Memorial weekend

First I want to thank all service members past,present, and future for my freedom. Second I would like to thank their family and friends that support them. What a hard job. I will not forget and I am truly grateful for America, my freedom, and your sacrifices. Happy Memorial Day!

Now I will talk about our crazy 1200 miles + weekend. In the early AM, Chris had to take Gracelyn to the Dr. for a suspected ear infection and he had to get the oil changed in the van before we got on the road. We started our journey on Friday after Lauralei's end of school year program. In keeping with the holiday, they had a patriotic theme. It was very cute. We drove what was suppose to be about 7.5 hours to Gastonia. However, with my 4 small ones, it took us 9 hours. We got to Granny and G-pa's with 4 sleeping kiddos however, Gracelyn's fever spiked up to 104 degrees. Poor Daddy and G-pa had to go and find a 24 pharmacy to get her some motrin.

We made it through the night and everyone woke up in time to go to breakfast. Then I had to get on the road with Lilliana. The other kids stayed and had fun with their cousins and grandparents. I continued on 3 hours to Asheville, Nc to see my Granny and Pa (Dad's side). It was a great re-union of sorts that hadn't taken place since Ethan was about 9 months old. Everyone was there including my step-sister, Angi. It was so much fun seeing everyone, talking about old times, and watching our kids play the way we used to when we were little. I was very happy to spend some more time with Pa and Granny, my greatest influences of Christian marriage, love, and character I have ever known. Time with them is very precious in their last chapters of this life. Though I know there will come a day in Glory for a new re-union. Thank you God for more time with them. They have now met all my kids.

Early Sunday morning, Lilliana and I continued our journey 4 hours to Chapel Hill, NC. Chris's baby sister Cyndy's daughter, our niece, Ceilidh was having a 3rd birthday party. I met the rest of my family at this event. It was great to meet little Graeme, our newest nephew for the first time. I enjoyed seeing Andrew's family and their babies as well.

As a treat to the kids for all this driving, and so I could get some sleep, we used some of our hotel points and stayed the night on HWY 40. This place was really nice and had a spa feel to it. The room was huge and could hold us all. The kids were so happy to swim in the pool. That was the highlight of their weekend. We got to see Chris's Aunt Nell for a little bit too. We got some good food and some rest that night.

The next morning we drove another 4 hours home to VA. It was a great trip with lots of family but tiring. Everyone is still trying to recover their schedules. So, next trip is on you guys to see us. That is assuming we ever get our stuff from Norway. It has been well over 8 weeks and they are trying to find it. But that is another post for another day. :)