travel bug

Last weekend I got to spend 2 fabulous days with some amazing people (one of my bff's and 2 Ranger school recycles, one of which is my sexy husband!)  I'm super bummed that he recycled, but so grateful I was able to drive to Benning with my girlfriend (she owed me a long road trip...remember a couple months ago when I helped my friend move home from Oregon?  yeah, she rocks and returned the favor!).  We are lucky to have lots of family that live near Columbus who were eager to have us stay with them for a few days.  Our buddy from FLW was also there as a recycle, so the 4 of us enjoyed 2 pass days together on a family farm in GA =) I also took Mr Puppers with us to surprise the hubs and I think he had more fun than anyone!

We relaxed in the pool

watched hummingbirds fight with wasps

hung out with some cows

watched my dog chase a turkey

then watched a cow chase my dog

Ate LOTS of watermelon fresh from the garden (probably should have had more of that, and less of the stuff cooked in Crisco, but who can resist fried okra that was picked that morning?!?!?!)

fell in love with this little pup

celebrated a birthday a few days early

and most importantly, spent time together as a family

I did not want to leave!  Even though I wouldn't be able to spend time with Jason, I didn't want to leave his family (it was his maternal grandmother's brother and his wife).  They were so warm and welcoming and introduced me to a lifestyle I know nothing about!  I am a city girl through and through but Jason and I have talked for years about retiring on some land (no more than 30-45 minutes from a major city) and having animals and a rotating crop and a huge garden.  Uncle Junior & Aunt Gloria have all of this and it was great to get a glimpse of what our life may be like in 15 years!  If I knew my mom's heart wouldn't break, I would consider spending my summer down there instead of at home (plus, I don't think my waistline could handle all the Crisco!)

Now I'm home for a few days (it feels weird to call Cincinnati home, it doesn't feel like home anymore) and packing for my next trip.  Saturday, I leave for NOLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I feel like I've been planning this trip forever and it's FINALLY here!  This is the 1st time for me going on a large group trip and not having a packing list.  We have some suggestions but no actually list, so I've been racking my brain trying to come up with a list!  I'm off to check it twice for the 10th time =)