VACAY 08!

A few days ago we returned from our vacation with the Kagy family. We rented a cabin about 20 minutes outside of Chattanooga. This is something we did two years ago when Aiden and his cousin Abby were first born. Now with two more babies we decided that this was a must. I have not yet blogged about this trip because I had no idea where to start and still do not. So, I thought I would just touch on a few highlights.

First I must say that there is something so special and wonderful about the relationship between cousins. Aiden and Abby (for the most part) played wonderfully together. Aiden absolutely loved Abby and would squeal whenever Abby woke up in the morning. They spent their mornings running around on the deck chasing each other, pushing the stroller, playing with the big ball, and chasing Nana. Then whenever we would travel to TN., they would play in the car together laughing and singing.

We visited the Tn aquarium, the zoo, an awesome hands on kids museum, spent some time in a nearby creek, and playing in some of the numerous water features around town. We even got to have a date night (Date Night 08) in which we indulged in some Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.

Aiden loved his first carousel ride, but not his second one. While planning one night where to go for the following day, I began reading some reviews on a trip planner website about the Chattanooga Zoo. While many people loved it, one person described it as a dirty little pet shop! Despite this claim we ventured out to find that the person was pretty right on with their description. Maybe it was just that it was bloody hot, or maybe it was because all of the animals were sleeping, or maybe it was because one of the animals on display was a crow! But this was not our favorite place. There was a carousel that we thought would be fun, and it turned out to be quite old and rather scary. Aunt Sam almost fell off as the crazy old lady started the thing and the creaking of the carousel itself caused Aiden to hold on for dear life. Notice the yellow caution tape in the background.

The cabin had 3 floors, and our bedroom along with a bunk room for the kids was on the bottom floor. It was not unusual to hear the pounding of little feet running from one end of the cabin to the other. While it was loud, the sound was such a sweet reminder of what it meant to be little and carefree.

We also met our sweet little niece Joanna. She is such a sweet wonderful little girl, and unlike little miss Taylor she loved to be held and rocked. Her “tractor beam” would pull you in and before you knew it you would have sweet Jo-Jo in you arms fast asleep.

Aiden and Abby loved climbing the stairs to the third floor and throwing balls over the side of the loft area. Someone would quickly run over to guard the babes playing on the floor, and it was game on.

Going anywhere was a huge production because we would plan to be out all day. So with two toddlers and two newborns and 6 adults and lots of walking this meant a lot of packing and preparing, and unpacking and then packing again. Thank you for the double stroller, oh how I love thee!

After the kids were in bed we would stay up visiting and playing games.

Before we knew it, our trip was over and we started the mass clean up and pack up. I was overcome with emotion as we said goodbye. Family is so important to me and it was so special seeing Aiden and Abby play together and generally just love on each other. They are the A team; the first of the grandbabies. Now there is Taylor and Jo-Jo a new generation. It is so exciting to see our family grow. I also cherish the relationship that I have with Sam (my sister in law) we have been through a lot together and I feel a special closeness with her that cannot be described. I am so lucky to have her.

So we headed south. I gathered myself and finally stopped the tears flowing from my eyes. Aiden and Taylor were sleeping before we knew it. Later when Aiden woke he was somewhat cranky, and upon asking him what was wrong he said, “I want see Abby, I want see Abby.” I know baby, me too.

Now we are home. Vacation is over. As we came in the door, I put Taylor on a blanket to stretch out while we unpacked the car, and she decided to roll over! What a determined little 3 ½ month old. So many things I never want to forget.

Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure. Check out the cabin here.