US Trip 2019 - Day 6

We'd had a few easy going days, so on day 6 we made the rounds visiting relatives.

First the girls asked Meemaw to style their hair (poor kids, their mother is terrible at this).

Then we were off to see my (paternal) Grandpa Elvis. He had recently slipped on some ice and broken a few bones, so he was in a rehabilitation center. He was very tired, so the kids had a short visit with him, then got to play in a nearby dining area. I did get to have a longer visit, and had good conversation with my grandpa.

It wasn't very exciting for the little ones, but they behaved extremely well.

We stayed until it was time for the residents to eat lunch, and left to get a bite to eat ourselves. It had been hard emotionally to see him so dependent and frail. However, I will be eternally grateful that we visited when we did, because Grandpa Elvis passed away days after we returned to the UK. I am so glad we were able to talk and have him see the kids, and he later told my Dad that he really enjoyed the visit.

We decided on another Mexican restaurant for lunch, which was nice.

And after our meal, we went to visit my (maternal) Grandpa Harry. He had somewhat recently moved into a retirement complex which has facilities ranging from independent living to full time care. He was happy to take us on a tour and introduce us to everyone.

The kids loved wandering around and saying hello to the other residents. I have to say, this community seems fantastic. Everything looks really nice, they have many outings, and my grandpa seems so happy there.

We had a nice long walk around, and before we knew it, it was time for us to get back to take Uncle John to the airport. Once we arrived to pick him up, the kids asked to see the chickens.

Then we made the drive to Lambert.

It wasn't an easy parting for the kids (or for John, I'm sure). Then we went back to Gigi and Pawpaw's to hang out and eat dinner.

Dancing on bubble wrap

Lily's immediate reaction when I say, "Let's take a photo"

The "nice" picture

The realistic shot

We had a nice time visiting with Matt's parents before the kids started getting tired. It had been a long day, although we did seem to be doing better with the time zone by now.

When we got back to my parents' house, there was time for a quick story before the kids went to bed. James also spent the night, although he didn't get to sleep as early as my kids did.

And just like that, another day had ended. It was really going by fast!

US Trip 2019 - Day 5

The morning began with my mom, Clara, and me making a quick trip to the grocery store. Let me tell you, stepping into an American store is a bit shocking after being away for a while. The aisles are so wide, and there is an abundance of choices of... everything.  Entire aisles of chips or cereal?!

 Then we made a stop at my mom's salon before heading back to the house.

Of course we were stopped by a train (welcome to GC).

The kids were really looking forward to this day of our trip, because this was the day that Uncle John would come visit! (To be fair, I think Uncle John was just as excited to see his niblings.)  I left the kids with Matt and his brother, and set out for Target with Lesa and my mom. Target doesn't exist in the UK, so it was fun to just shop.

Starbucks cake pop

So many cute things

We bought lots of things for the kids (mostly clothes), and luckily Matt had packed an extra bag, so we had a way to get it back across the ocean. We dropped everything off at home and picked up my dad, who said that Matt and John had taken the kids to a children's museum and maybe to Annie's frozen custard. Well I was not going to miss out on frozen custard! We spotted the rental car in the Annie's parking lot, so I hopped out to Matt's surprise.

I miss this!

On the way back to my parents' house, we drove by the first house Matt and I ever bought.

We loved that little house, but there is no way the 5 of us would fit in it now! And it looks like the current owner has made some nice improvements. I'd love to see the inside again.

Back at the homestead, the kids went through their Target goodies.

How did Captain Marvel and Wonder Woman get here?

Cuddle time with Uncle John

Then it was time for dinner. On the spur of the moment, we decided on Bandana's BBQ.

Sweet tea

little photobomber

Don't let Miles' face fool you, these kids adore their uncle

I had bbq meat in a baked potato, with fried okra and garlic bread. It was so. much. food.

Everywhere we went, we'd ask Clara what she wanted to eat. Her response was always, "Fish and chips." Of course, that's harder to come by in the States, but luckily she settled on other things easily.

The sunset was pretty and colorful on the way home.

When we got back, the kids kept busy with some kind of junior archaeology toy that Miles had. They had to drill and chip away at this crumbly rock thing to get to the toys inside. It was messy, but it lasted a while and they loved it.

Here's to the end of another great day!