Road Trip

This past Saturday, the munchkins and I took a six hour road trip to Sanford, North Carolina to visit Jon's brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Teresa.  

Jon's mom was also visiting Pat and Teresa from Indiana.   So we were also able to see Grandma Jean too!  

Jon had a student conference to go to this weekend with our church's youth group, so he stayed behind.  

We headed out at around 9 AM and arrived there, safe and sound, at 3 PM.  Thankfully, the munchkins traveled really well.  We only stopped once, for lunch.  When we arrived at Pat and Teresa's, we went for a walk and then headed to a nearby playground so the munchkins could stretch their legs and run around a little.  Six hours is a long time to just sit in a car, especially when you are 3 and 5!

 I was so proud of my little girl for making it all the way across the balance beam!

 This picture of Buddy on the playground just makes me laugh!

The next day, we visited a nearby ranch that had a lot of different animals.  The munchkins absolutely loved it!  The weather was partly cloudy and in the low 60's.  A great day to be outside and enjoy the animals.  

We saw a bear...

 A pig...

 A fox...

 A turkey...

and some cows...

 We fed a llama...

 and some Billy goats.

We saw an alligator...

 and a buffalo.

 Aunt Teresa and I fed the buffalo... we had quite a surprise when we felt how scratchy his tongue was... it felt like sandpaper... who knew?!?

 Sissy with her Aunt Teresa...

The munchkins looking at the turtles...

 Me and my sweetheart by a covered bridge...

 The munchkins and Uncle Pat taking a rest at Fort Rest...

 This was the half way point of our 1.5 mile walk around the ranch. 

 Sissy and Uncle Pat walking up a steep hill...

Grandma Jean and Aunt Teresa making their way up the steep hill...

 I almost crossed this suspension bridge, but decided not to.  When I got about as far as I am in this picture, the bridge started moving back and forth.  I wasn't sure if I should keep going or not.  As you may be able to read on the sign, it says, 'Cross at your own risk!'  I just wasn't willing to take the risk... especially since everyone looked a bit worried for me... 

 It was a really neat looking bridge though...

 The munchkins with Uncle Pat next to the camel...

A closer view of the camel..

We all had a great time this weekend visiting with one another.  I'm so glad we made the trip down to see them!

 We headed back home on Monday morning at around 8:30 AM.  Once again, the munchkins traveled great with only one stop for lunch.  We arrived home at around 3 PM.   Jon was so happy to see us.  He said he didn't like how quiet it was at home while we were gone.  Although, he was able to get some work done and had a great time with the youth group at the student conference. 

Our whole family had a great weekend!

At least now I know I can travel a long distance with the munchkins by myself again, if need be.  Although ideally, the next time we visit Pat and Teresa,  Jon will be able to join us as well.