June 16, 2007 | Mama Smith
greenville road trip
12 hours. 700 miles. Two kiddos under 2. It was a long journey that we are about to embark upon again in a little over 24 hours on our return to Philly. I wish I could say I was rested and ready for it, but as with all “family vacations”, rest is usually not a part of the equation.
A storm over Harrisonburg, VA on our first roadtrip stop
It was a wild and wooly first few days here, with the boys adjusting to nap times again that were not being taken in a car seat, as we all adjusted to sleeping in the same room (until we banished talkative Brighton to the bathroom in a pack n’ play), and as we discovered yet another ear infection plauging little Levi.
The past few days have involved a little more rest – a morning away for Matthew and I alone together thanks to Natalee, an evening of wine and late night gospel talk on her cozy backporch, exploring the beautiful new downtown with the boys, and a festive Hall gala complete with barbeque, strung white lights and dancing.
More thoughts to come when we return home. For now, here are some shots of the crew.
Chloe enjoying her bbq
Benton & Eli… cheese
Brighton putting Papa John to work
Abe digging in
Southern shagging
Wes & his cute little gal
Granny & Papa John with their youngest great-grandkid…at least for a few more months
As I watched the boys run around last night, I found myself shocked with the fact that I’m no longer one of the little 19 Hall cousins running around, but I am now the parent. We have transformed from the wild Hall cousin pack, into the tired parent crew. We have taken their place and are now the stressed out, young parents talking mommy-talk with each other, wondering how we’ll survive this stage of parenting tiny tots. How time flies.
Some days I wish I was 5 again, running around with my cousins, rummaging through Granny’s jewelry, playing house under her dogwood tree, and dodging through the freshly laundered sheets on the clothes line. But I do love seeing this new generation in all their glory, bearing the resemblance of who their parents were 20 years ago.
Me, Papa John & cousin Daniel (I think?)
Making biscuits with Granny
That’s dad with the fuzzy fro (speaking of, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY, Dad!!). And me checking out Indian Chief, Papa John
John said,
did brighton drive all 700 miles Fred Flinstone style in that little car? There’s no way around it. That kid is amazing.
amy smith said,
Um, YEAY, of course. You don’t think we’d have him in the car with US that entire trip?! He carried Levi in the back too.
Aunt Diggy said,
hola sista!! i was just writing to inform you that i will not be returning to the americas….i think i might move to costa rica!! i know exactly how callie feels now…i am so jealous you got to see everyone!! xoxoxo i love you….
p.s. dad looks good with hair…...
rachel watanabe said,
aaah, life in the hall clan. so fun to hear about and see the pics. you have such a neat legacy, amita clarita pasillo…
much love to you. hope you are able to get some physical rest soon. may God guard your heart and mind in the midst of chaos and exhaustion.
natalie said,
wow, you’re so right about that part where you said you sometimes wish you were five again. I ain’t a mother, yet, like you are, but when I look at my cousins and at my sis and at my mom, I wish I was a kid again, running around at the family gatherings, sitting in my uncles’ laps, having my hair brushed by my older cousin etc. Those days are gone, and I’m sincerely amazed by how fast time flew by – I didn’t even notice how quickly everything passed. Makes us want to keep on to that time, doesn’t it? It’s all too precious.
Sharon said,
Love, love, love the musings and the pictures. Every time I saw Brighton, he seemed perfectly behaved and happy; are you sure he had a tantrum?
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