What A Week!

The Shipley family is back in Strasburg after a week long hiatus in Tennessee. We had an action packed week where we had plenty of fun and caught up with long lost relatives.

Here's a wrap up of the week.

Sunday. We arrived very late at Mamaw's & Papaw's house after a 6 hour drive. Garren and Papaw put together the big girl bed that Aunt Sharon had given to Gracie, and she spent her first night in a toddler bed. It was a success! We decided to try the bed after a successful week at Grandma & Grandpa's where Gracie slept by herself at night on the futon in the "girl's room."

Monday. We went to visit Papaw Charles and got to spend some quality time with him and Uncle Joe, Aunt Gail and Aunt Sharon. Gracie loved running through their very large and very green yards (Joe and Charles live next door to each other). She also enjoyed the two cabins that each had built in their respective back yards.

Tuesday. We had an afternoon play date with my friend Stacey and her nearly two year old son Luke. Stacey and I had a great time catching up, although the two kids weren't exactly thrilled to be playing together. We took the tots to Fun Adventure in Johnson City, a very large indoor playground with lots of toys, and games that give tickets. Little Luke was all boy, and Gracie had put on her feminine face for the afternoon--so, they didn't exactly hit it off--but we mom's just laughed! Kids!


Wednesday. We took Gracie to Johnson City's Hands On Museum, where she had a blast! Her favorite things to do were: play pretend in the bank, splash in the water that was meant to be a demonstration of locks and channels, and play in the bubble fountain. I think we all enjoyed the trip through the museum.

Thursday. We visited Candice and Elliott at their home. They grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for us, but the best part came when Elliott got the 4-wheeler out! They drove the three of us around their huge yard in a wagon hooked to the back. Later we un-hooked the wagon and Candice took Gracie and I for a ride. Garren got in on the action too--but he got to drive it! Gracie had a blast, and instantly warmed up to Lucie, Candice and Elliott's playful dog that she hadn't seen in nearly a year.

Friday. Gracie and I took a day off as Garren went to Knoxville to pick up Uncle Luke from college for the weekend. Gracie spent quality time in the swing that Garren hung from a tree branch in the yard earlier in the week.

Saturday. In the evening we built a fire in Mamaw & Papaw's side yard and roasted hot dogs and Gracie got to taste her first s'more!

We had a wonderful week and really enjoyed our visits with family and friends, even though there wasn't enough time to see everyone. I am not sure when our next trip will be, but we look forward to returning.

I took tons and tons of pictures so, be patient as I edit them over the next few days. To see the ones I have finished, click here!

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