Alabama

I'm back safely from our trip. I'm tired, but I have a tan. Both things were to be expected. We had a wonderful time with our family. The wedding was beautiful despite the storm that blew threw 2 hours before the wedding. Things were a little tense for a bit, considering it was an outdoor wedding. Heavenly Father knew what he was doing though, after the storm the weather dropped 20 degrees and cooled everything down. I now have another brother in law in the Hunt family. Congrats Sharlyn and Lee. Hope you enjoy your honeymoon!!
The kids were great for my parents and sisters. They had so much fun, and never once asked about us!! I found a turtle along side of the road before we left and they kept it for a few days and then let it go. They were able to visit a petting zoo, go fishing, play games, feed cows etc. Thanks to all of you who gave great advice on what to do while we were away. I decided on making books. They each told me what they wanted to do while they were at G & G's house. I then wrote one sentence on each page and added a box at the end. They had to draw the picture of the thing they wanted to do. Once they did what that page read, they could check it off . For example: On one of Gibson's pages it read, " I want to ride tractor with Papa." So he drew a picture of a tractor and Papa. They loved making the book and showing it to them when they got there. They didn't want to leave today when we picked them up!! I could tell that we were missed. It was so nice to be able to spend some alone time and have a break. Now we're gearing up for our trip out West. 24 hours in a car with the kids!!!! Giddy up!!



Here are a few things I observed while visiting Alabama:

* I was either called Miss Kasey, Baby, or Honey by strangers or acquaintances.

* People in Alabama can sing!

* It's hot down there. It may be 90 but with humidity it feels well over 100!

* The pool water is like bath water.

* Hot boiled peanuts and BBQ restaurants.......... everywhere!

* I do not like grits.

* Southern Hospitality was questioned with our hotel arrangements!! Don't go to a hotel that is being taken over by new managment!! However, for the most part we were treated real nice, especially at the Bay Pointe Marriot in Panama City.My brother in law Scott posing for the picture.
My other brother and sister in law B.G. and Karen. As you can tell my lens was fogged. Happened every time I would transfer from air condition to the heat!

* The speed limits are ridiculous. 45, 20 ft ahead 55, 30 ft ahead, 65, then back down to 45.
It was the weirdest thing.

* Several ranches. Beautiful houses with front porches and rocking chairs.

* Rent is really cheap in AL compared to MI!!

* Alabama people love their football!!!

* We ate at the Boatyard one night in Panama City. It was delicious!! We had Q to entertain us during our one hour wait for our food. Can you balance a quarter with two forks on the edge of a glass?

* The flowers are beautiful. I couldn't believe how big the Hydrangeas were.* My sister in law Liza, is the best traveler ever!! Randy (her husband) and her, traveled with us to Alabama. She never complained, never asked to stop, she was awesome!! She is from Chile, so we learned a lot about her culture and the traditions she grew up with.