Before we embarked for Alabama, we got turn-by-turn directions or “trip ticks” made into three booklets that have our route back home mapped out for us. The AAA assistant in Atlanta was not very happy to start out her morning mapping out 32 destinations for us. It was kind of a game for me to figure out what she was muttering under her breath as she assembled the booklets. Anyways, we are very thankful for her hard work. It makes navigation a lot easier.
The drive to Florence, Alabama was incredible to say the least. We passed massive rivers that looked like lakes to us. Thick, rich trees packed the hills. It was beautiful. Churches lined the highways, mostly Church of Christ and Baptist. Lots of cemeteries as well, many behind the churches.
Alabama Highlights:
- Our cousins Bryan and J.T. took us down to the creek behind their house. I felt like we were in Narnia. They have a pretty radical backyard. We also played Rock Band on their X Box 360. We discovered that J.T. has a hidden vocal talent (and heard a rumor that he follows in Uncle John’s footsteps). We also got to see a sneak peak of Bryan’s Indiana Jones cinematography (very impressive footage).
- Aunt Susan made delicious BBQ brisket and her blue ribbon winning baked beans for dinner. Audrey and Tom and their two girls (who are on their way to Germany for Tom’s new job with the US Army) and Aunt Susan’s neighbors (the mom toured with the band Alabama) ate with us.
- Playing with cousin Luci was a treat once we got to know each other better. She even let us sleep in her room, but she didn’t want to sleep in the same room as Caleb, so she opted to sleep with Uncle John and Aunt Susan.
- On Tuesday we got to visit the house where Helen Keller was raised in Tuscumbia, Alabama. It was pretty cool to touch the same water pump that Anne Sullivan first taught Helen w-a-t-e-r in sign language.
- That afternoon we got to experience Troubridges, a vintage ice cream parlor where I ate an egg and olive sandwich (mmm) and caleb had tuna. Of course we had sweet tea and an ice cream sundae as well. J.T. had a treat called “Oh My Gosh!” and that about explains the pile of whipped cream, ice cream and brownie, etc. that topped his plate.
We’re still talking about Alabama. We loved it. According to Aunt Susan, it’s all down-hill from here.
More coming soon! Hopefully even a flickr album.
8 comments:
Haha, I wouldn't sleep in the same room as Caleb either. That mustache eeks trouble. And I'm glad Helen Keller made the post. I am so jealous of these adventures and miss you guys grandly.
PS: A girl with the initials A.B. for some reason keeps asking to sleep in your bed saying that you'd want it that way, but I have to keep telling her its mine.
oh man oh man! I'm so excited for you guys!!! it sounds wonderful and I'm so glad you're having a great time. Alabama sounds awesome and I can't wait to hear more! But i'm glad i've gotten to chat with you on the phone a couple of times too. I'm so glad you're blogging as you go so that you're able to encapsulate the trip along the way instead of just one big catch-up at the end.
PS:
Why is bryan wearing winter gloves in the family picture?
PPS:
Shaun, please just invite A.B. to sleep with you!
what's auggie's middle name?
and YES! again, a great post to explain the great time you are having! it was great to hear your voice last night and i too want to see more!
time to play the ricky martin in the van.
Hi Guys! Looks like you are off to a great start. I like your "sea & tea" -- very clever :)
Guess I signed up as "Aunt Quinet" when posting to Aunt Susan's blog for the kids, so that is what I am here, too.
Can't wait to hear about Kentucky and your DC experience over the Fourth.
Love you guys!
Hey you two! I hope you have time soon to catch up on your travel diary. Hope all is well, miss you tons even though I just saw you in Nashville. Have a great 4th in DC - can't wait to hear about Caleb's impressions of NYC! See you in the 'burgh on the 16th. love you bunches~
Chad, that's gross, but might be a proper compromise, and Kylee, not sure what your sudden interest in Auggie is all about, but he has no middle name. He is simply St. Augustine. I hope you guys found something fun to do in Kentucky.
Neat blog! I must admit, it took me a few minutes to figure out C and T.
Love that you managed to make us sound interesting....
have fun! I'll enjoy watching your trip on the blog.
aunt susie PS JT is wearing the wierd gloves, I don't remember why--maybe to bug his momma.
JT just told me the gloves are his daddy's work gloves and he doesn't know why he was wearing them on that hot and sweaty day.
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