long walk

Feeding the animals

In the park, we stop to see one of the three oldest steam engines left in the world. The kids climbed onboard the engine and the caboose connecting to it. 
In the park were Civil War cannons and war memorabilia. 

There were a few animals in the park: one mule, several emules, and many goats. 

They were fenced in alongside the Flint River. Inside the fenced area was a walkway. 

The walkway went down to the Flint River; the walk was ½ walk there and ½ back. Charity watched Meadow and the rest of us walk down to the Flint River. 

The kids fed the animals. The mule got mad at the other animals and tried to get all the food. 

That night, we all went to the children's church for supper. The congregation had prepared a spaghetti supper that included bread, cookies, carrots, & tea. 

After the meal, Montana, Meadow, and Lora joined in singing children's songs.

Lora struck up a conversation with a woman at church. The woman told Lora she was a nurse.

Sanjaya Malakar was voted off American Idol.

Day 3: Thursday, April 19, 2007 

We went to the Governor's Square Mall in Tallahassee, Florida. 

We arrived at 12:30 P.M. 

Lora was going to meet Gina and her son, Wes, at the mall.

Wes has the same condition as Mead now, and he is going to have his surgery this summer in Chicago, Illinois.

I took pictures of the Old Capitol building when we were stopped at the red light. Something is happening here because there are people everywhere with umbrellas. 

They were protesting against President George Bush. 

I saw a sign that said, "Bush lies and people die." 

Lora and I ate lunch at the Mediterranean restaurant. We both ordered grilled chicken with spices, parsley salad with tomatoes, potato wedges with spices, and a fruit salad of apples, oranges, and pineapple. 

Andy, Charity, and the kids all ordered pizza. 🍕🍕🍕

When we finished eating, we went upstairs to the candy shop and bought some candy. 

Charity went into the children's store and bought the kids some clothes. 

Lora, Gina, Wes, and Meadow walked around the mall and talked. 

Andy, Charity, the kids, and I walked around the mall and shopped. 

Charity bought her a handbag at Bath and Body Works, and I bought a small bottle of lotion and a nailbrush. 

We browsed in several stores. 

Lora bought Marcus and Madison some New Balance tennis shoes.

She bought Marcus some pants and a new shirt. 

Andy's kids had ball practice at Boat Basin Park, so they rode back to Whigham, Georgia. 

For supper, Andy grilled pork chops and chicken. 

Lora made potato wedges, and Charity made creamed potatoes and peas. After supper, we watched the movie "Aragon."

We went to bed at 12:00 P.M. 

Montana slept with me, and as usual, he talked for a long time. 

Dakota and I rode bicycles earlier today.

Day 4: Friday, April 20, 2007, 

It was cool outside when I took Meadow for a walk, so I wrapped her up in a blanket.

We did not stay outside long. 

I put Meadow in the tub with me to give her a bath. 

At 11:00 A.M., we were still trying to decide if we wanted to go somewhere. 

Montana was still asleep at 1:45 P.M. 

I ate strawberries, cake, Cool Whip, and a cheese sandwich with chips. 

One of Lora's friends called, and she was on the telephone for about an hour. 

The kids were playing outside, and Meadow and I were sitting in the truck. 

Lora put Meadow in the truck while she was talking on the telephone. 

I wrote in my journal. 

Swinging in Chewhaw Park 

Playing a musical instrument

Going for a ride

We went to Chewhaw Parks in Albany, Georgia.

Andy and Charity bought a year pass for the zoo, which covers the whole family for a year and allows them to take four guests. 

They can go to several other zoos in the USA at no to little cost. 

At the Wild animal park, we saw cheetahs (4), Colobus Monkeys, Zebras (2), Ranging Lemurs, Black Bears (2), Brown bears, Bison (2), Elks, Bald Eagles (2), Black Rhinos (1), several alligators, several different kinds of snakes in the reptile building, and barnyard animals, pigs, goats, ponies and other barnyard animals. 

We left the zoo and took the kids to the playground area at Chewhaw Park. 

105 Chewhaw Park Road, Albany, Georgia 31701. 

We ate lunch at Cracker Barrel in Albany, Georgia. 

I ordered pinto beans, turnip greens, cornbread, and iced tea. 

Andy and Charity went to the LifeWay bookstore. 

That night we watched Spider-Man II and Veggie Tales: The Story of Ester. 

Day 5: Saturday, April 21, 2007 

I was awakened by Meadow playing at 7:00 A.M., and then Montana came to play with her.

I bathed and fed Meadow. 

I ate cereal and a cheese sandwich for breakfast.

At 2:20 P.M., we all rode to Mexico Beach to spend the day.

We looked for over twenty minutes for Sierra and Madison, who were riding bicycles.

They were several miles away from home, and Andy gave Sierra a paddling. 

Making a sand castle

Playing in the sand

Running from the birds

Look!

We passed through Wewahitchka in Gulf County, Florida, on our way to Mexico Beach. 

We arrived around 5:30 and stayed until 8:30 P.M. We stopped at McDonald's at 10:30 P.M. and we were home by 11:00 P.M. 

I ordered an ice cream, and Lora ordered nothing because she had already ordered a sandwich at Toucan Restaurant on the beach. 

We stopped at Wal-Mart and I spent $30.00 on snacks and drinks.

I ate two bagels with cream cheese and drank water. 

Day 6: Sunday, April 22, 2007 

I awoke at 7:30 A.M., took a shower, washed some towels, and folded some clothes. 

Meadow was up, so I fed her some Cheerios and a banana. She drank three cups of watered-down juice. 

Madison and Marcus went to Sunday school with Andy's kids. 

I dressed Meadow for church. 

I took Meadow to the nursery.

Lora packed while we were at church, and I had packed earlier that morning.

We loaded the truck and went to Pizza Hut for lunch.

I ordered a salad, one breadstick, a cinnamon stick, and iced tea. 

We spent $59.00 for lunch at Pizza Hut.

I gave Andy ten dollars, and Lora gave Andy thirty dollars.

We started home at 2:10 P.M., stopping to get gas in Dothan, Alabama. 

Meadow had a stomachache, which made her cry.

 Lora pulled off the road to give Meadow some gas drops for her tummy. 

That did not help, so she gave her an enema.

She filled her diaper with poo, and afterward, Lora cleaned Meadow up.

When Meadows's tummy finally settled, we got back on the road and headed home.

We had to stop again at Shoney's for Madison and Marcus to Poop. 

Too much pizza!!!

Peach Park 

We stopped at Peach Park in Jamison, Alabama, for some fresh homemade peach ice cream. 

Marcus ordered Blueberry Ice Cream, and Madison ordered Vanilla. 

We finished eating our ice ccreamnd walked outside to ttake pictures andlet the kids play.

There were two statue horses that the kids sat on, and I took their pictures before we walked up the hill to the park.

Meadow enjoyed the swings.

In the middle of the fountain was a small lighthouse.

There was an RV park for campers.

We were about  ½ to 3 hours away from home.

We arrived at Lora's at 9:00 P.M. 

Hubby picked me, and I was in bed around 10:00 P.M.