Jerry, Rachel, & then some: Trips & Travels

One of the reasons I had not updated in awhile is because we were very busy for a couple of weeks! My mom and sister came down for a visit on June 7 and stayed for the rest of the week. We had a great time shopping for Audrey, celebrating Aunt Jill's birthday, and more. Then, on Saturday, Mom, Jill, Audrey, and I left and headed for TN. I was a bit anxious about the long car trip, but not half as nervous as I was the last time I took her to TN when I was by myself! This time, Audrey did not sleep the whole time! She got very sick of being in her car seat, and it was clear she wanted OUT! We still made it in pretty good time, but I was dreading the upcoming drives we had to make to IL, back to TN, then back home within the next week. We spent a few days at my parents' house and enjoyed meeting some of my parents' church friends and my Dad's coworkers. Then, we headed north to Mattoon, IL. June 18 was my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary (wow, 50 years!), so our family had planned a party for them and combined it with a "Welcome Audrey" type of party. There was a huge turnout to celebrate my grandparents' anniversary, and they enjoyed showing off the newest addition to the family. While in IL, we were also able to celebrate cousin Kollin's 1st birthday! He really enjoyed his first birthday cake! It was adorable! Also, we got to meet my friend, Lindsay's, new baby Will, who was born in May. It was a trip full of new things and experiences! Jerry and my dad arrived in Mattoon on Friday night (the celebration was Saturday), and Jerry was quite anxious to see his little girl after nearly a week! He said she had grown since we left, and I believe it!

Sunday, June 19, was Jerry's first Father's Day! There were several father's around us since we were staying at my grandparents' house! There was Jerry, my dad, my uncle Doug, and my Grandpa Max! We headed to church, enjoyed lunch out, then headed back to TN. The next day, Jerry, Audrey, and I headed home. I am pleased to say that on all these remaining car trips, Audrey did wonderfully! She slept several hours at a time and barely fussed! We were so proud (and relieved)!

A few pictures of the trip are below. Now, we are happy to be home. I walked Audrey into her room the day we got back, and she smiled as she looked around. I'm sure she was thinking, "Hey room! I've missed you!" More pictures are... HERE. Even more are HERE!

On Daddy's first Father's Day!

A friend of mine from junior high, Stacey, was able to stop by and meet Audrey. I was so excited to also meet her baby, Aubrie, who was born about 2 1/2 weeks before Audrey!