Blown Away

To start out, I need to say I haven't forgot about blogging, I just have not had cooperation with my technical devices. After many phone calls I have finally figured out how to get my photos off my phone and out for your viewing pleasure. I wanted to start with blogging about our recent trip to Atlanta. I had no idea how pretty it was, and I wondered for years why the Olympics were held there. But it was only my limited exposure (airport layovers) that had slanted my view of this beautiful city. On the way there, we stumbled across a Bass Pro Shop. We decided to let Nate and Dad have some fun since we were dragging them all the way to Atlanta to experience the American Girl Doll store for Katie's birthday. While we were there I had Katie try on the cutest fishing gear and grabbed a shot. This is for you Pops!

While we drove to the store we noticed some of the greenest skies you have ever seen. The lightning really showed off a spectacular storm that we were headed straight for. We did not get any pictures in the American Doll store because we heard sirens while we were shopping. They were tornado sirens. I sent Jason and the kids off to the recommended shelter while I continued to shop. I paid for Moya's doll hair style and ear piercing, they had miniature chairs and hair stylists for the dolls. I also got Katie's doll paid for. I went to meet them and was directed by security to go the other way for safety. I was not having it. I told him my family was on the other side of the mall and that is where I was going. I met up with them at Macy's and we were all sent over to the swimsuit department because a tornado was near. It was the lowest part of the store with the fewest windows. So this shows the kids huddled under the swimsuits, if you can call these little swatches of fabric swimsuits, I better save that for another day.

I gave Katie her doll and we took pictures to keep from being scared. We stayed in our little hiding place for 30 minutes and then headed back to the hotel. The tornado had missed us, whew! But we saw some of the biggest hail ever when we went out to the car. We got drive thru and ate it in our hotel. We had fun swimming earlier and the hotel was great.

Katie got a just like me doll. She loves her.

She snuggled her during the tornado fun and slept with her....

and loved her to bits!

Moya brought her doll too. We got oohs and aahs everywhere we went. One mom said she remembered getting her daughter an American Girl doll and what fun it was. Now that daughter is off to college.

The next day we toured World of Coca-Cola. There were fun interactive movies, tours, and displays. The most fun of all was a room at the end that had 60-70 different types of sodas from all over the world. There was one from Italy that was awful, and our family favorite was Bebo. It was hard to tell if it was fun or just being marketed to on a mass scale. All in all it was interesting stop.

Nate begrudgingly joining in.

On the way home we saw the following:

Nate and Jason headed in for more fun. They got a stash of fireworks that Nate lights off daily, to our neighbor's disappointment. All the neighborhood boys love to join in and I am certain all the parents are wishing someone else moved in. We have proven to be true "Ya Has". ( Jason's term for wild and crazy folks, or just water skiers and wake boarders that messed up his fishing.) So far no fires or permanent damage. I am waiting for these to all be gone. We also saw a dog there that greeted all who visited, and of course the kids begged to bring him home. The sales people helpfully informed them that he had been abandoned and that we could take him if we wanted. Thus begins the begging for pets. We were the bad guys and said no way, but it has not stopped them. Every stray we see they want to bring home. And we no longer have the excuse of too little space. I think I might be developing an allergy.... It was a fun get away. We found so many more things that we wanted to do. I think it will be on our list of fun getaways within a short drive. Doug and Erika, you might not want to let Jack see these. The fireworks stores are open year round in these parts. (Practin' my southern talk.) Or maybe let him see. If he wants to move here, I should expect you all shortly.

I am now up and running and have many more pictures to show. So watch out. You may know more than you wanted to about us!