Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Spending Time in Tennessee

Braden, Madeline and I just got back from spending time with my family in Columbia, Tennessee. We had a great time!

The flight to Nashville was a little tough. Braden said the plane wasn't going fast enough, and Maddie was having a hard time being in a new situation. One thing I learned on this trip: Madeline needs familiarity! I could always take Braden anywhere and he was fine. Madeline doesn't like anything new. She became very attached to me while we were in TN. Luckily, she did much better on the flight back to Chicago.

Some highlights from our trip:

Braden and I went bowling with Seth and Emily:


I think he was a little disappointed in the game. It was his first time bowling, and I don't think it was what he had imagined. He did, however, come in second!

We visted with Mema and Grandaddy at their house:



They got a smile out of Maddie, and Braden wanted in on the action.
Mur came to Nana and Papa's:


Braden enjoyed exploring on Papa's land and built a campfire for Seth:



He and I went on an adventure and followed all the deer and cattle paths through the woods. It was a beautiful day - only a slight chill in the air.


We had a BBQ lunch with aunts, uncles and cousins:





Almost everyone on the Anderson side of the family was able to make it. I was so glad, because we missed spending Christmas with them this year. And it's always fun for us cousins to get our kids together. They have the best time-they're all buddies. Luckily, after lunch, there was plenty of time for them to play:





Notice that Braden is still the only boy!!!

And Marsi and Brianna came for a visit the day before we left:

One week never seems long enough in Tennessee - there are so many things to do and people to see - but we needed to get back to Roger and school. When I picked Braden up from school yesterday, his first day back, he told me he had missed his friends. And to think the day before, he was crying because he wanted to stay in Tennessee forever!

3 comments:

HTE said...

Ella says I like Braden's tractor.
Glad you all made it back safely!

Kellee said...

Hey Heather! It looks like things are going well with you guys, and I'm glad you were able to enjoy some time with your family. Madeline is too cute and Braden is such a big boy!! We miss you guys!

mkburcham said...

It is so fun to be with family and it also looked like you had a lot of family to see--and Tennessee is so beautiful!! Madeline is growing..she is a cutie-as is Braden. I also like your hair longer!
Also-you have asked about a name..we are going to wait and share the name when he is born..and this one will probably be a more unique name..knowing Matt! Only 3 more weeks!! Alright, talk to you soon!