On The Road Again

We've spent the last three weeks on the road. The Engineer had work in Atlanta and Augusta and we got to tag along. It has been fun and overwhelming, both a respite and incredibly exhausting. And once again, I am reminded that I can call anyplace "home" as long as my family is there.

The first week was spent in Atlanta. The Grands graciously kept all three little ones,  in honor of our ninth anniversary. It was wonderful.

Of course, The Engineer worked all day. I contemplated filling my days with activities and visits, but this mama body and heart needed a little peace and quiet, so I stayed tucked into our hotel room, alone, and it was wonderful. We stayed in the third largest Marriott in the world. With 47 floors, it was rather impressive.

I read and read and read and spent an hour each day in the gym. I wrote thank you notes. I did a little sewing. I ate instant grits for breakfast, tuna and pb crackers and twizzlers for lunch, and wined and dined with The Engineer by night. It was incredibly relaxing. It was wonderful.

The elevators reminded me of the glass elevator in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The Engineer and I, on several occasions, joined hands and stood in the middle of the elevator while we rode all the way to the top, and then all the way back down. It was a rush. Especially to quickly drop all 47 stories in one fell swoop. Ahh...the sensation of weightlessness.

We made a stop by IKEA and feasted on cinnamon rolls, just because, and we spent Saturday afternoon at Scotts. It. Was. Amazing. I could have spent days there! So fun. So cool. We saw some really beautiful things. And met some really neat people. And one day when we are in a spot to purchase dining room chairs, I am going to Scotts.

And then we nabbed the kiddos and headed for Augusta just in time for the great snow/ice storm. Monday morning found everyone in the hotel "iced-in." Staff included. Dinner in the hotel restaurant was cozy and packed, and with only three servers, we waited a little over an hour and half for food - and we were the fourth table to be seated. People served their own drinks...there was a bit of a community bond forming.

We spent part of the morning outside exploring. Some of us weren't quite as fond of the snow as others...

Post snow and ice play, we returned to the room for a little school. And it hit me like a ton of bricks, this is just one of the precious benefits of homeschooling. I am so thankful. So thankful we could travel with the Engineer. I can't imagine being apart for three weeks.

And when I glance over at the sofa and see my babies lined up and Little Bit copying Sister, my heart sighs with contentment.