Trip Across the South

We actually took a vacation. It encompassed all the things I wanted it to: the beach (!), old friends, and the temple. All our friends along the way increased the enjoyment and the affordability because we didn't have to pay for hotels or eating out very much.

We drove from Texas straight to Pensacola, Florida and stayed at our friend Peter's house. He was kind enough to make us food and hang out with us and then leave us his home while he took his own trip!

The two P.S.'s

I can totally see why people retire to Florida. We kept the sliding door open most of the time to the screened-in patio, as the weather was great. We chatted with more than one friendly senior citizen walking their dog. And the kids played in the apartment's onsite playground every day that we were there.

Balancing the kids

How much does Patrick weigh?

This was the first time for the younger two boys to see a beach, and Pensacola Beach was a great first experience. Four of us still got in the water quite a bit, despite it (the water) being chilly. I hung out in the sand. We gathered shells and all that business. It was soooooo great. And it was white sand. Just beautiful.

The morning of the first day we were heading to the beach, I actually prayed that somehow we'd be able to help someone and not just entertain ourselves. As soon as we got there, we found a lost wallet. We were able to call the owner, who came to pick it up. It's cool how Heavenly Father answered that prayer. We felt so glad to be able to help someone.

It was so hard to choose favorite photos from the beach, so I've included a lot.

All our footprints are above the writing.

Me and my dearest

I spent most of my time gazing out at the majestic beach. Not! I watched for drowning children, of course!

 We celebrated Kyle's 6th birthday after the first day at the beach. We grilled Italian sausages, and ate apple pie and homemade lemon frozen yogurt. He was happy all day.

The screened-in patio

T's idea to write this

We gave the kids their first hibachi experience. Josie is a little meat-eater, and the little boys consumed fried rice.

After two days at the beach, we went to the U.S. Naval Museum on the base nearby. It was very hands-on, great for our little climbers and touchers.

 Everyone wanted to get in a Blue Angel.

The museum's focus was on the WWII era. They even had one German and one Japanese plane. The kids' favorite part was seeing the life-sized models of base camps, bunkers, and homes, barber shops, stores, etc. how they looked in that era.

Patrick and I were really struck with the sacrifice of these individuals, their bravery, and their experiences that can only be understood firsthand.

We left Pensacola and headed up to Alabama. We were so excited to stop at a burger place in Montgomery that we saw on a list of the best burger place in each state. Had fun listening to various southern accents and gobbling greasy burgers and fries. The is just the kind of place you want to find but are afraid to take a risk.

The food knocked the kids out.

I didn't get a picture of the whole family, but we stayed with the Greens in Auburn. Rose and I have kept in touch on Facebook since I was her visiting teacher in Arkansas. She has such knowledge, faith, and experience. We talked about different horrible houses we've lived in and a lot about family history research, our common hobby. Our kids had fun with theirs for an evening, and we were on the road again!

Old Fayetteville friends

Finally, we headed to Georgia for what started us taking the trip in the first place. We got to attend the temple in Atlanta to be with Patrick's longtime friend and his wife for their first time. They received their endowments and were sealed as husband and wife and as a family. They have worked hard to get here, and we are so proud of them. Peace and learning are found in the temple! Click HERE to find out more about why members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints build temples, and what we do in them.

Beautiful steeple at night

Richardsons, together forever

The whole crew, with patient kiddos, a little fuzzy

On the final day of our trip, we saw our final batch of old friends, the Matthews family. They graciously took care of our kids while we were in the temple. Turns out, they love cooking and eating just as much as we do. From waffles for brunch, to from-scratch Italian food at dinner, to the snacks they packed for our return trip, we ate as much as we talked. What a great time! I loved getting to know Kami better (I was friends with Jacob in college). She's awesome. I'm sad she didn't make it into a photo.

 

Homemade apple pie: Patrick's creation/Kami's favorite

A great hike with good conversation and many scrapes

The 12-hour drive home

We spotted license plates from 45 states, including 2 from Alaska! We also saw plates from two Canadian provinces and Mexico. That was a fun and continuous hunt to keep us busy with all the driving.

This trip was so refreshing, just what we needed in the middle of the spring semester. I was worried I'd be discouraged upon returning to work and school, so I left myself a note on my chalkboard to greet me, "Welcome home. You have a great life." And we do!

And, we are blessed to have dear friends all over the country.