Road Trip!

I have been putting off updating this blog for the past week knowing that there was so much to update that I really didn't even know where to begin. So I guess the best place to start is off is of course the beginning. About a month ago we left for a road trip for our much anticipated vacation to the east coast. We were headed to North Carolina for my Grandma's 90th birthday party then up to Virginia for some family time with Brent's parents. Brent wasn't able to take much more than a couple of weeks off of work so he flew and I ventured to DRIVE. Not being a dummy I decided to find some recruits...my niece Lydia and nephew Jaccob.

So mid-June we began our adventure. Our first day we made our way through Texas and on to Oklahoma where we made our first stop staying with my oldest sister who was only a few weeks until her due date with the newest baby to the Hillard family. We spent the days trying to keep the babies busy. Keely enjoyed watching Mary Poppins a million few times each day. I think a few times we through a few other movies in there. Brayden enjoyed his backseat buddy Jaccob. He played games and even convinced him to let him out of the carseat every once in a while. We made our way through Arkansas, Tennessee and finally made it to NC! We enjoyed eating Carolina BBQ everyday a couple of times (even letting Brayden try it out) and had fun visiting with our family. Grandma had a wonderful birthday party filled with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We spent an afternoon at Dan Nicholas Park where we enjoyed riding the carousels, paddle boats, and trains.

Finally we made our way up to Virginia! After so much traveling I was relieved to stay somewhere for a few weeks. We spent our first week relaxing by the pool with Nana and Pop-Pop. The guys went out fishing one day where Jaccob caught his first shark fish! We made sure to spend a day at the beach where Keely just dived into the ocean, Brayden on the other hand did NOT dig the sand. He instead enjoyed some Mee-Maw time.

Over 4th of July weekend we went to Williamsburg exploring Busch Gardens and Water Country. Talk about FUN, FUN, FUN! We met Elmo and the rest of the Sesame Street gang. Everyone dared rides, even Keely! Brayden enjoyed anything water or animal. Needless to say there was something for everybody. On 4th of July we BBQ'ed and then made our way to Colonial Williamsburg to listen to the fifes and drums and watch the spectacular firework display. As great as my kids are with water they are NOT good with loud noises. Anytime Keely heard the fireworks she would cling on for dear life hold on to the nearest person in sight repeating "all done" over and over. Poor thing was not a fan.

We sadly had to make our way back across the country but with a few stops still in store. We we so fascinated with Memphis on our way to the east coast we decided to add that stop on our way back. Being in Memphis we of course made a stop at Graceland. Touring Elvis' mansion, seeing his cars, planes, and everything else extravagant! After Graceland we made our way to downtown Memphis checking into hotel and taking a stroll down Beale street.

Last stop on the trip, back to Oklahoma where we met new baby Sydnee! Sydnee Leigh Rodgers was born on July 3, 2010 at 12:10 am. She is just a doll with the longest arms, fingers, and feet! Keely wanted to hold the new baby and give her so many kisses. I couldn't believe how much of a giant my little Brayden looked compared to that new bundle of joy. Mamma Teresa is doing great. Everyone is happy and healthy! I of course squeezed in any baby time I could get in between my own little ones.

That is the sum of our adventure! We had so much fun and gained so many experiences. I couldn't have made the trip without the help of Lydia and Jaccob. Along with all the help from family along the way. Thank you for the fun and the memories!

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