Green Family Reunion!

Skyler enjoyed her second trip out of the state of Florida and was a pure champion riding in the car! She sang, read and babbled her way through Georgia, conking out a few times. Our little tyke has become quite the pleasant traveler and has gotten to know I-75 quite well! Skyler was very excited as we pulled out of the driveway to Tennessee. The following are typical action shots throughout our journey!

We stayed over night in Perry, Georgia that Tuesday night and after a delicious breakfast we continued North with Glammey, Papa and Laney following close behind. We crossed the Tennessee state line shortly before 1PM. Four miles later, we all safely pulled up to Auntie Cheryl and Uncle Charles' home and were greeted with sweet kisses and warm hugs!

It was wonderful to get unpacked and just relax by the pool. The weather was beautiful and we only had seven hours to wait until Auntie Nicola & Uncle Bogie's plane from Idaho arrived into Chattanooga.

In the mean time, our little water girl wasted no time finding the pool. Before I could even run upstairs to grab her bathing suit, she was in....stark naked! Auntie Nicola & Uncle Bogie arrived at 9PM, but after a long pool day in the sun, Skyler crashed just one hour before their grand entrance.

THURSDAY:

Skyler awoke that morning to meet her Uncle Bogie for the very first time! Shortly after, Auntie Nicola, Auntie Cheryl, Glammey, Uncle Bogie and I drove 25 minutes into town. While Uncle Charles worked and Papa and Daddy golfed, we enjoyed a full day of one of Skyler's favorite past times....shopping! We first made a stop to Auntie Cheryl's office. I'm convinced we did this detour so my sister could show off her niece to all her employees! Auntie Cheryl's office is decorated in Skyler pictures! No matter which direction you turned, sweet Sky was smiling right at ya! Since it was the first time Skyler got to see her Auntie Cheryl's office, we just had to capture the moment....

Uncle Bogie was the designated stroller driver as we gals shopped!

Later that night, the entire gang went out to dinner to Cleveland's very first downtown fine dining establishment, "Cafe Roma". The food was amazing. Definitely a small town restaurant with a big city taste! We were treated to live music and this was a huge hit for Skyler. She truly rocked out!

After a brief walk through the downtown area, we drove back to the Farm and Skyler played with her new golf clubs before bedtime. She was quite good at making contact with the golf ball and even understood the concept of putting the clubs back into the plastic golf bag. Daddy & Papa were very excited about her new golf skills.......Can you say future LPGA star? lol.....

FRIDAY:

Friday was an entire day dedicated to the Green Family Reunion! Auntie Cheryl had all the food catered and it was just so lovely to lounge amongst loved ones. Another beautiful sunny day! The morning began with Skyler re-visiting the Fridge. For some strange reason, she is fascinated with Auntie Cheryl's large stainless steel appliance and if you recall, when we came in April, it was no different. Now that I think about it, Skyler is a huge food lover and it does house such goodies. lol..... I just had to throw in a picture of our sweetie taken over 3 1/2 months ago. Look how much she has grown, especially the hair! :)

NOW (above)

AND THEN (below)

After a quick change from our pajamas to our bathing suits, we spent the entire Friday soaking up the sun and enjoying the pool. I do hope you all enjoy the pictures from our wonderful day!

SATURDAY:

A fun day was in store for us all as we ventured into Chattanooga for the day. Before jetting off on our trip, we met Auntie Cheryl's pastor and his wife for breakfast at a local eatery. Skyler was all set for another day of fun! Aren't her outfits just so darn adorable? Dressing up little girls can make anyone smile!

Pictures from Breakfast.......

Our first stop in Chattanooga involved a Motorcycle store. Uncle Bogie, Papa and I were in total bliss! The owner of the shop brings his dog to work and Skyler quickly made a new friend with Glammey. Of course, I just had to show her some toys that her Mummy use to ride before marrying her Daddy. lol.... After a few licks from the puppy, she took a liking to the 4-wheeler!

Once we arrived in the downtown area, we stopped at the only Historic Hotel. The terminal station in Downtown Chattanooga has been converted into the most fun and beautiful of all hotels. The Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel complex houses 48 authentic Victorian train car hotel rooms. It was amazing to tour the area. Knowing that these trains traveled across the nation and were the height of luxury in the early 1900's made me giggle like a school girl. Totally cool!

Walking around the Choo Choo property, we saw the well known courtyard surrounded by train cars and the formal gardens with fountains. Once a busy railroad station, this landscape was full of color...over 500 rose bushes, just breath taking!

We stopped for a quick refreshment at my favorite place located a few blocks away, The Big River Grille & Brewing Works. Skyler and I had the pleasure of dining here with Auntie Cheryl during our last trip. It was another entertaining event, thanks to Sky, at this onsite brewery!

During our drive back to Cleveland, we stopped by the gates of the super private (you have to be asked to be a member) golf course were Papa & Tom played a few days earlier. By this time, Skyler had already started her nap!

After pulling a few strings, Auntie Cheryl was able to get them in for a full round of golf that past Thursday. The private course, know as "The Honors", has hosted many amatuer tournaments over its 25 year history and has a very natural look, providing a formidable challenge. The tees measure 7,400 yards and you would never know it was nestled in the community of Ooletwah. Tom mentioned it was definitely his greatest golf experience ever! Thanks, Chez, he's still smiling about it! Don't they just look like stars outside the gates?

After arriving home and changing Skyler into her pajamas for the evening, she took a short visit to see the animals with her Uncle Bogie & Auntie Nicola.

We even got to meet the newest member on the Farm, Miss Sally. She was born shortly after our last visit. Talk about cute....I just had to include some additional photos of her friends.

Before bed, Skyler had to sneak in another play date of golf with her Auntie Nicola.

SUNDAY:

Our last day seemed to arrive too quickly. With our bags packed and the cars fueled up, it was time to drive back home. Goodbyes are always emotional for me, because I just never know when I'll get to embrace my sisters again. Papa and BobCat entertained Skyler as we double checked the house for belongings.

We headed out early, since we decided to make the trip in one day. Nine total hours and Skyler did wonderful. We stopped for breakfast in Georgia and dinner in Florida and still arrived home before 7:30 that evening. The Reunion was fantastic and Auntie Cheryl & Uncle Charles' were wonderful hosts. Auntie Nicola & Uncle Bogie stayed a few hours after us, since their flight didn't leave until mid morning. It was one last goodbye before pulling out. Memories banked forever! Until next year.............