Small Weekend Trip--Big Time

We had a holiday Friday off from school in April.  It seemed like a great opportunity to make a camping road trip with a 3-day weekend.  I approached Collin with this great idea to head to Branson. The Sight and Sound Theater opened the season with the production of Moses and we could get in a little shopping.  He was all in.  Additionally, it was a short trip and I thought my mom would love an outing.  To add to the excitement, she has never been camping in a 5th-wheel RV and I thought she should live on the edge.  I promised she would have a comfortable bed to sleep in and Collin would do all the cooking.  She couldn't resist and we had a grand time.

We left early Friday morning, picked up Mom at her house and headed out.  We arrived in Branson at the RV park, unhooked, and settled in around 1:00.  We had a sandwich for lunch and headed out to the 3:30 matinee.  We had to stop and pick up our tickets.  The show was outstanding.  We had previously seen Jonah and had enjoyed it so we didn't expect any less from this presentation.  Mom really enjoyed it as we did.

Upon leaving the show, we headed back to the campgrounds and Collin grilled hamburgers.  We watched a little TV, but everyone was tired and we weren't too long making Mom's bed as promised and we all called it a night.

Saturday morning, Collin cooked a great breakfast and we headed to the malls for a day of shopping. We had a great time and found lots of bargains.  Mom and I both got some new clothes and Collin found some tools.  Needless to say, by nightfall, we were all tired and hungry. Collin grilled some steaks for our dinner and soon, we all turned in again.  

Sunday morning, we loaded up and headed home.  Even the drive there and back was so enjoyable. We picked the perfect weekend to see hundreds of Dogwood trees blooming.  The drive was spectacular.

I think my mom might be just a little bit hooked on the camping experience.  She has never camped in an RV before and I know it was much more enjoyable than the early days of my childhood when we slept in the open air, or the truck, and carried everything out of the kitchen with us which had to be carried in and washed up before finding its way back into the cabinets.

She just might go with us another time.  We hope so because we enjoyed taking her and sharing the great outdoors Elder style.

The view from our swing

Marcia

Refreshed and Renewed

I had good intentions.  I really enjoy blogging.  The topic of my last post was Christmas.  Now some three to four months later, here I am.  We've experienced a difficult time as I lost my dad in January and Collin lost his dad in March.  I have truly needed a time to "Refresh and Renew" so not quite two weeks ago, we packed up and headed south, deep south, NOLA.

We had planned a trip spring break, but that of course, didn't work out.  Traveling a week ago was somewhat unexpected and last minute.  There are some things and some circumstances that arise in life you don't need to over analyze; you just do it.  This was one of those times.  Collin couldn't go, but Mom had never been to Micah's house, so she packed up and we hit the road.  It didn't take much to convince her to join me.  I worked until almost noon on Wednesday.  I called to tell her I was headed to her house and when I pulled into the driveway, this was what I saw.  Do you think she was just a bit excited and definitely ready to go?

We had a great drive down on I55.  It was overcast, but no rain.  We stopped a couple of times for a short break and enjoyed lunch at Cracker Barrel in Batesville, Mississippi.  We made Micah's house shortly after 7.

Rhyne had a conference in Dallas so it was the girls and Ben.  We had a great time.  We ate, shopped, and played.

Thursday began bright and sunny so we went shopping and hit a few dress shops.  We were successful.  Mom and I both found some clothes.  After we got home and enjoyed some chicken strips and fries, we headed to the park where Ben drove his truck for awhile.

Friday was rain, rain, rain, all day long so we all stayed in our comfy clothes, rested, and played a lot. Ben and I had a number of rounds with Hungry, Hungry Hippos.  I don't know; we played so much, he may need a new game.  Those hippos were really hungry.  We also spent several hours cutting shapes, figures, and writing our names in play dough.

Ben is also a practicing physician.  He gave Grandmother so many shots that she can cancel her medical checkups for the next year.  No doubt she will be very healthy from all her immunizations.

Saturday was another nice day and we decided to make another trip to town.  We wanted to visit the pretty stores.  I was particularly interested in finding a couple of things for the house.  Micah is a great tour guide and I gotta tell ya, Ben is a good shopper.  He never complained; he's quite the little trooper.

Sunday came all to quickly and it was time to head home.  We rarely leave without some last minutes photos to make a few memories.  

It was another beautiful, sunny down to drive home and we arrived about 5:15.  We had a great time and lots of fun.  Best of all, Grandmother finally got to see Micah's house and had some time to play with Ben.

I'm grateful for family and catching precious moments to play, laugh, and make memories.  When I'm sitting outside and reflecting, I get to live it all over again even though my loved ones are miles away and growing up too fast.

Just a swingin'

Marcia