Thankful Thursday

We took Brody on a very long road trip on March 5^th through March 11^th!

We picked Grandma up at 3:45 got gas and were on the road by 4:00. 

Brody slept from 4:00 to 7:00.  He woke up just in time to see the Arch in St Louis. 

We stop to eat breakfast at 8:00 at Hardee’s.

Back on the road at 8:15.  We were not messing around.  We wanted to drive a much as possible because we didn’t know how well Brody would do driving for hours. 

Brody started getting fussy at 9:00.  I did everything I could to help him go to sleep.  I finally had to give in at 9:30 and give him his pacifier.  He was asleep by 9:33.  I really didn’t have a choice.  It was not fair to take his pacifier away on such a long trip. 

We made it to the state of Illinois. 

We made it to Kentucky at 10:34.  Brody was still asleep.  Brody woke up at 11:30.  He was ready for a snack.  I got out the puffs to snack on until we had to make another stop.  He was being so cute.  He was talking up a storm.  He would laugh at everything I said.  I know he was ready to get out of the car. 

We made it to Tennessee at 12:07

Opryland at 12:45.  One of these days we will go back to Opryland.  When you get a little older!

Brody saw the mountains for the 1st time.  It was really more exciting for me.

We finally made it to Aunt Debbie’s at 1:36. 

Brody was warming up to the idea of being in a stranger’s house.  When we got the good news from Aunt Debbie that Pherbie, Glen, and the kids are coming to surprise us.  I was so excited.  We were not going to be able to see them this trip because of distance.  Just then they pulled into the driveway!  Pherbie got the cooler out of the car and started to unload all the food into the refrigerator.  She made butter beans, mac and cheese, cheesecake, pound cake, and Phillip's favorite...boiled peanuts.  We were set for the night.  That’s all we did was eat!  Once we all figured out who everyone was…Brody was the center of attention.  The kids loved him!  Mattie was so cute with Brody.  She was all over him the entire time.  Brody loved every minute of it!  Brody finally went to Kaitlynn, Anna Kolby,Weston, and Pherbie.

Monday morning 04/07/2011 we woke up and packed the car.  We left at 9:00 to get back on the road for another 4 hour car ride to West Point Mississippi. 

Brody slept from 9 am to 12:00. 

We made it to Alabama at 9:51.

We made it to Mississippi at 12:15

West Point at 12:53.

We arrived at Aunt Susan’s house at 12:53.  The girls did not get out of school until 1:00 so we had a few minutes to stretch our legs and get the car unpacked before Brody got to meet more family.  Brody clammed up when he met Lexie, Lillian, and Susan.  He cried when Susan talked to him.  He came around eventually.  He even let Aunt Susan hold him.  Aunt Susan made a delicious dinner.  We had roast, potatoes, dressing, peas, and rolls.  Dressing is my all time favorite!   This was a very short trip with Aunt Susan and the girls.  We definitely need to make more time next time we make a trip to West Point.

Tuesday morning we got up and packed the car again to make our way to Fayette Mississippi…our final destination. 

We left West Point at 8:15. 

We hit the Natchez Trace at 8:45

Brody slept from 9 to 12:00. 

We arrived in Bude at 1:00. 

We stop at Uncle Marty’s and Aunt Connie’s house first.  We only stayed a few minutes.  We really wanted to get to Mema Raye’s nursing home before the weather got bad.  They were calling for flash flooding.  We wanted to just pop our heads in to let her know that we were here and would spend more time the next day with her.  Mema Raye had know idea we had come to town.  Frankie woke her up from her nap and told her surprise.  She opened her eyes and said.  “I thought I was dreaming”  This brought tears to my eyes.  She asked to hold Brody.  She was lying on her back so it was hard for her to hold him.  She asked to give him a kiss.  Brody did great.  He took in every hug and kiss she gave him! 

We finally made it to Mrs Sybles and Paps house at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon.  Paps came out to meet us at the car.  We all said our hello’s then he saw Brody.  He took Brody out of Phillip’s arms and took him for a walk.  This is a moment I will never ever forget.  This also brought tears to my eyes. 
Brody is the first Great Grand son!!! 
Alicia took the day off and brought Cameron over Tuesday afternoon.  Tuesday afternoon was just hung out and waited on the weather. 

Wednesday we got up and went to get Mema Raye out of the nursing home and took her over to Marty’s.  Brody was able to sit with Mema for a little bit before we ate lunch.  Connie had made a ham, mac and cheese, baked beans, fried pickles, brownies, and homemade banana pudding.  Phillip was in heaven.  Mema stayed about 5 hours.  We all had a good time.  Brody was a nut and going everywhere.  I swear he walks more and more everyday. 

We got to spend all evening with Mrs. Syble and Paps.  Let me tell you…Brody loves his paps.  They were like peas and carrots.  Brody would sit in paps lap for hours. (as long as paps was giving him tea)  Brody would also climb in paps lap and crack up.  Paps would rock the rocking chair as hard and fast as he could.  Brody was eating up every minute of it. 

Thursday we spent all day in Natchez.  We shopped most of the morning.  We finally met up with Aunt Vicki and Uncle David.  Brody got to see my favorite tree.  We even got a family pic of all of us on it.  We ate at the Sandbar for dinner and everyone was all over Brody.  He was shaking his head, waiving bye bye, flirting, and smiling.  The entire staff came over to say hello.  He didn’t eat much of his dinner. 

Friday morning we got up and packed the car to come home.  We left at 8:00 and pulled into the driveway at 7:00.  Coming home was a breeze.  Brody did a great job traveling. 

So…for my Thankful Thursday.  I’m thankful that Brody got to meet all of our Family in the South.  We had a wonderful trip!!!!