Day 3 - West Virginia

Day 3 – May 30, 2014

Rose Hill, VA – Charleston, WV

222 miles/4 hours

Temperature – 85 degrees.

We pulled out of Grandmom & Granddad’s at 9:15 this morning.  Although it’s always sad to say goodbye, we were ready to hit the road!  The drive from the SW Virginia (Cumberland Gap) to Charleston, WV is beautiful – God’s country.  We drove through Big Stone Gap, which was stunning.  SO pretty, in fact, that Miss Petal to the Metal pulled over three times to take pictures.  Seriously, that was a first!

We rolled in to Charleston at 1:15 and it is a little city.  About ten years ago Rich and I passed through with the boys and decided to stay the night.  At the time, we found the city charming.  I don’t know if I’m older and more cynical, or if there’s been some decline, but the charm has worn off a bit for momma.  I’m not feeling it.

We drove straight to the Capitol, which is on the Kawahna River.  The Capitol complex is beautiful, and grand.  It always amazes me when you find such stunning facades in small cities.  I can confirm that the capitol of Georgia really pales in comparison.  Another interesting observation I made was that there was absolutely no security in the building.  We came and went as we pleased and Barrett actually entered the Governor’s outer office.  Seriously – his real office.  His secretary wasn't there, but no one stopped us.

We got to the hotel about 3 – and hit the pool for an hour.  Then the kids and I went to the mall across the street to find dinner.  We ended up at Outback and had the best time.  We laughed ourselves silly over nothing.  I am really going to miss our adventures when they grow up, they are my wingmen! 

It’s official – we’re on the road.  As I type this, they are watching The Muppet Movie (and I’m wishing I had ear plugs – it’s a truly bad movie).

Big Stone Gap

Posing with the Governor and his family.

The Governor's Mansion.

Day 2 - Chillin' In Rose Hill

Day 2 – May 29, 2014

Rose Hill, VA – 85 degrees

Chillin in Rose Hill.

Rose Hill has been scheduled as our last stop on most of our road trips, so starting this summer with a visit to the grandparents shook us up a bit.  Rose Hill is a very peaceful place, where things slow down.  We chill out and relax.  In the past, it’s proven to be the perfect antidote at the end of our journey, for a stressed out Momma.  When I'm here, I can sleep in.  I don’t have to worry about dining venues or the kids, because there are many adults on hand to help.  So honestly, I feel out of sorts starting here - like we’re not even on a summer road trip.  Case in point – I was up at 6 a.m. this morning, ready to go...

We spent the day visiting family, eating and hanging out.  I got some blogging done (which is good because Thursday has become a busy day for me).  Sadly, I once again have very little to report.  I will let the pictures do the talking.  Tomorrow we’re heading out on the road – for realJ.  West Virginia, here we come! 

Feeding Uncle Stan's horses.

Tasting the honeysuckle.

Visiting with Mamaw.

Cousin Justin, Audrey & Amber.

Watching TV....

Audrey, showing her young cousins how to taste the honeysuckle.

Watching a storm roll in over the mountains.

Day 1 - May 28, 2014

Home – Rose Hill, VA

310 Miles/5 hours

Smithberry Farm

We left home around 11 am, which was very late for us to depart on day one of a road trip adventure.  We had a short drive in front of us and I wanted to Caravan with Rich, since he was joining us in Rose Hill.  He had an appointment and a conference call, which is what delayed us.  We stopped for a nice lunch at J. Alexander’s, in Chattanooga, and rolled into Grandmom’s and Granddad’s by 5:15 p.m. – in time for happy hour.

Seriously, that’s all I have to report on our first day!  Very uneventful.  I fell asleep reading a book with Barrett sometime around 9:30.  As we were dozing…Rich, Granddad and the other three children were running around outside, catching fireflies.

Right before take off (Hunter opted to ride with Dad).

Welcome to Virginia!

We're almost ready!

This is a test, to make sure I remember how to post on Goggle Blogger!  We leave in three days.

Here's this year's logo: