Thanksgiving

We decided that we would drive to Georgia and make a surprise visit to my aunt. Her son helped plan the event. He told her that he was bringing 3 fat friends to dinner to get her to buy a bigger turkey and for her to cook more food. We left at midnight to drive down. Now RTJ (john self appointed name for when he is driving places) ( RTJ stands for Road Trip Johnny, and yes he makes us call him that!) was in charge of the driving since my back was in spasm and I had to lay down in the back of the van. We rented so movies and packed up the van with blankets pillows and even a few mattresses for comfort. So off we were and we made great time and arrived at a waffle house at about 11 a.m. just outside of Atlanta. This was my fist time at a Waffle House. I have to say is was quite yummy! We rearranged the car and got ready to see my Aunt. She lives about 30 min outside of Atlanta.


We got to her house and knocked on the door and she was very surprised to see us. It was a great meal and a nice visit. We then went to the Hyatt in Atlanta since I had free night certificate that could use so we stayed there and had free breakfast.



After breakfast we took the kids with my aunt to the Coca-Cola factory. It was fun after they forced us to sit through a MEGA FREAKY movie. I as still trying to figure that one out! I can't even explain it. The funniest part was when we went to the tasting room. It is where you can try all 72 Coke products! You should have seen Anna & Austin's faces when we told them that they can have as much soda as they want! We were really fun parents that day. After leaving Coke we got trapped in Atlanta trying to get onto 75S but we could only find 75N but that is par for any trip with Marianne. I love her but I have way too many road trip memories with her in them! Pensacola Beach FL still eludes us.....Flipper, garnish, banana juice, and cooler water.... what a trip!

We finally made it out and had a nice dinner together after having to buy 2 tires for our van! But we had a great time. It was great hanging out with my Aunt. I love her a lot and have many things to thank her for. She taught me how to cook and gave me the confidence to know a woman can do anything! (except go into the military). She has been great to me and she loves my kids and I had such great times visiting her and the boys all over the country!

We stayed at her house until about 4 a.m. and then we left for VA to see my other aunt and cousin. RTJ was in charge of driving again. He is such a great man! We arrived at my cousins house about 11 a.m. and got to see Aunt Dorie and Uncle Bob . I wanted my kids to see my oldest Aunt. Aunt Dorie is now 72 and she is my oldest living relative. We don't have great genes on my side. They have not changed a bit they looked wonderful! We had lunch with them and they we off back home to GA. We stayed with Sue for dinner and laughed about our childhood the kids had fun with her kids and we left for home about 9 p.m.

With RTJ back at the wheel the kids and I hopped into the back for another movie called Chestnut. It was really funny. The kids fell asleep and we got home about 4 a.m.

Our dogs were very happy to see as and I was glad to be back in my bed. I know John was too. He was awesome. I cannot believe how he can drive like that and not go nuts! He is so good at doing boring stuff. Thank RTJ for taking me and the kids to see my family!