This Cup Overflows: 1,180 Miles to Say 'Hello' and 'Goodbye'

Whew. This weekend we did a lot of traveling- 5 states and about 1,180 miles in three days. Our first destination was for Jordan's family reunion in Terre Haute, Indiana. We were going to drive to Nashville Thursday and drive to IN Friday morning, but I was afraid the kiddos wouldn't handle traveling such a far distance (in the daytime) well. So we ventured to IN through a horrific storm (we were the green pin below... and driving into the red and yellow) and pulled into the hotel about 1:15 am.

The next morning we went to visit Jordan's aunts (Aunt Dot and Aunt Patty) and Mamaw. Mac and Paisley and Mamaw napped at the same time :o) Pretty cute. I walked in to see Mamaw watching them squirm in their pack n plays. (We counted, and Jordan put the pack n plays up and down 10 times this weekend.)

GeeP and Mamaw fed Paisley crackers while Mac snacked on pumpkin and yogurt in the high chair.

Then the cousins started arriving! Lilly played with Kayce and Daniel, and they were entertaining little fish. The party got more fun once our Nashville Allen family came, and all the kiddos enjoyed a popsicle by the pool.

Lilly and her KK... Not sure where Kayce was for this pic. I hope I can get my hands on the three blondes born to us in 2006! (Lilly- 1.11.06, KK 7.12.06 and KC 11.11.06)

The next day was a day at Deming Park. We celebrated Mamaw's upcoming 95 birthday (December 23), and there was a surprise birthday cake for M and P!! So sweet!

We got to see lots of cousins, aunts and uncles, and Mac and Paisley and Lilly were surrounded by family affection. What a special family to be a part of :o)

Caroline, Emma and Callie, I promise you can hold these babies next year when they aren't so squirmy. I'll tell them how much you love their pictures and you can be buddies next year :o)

After lunch and cake and visiting at the park, we went back to our hotel to get ready for Jordan's childhood friend's wedding, Blake Holler.

After the wedding, we changed clothes and packed up the car and headed south. We left a lot later than we wanted, so we stopped at 2:30 am in Lexington. We spent the rest of the night and left first thing the next morning for Knoxville.

I've written about my Grandma Hester here, and on Wednesday, August 1, Grandma Hester went to be with Jesus. In that post, I shared pictures of her recently, but this is how I remember her best-

This picture is from a couple of years ago. Right after she stopped making the best potato candy and fried okra I've ever had. Grandma and Grandpa Hester raised 5 children in a 770 square foot flat top house built during WWII.

My dad gave an emotional eulogy, and my tradition of singing Amazing Grace continued. Grandma Hester, you are missed, but I know you don't miss us! We will see you one day!

Lilly asked today if Grandma Hester is learning to fly. When I asked her why, she said 'because she has wings now.' This topic has Lilly asking about people living with Jesus, and I am encouraged by her spirit and innocence.

We took advantage of picture attire, and this is my new favorite family portrait.