our road trip through the south

After spending a week in Galveston and talking about how long it had been since we visited Mississippi and Alabama, I knew that summer was our best option. Now, I do love being there in the fall but the drive is so long and with kids in school it makes it really hard to do. My dad and I decided we would take the kids and drive through the south! We had a fun plan and I think what made it really fun was that there was no real timeline, plan or place we had to be. My kind of trip!
I was worried about the kids on the long drive. You never know with the young ones how they will do and now that Hayes is potty-trained that adds to our possible breaks. Well, they did awesome. Even Sidney did great..she was sweet, slept a lot and was probably the best out of all of them.
Our first leg of the trip was from College Station to Louin, MS. We went through some really heavy rain but were happy to cross the state line into Mississippi..the kids loved going over the bridges and of course we immediately decided to eat dinner at one of our favorites, Krystal Burger! YUMMY!! Once we made it to Louin, we became acquainted with Aunt Jennie and her pups, Snacks, Ginger and Champ. After a good night's sleep we woke up early to eat breakfast on the porch then head to the farm. We had big plans to check out the blueberry bushes, ride the 6-wheeler and fish at Jerry's pond.
The morning was nice and not too hot. We got lots done and were ready to have fun in the afternoon. Everyone except Pop took a nap and we enjoyed some watermelon on the deck before heading out again.
Over the course of three days, we accomplished all our goals: fished and caught some things, rode and drove the boat, ate some good Southern food, drove the 6-wheeler, saw family, played at the park, drove the jeep, caught bugs and shopped in Jackson. It was a great few days back in Louin and I wish Daniel could have been with us. I know he was having fun at home while Jed visited and they fished.
On to Alabama for our next stop!

Sidney Rose is 5 months old!!

Sidney celebrated her 5 superb months here on this earth in what my dad calls, 'God's country' or Mississippi. We were on our long summer vacation to the south and Louin was our 1st stop.

*Sidney loves her Taggie blanket now and still likes/needs her paci.
*She has rolled over both ways and likes some tummy time now.
*Sidney is not sleeping through the night, starts out in her pack n play, but wakes up crying at some random point and ends up in our bed usually. Being out of town and her sleeping with me each night has not helped! Going to try CIO method soon.
*Sidney is smiling, laughing and very chatty. I love when we can get her to do her deep, guttural laugh. It's so sweet!
*She nurses every 3-4 hours during the day and rarely at night. She is quick, efficient but getting more easily distracted these days.
*Sidney also started using her sippy cup. She can actually grasp it and make it to her mouth. She has a hard time getting suction on it but when she does she gets excited and a little surprised. She gets frustrated easily though.
*She wears size 3 diapers, and is growing out of 3-6 months clothes. 6-9 fit her best.
*Sidney loves her jumperoo, her snugli, sitting up in her stroller and the high chair. She has balanced herself for a few seconds at a time while sitting up but isn't very good yet.
*We now have Sidney's crib set up in Georgia's bedroom. She hasn't used it yet, but one day, when she is sleeping more soundly we will move her over. Now if I could just find a place for all her clothes.

Sidney, you traveled all over 4 states and were such a sweet angel. You smiled, slept, and kept everyone in happy spirits..just being you. I think that's your place in our little family. The great equalizer. Your whole body lights up when you smile! And that is contagious!!

Lake Limestone

We had a wonderful, fun and memorable weekend at Lake Limestone, one of my oldest friend's lakehouse. We fished, road in the boat, tubed, floated, ate and drank. It was relaxing because my parents watched Sidney, so we could focus on the older kids and not have to drag her around with us or keep her out of the sun. Daniel was in heaven getting to fish and throw the nets out. The McEwens and the Tices came with their families. All 14 people fit on the boat and we went out to tube. It was fun watching the kids go on the tube for the first time. We jumped off to cool down and let the rope ride us around the lake. It was perfect weather and it wasn't very crowded. I love her lakehouse because it has such a nice, big shaded yard. Can't wait to go back another time. Thanks for the hospitality and yummy ribs, Autumn & Justin!!