A Little Taste of the South

Just last week I had to travel to Atlanta for a manufacturing tradeshow where some of my External Affairs team was representing Black Hills Corp. Well guess who lives right outside of Atlanta and who lives just five hours away? Well, conveniently enough, Michael's Grandma and Grandpa live in Cumming, GA, and Nonny, Michael's "cousins," Uncle Kirk, Uncle David, Aunt Allison, Uncle Keith, Chris, Heidi and Tom all live in/around Pensacola, FL (my birthplace).

So I had a travel partner for the first time on one of my business trips and it was a fantastic trip for me and him!

First-Up, Georgia!

Every morning we stayed with Grandma and Grandpa I heard "what's our next adventure?!" from little Michael. That's because Grandma and Grandpa had every moment planned for their special guest and adventures there were. Unfortunately, since I had to work nearly everyday I was in Georgia, I don't have very many pictures to share (Heather, hint hint - will you send me some of yours?). But I know he had a blast and here's some of the pictures from his many Georgia adventures:

Michael was greeted with a bin full of toys and activities, including play-doh. Here he is playing with Grandma (aka Heather).

Everyday we were there, Michael got to walk Heather's sister Kathy's dogs. Michael LOVES dogs!

There was a great nature trail with kids activities and even a tree "fort" that Michael loved.

He also went to go a bowling alley where he bowled for the first time, but there was also an arcade! Michael LOVES his "cycles..."

Toddler bowling shoes are the CUTEST!

Michael was a little unsure of this game because it shook him around a little - he held on tight!

Like father, like son - LOVES cars.

BIG thanks to David's Dad and Heather for having us and planning such wonderful day trips/adventures for Michael.

Last But Not Least, FLORIDA - My Home Away From Home

Next up was a five hour drive to Pensacola, FL which surprisingly went smoothly with an almost-three year old that was potty training at the same time. We were SO lucky to get to see so many family members while we were in Florida. Michael just loved seeing everyone, especially his Nonny who he speaks to every week, and his cousins who ran around with him playing swords, soccer, one-Mississippi and more.

Let's just say our "adventures" flowed into Florida too. He got to see boats, went to an old favorite of mine Fort Pickens, his cousin Nathan's soccer game and more...

Michael's one lucky boy to have so many people love him. Here are some pictures from our Florida adventure:

At the world famous Joe Patty's seafood market.

By the Joe Patty fleet of fishing boats.

The rebel Auggie decided to get on one of the fishing boats - not allowed - but Michael escaped prison :-)

At Fort Pickens Michael and I played "Captain Hook" and "Jake the Pirate" to storm the fort! He had a blast.

For some reason some of these won't turn right side up - apologies because there's several.

The beautiful ocean on the horizon.

Sweet Michael locking Auggie in the Fort - silly boy.

With his cousin's Anthony and Jessica at Chet's restaurant - the best fried mullet in the world (okay, in my world)!

Here's Michael "flying" with his cousin's Jessica and Adam.

With his cousin's Nathan, Adam and Jessica - they were all SO good to him.

All the cousin's and the second cousin, little Michael (that's right, Anthony, Jessica, Nathan and Adam are all actually my cousin's).

Michael LOVES his family. Here he is with Heidi, Uncle Keith and Uncle Kirk with Anthony photo-bombing.

SO loved!

Nathan, Uncle Kirk and Anthony - he couldn't get enough of his Kirk.

Michael LOVES puzzles and his cousin's do too!

Since it was close to Michael's 3rd birthday, Nonny hosted a little celebration in his honor.

A little cake on the face = good cake and good times!

The FSU-signed baseball cap that Michael was having some fun with! Thanks Nathan for letting him borrow it.

Some of the family (from L to R): Top row - Kirk, Auggie, Anthony, me, Nonny and Bottom Row - Nathan, little boy and Aunt Janet.

The "twins" - Anthony and Michael looked exactly alike as babies. Time will tell :-)

 

 

We had a WONDERFUL time with all of our family in Georgia and Florida! Thank you all for making our little road trip an absolutely blast. Love you all!