Saturday, November 17, 2012

Tennessee Vacation

Last week found us in the car and bound for Tennessee and a week of rest with Christina, JK, John, and my mom. We were taking a "wedding recovery" week.


Sunday evening the newly weds even managed to join us for Sunday dinner! That was fun to all be together.


The goal of the week was to rest so we didn't pursue lots of crazy activity. We did make sure we were fed well and took turns cooking dinner for the group each night.


It was fun to be in a space that wasn't our house and we all enjoyed the change of scenery.


One day we all took a hike together.


And had a picnic:


Laura and John spent a lot of time playing Zingo together. (sorry for upside down pic)


One morning Christina and I visited most of the thrift stores in the town -- four of them in fact! We decided that thrift stores in big cities (like ours) are much better than thrift stores in smaller towns.


But it was fun to look!!!!!


David and Laura are buddies and Laura thinks the world of David.


As we drove in on Saturday we couldn't believe our eyes when a full size billboard announced there was a yarn shop at our exit! Mom, Christina and I drove over for the Wednesday morning sit and knit and met some very nice ladies!


Thursday afternoon the kids helped me set up a tea room for the ladies to enjoy:


One made a sign, another the menu. James decorated the table with a centerpiece, and Rachel served.


Laura was happy to sit at her own table to enjoy her treats.


Tea played a big part in "wedding recovery". Mom picked up a box of 80 TJ Irish Breakfast teabags to bring on Saturday. By Wednesday we were at the supermarket looking for more -- we did find Yorkshire Gold! 


 Thursday night we roasted marshmallows in the fireplace at Auntie C's condo. It was lots of fun!


 And then on Friday it was time to pack up and say goodbye.

On the way home we stopped in Nashville, TN to visit the parthenon replica. It was perfect timing with our study of Ancient History.

The Athena statue inside was very impressive and gave us plenty to talk about.


Couldn't get this pic in the right order but we did spend time playing in the woods and making houses.


 And then it was back to life as usual. :) We were all thankful to have the chance to get away.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

It looks like you had a lovely time. I agree about thrift stores in big cities are better than those in smaller cities, with the exception of finding wool sweaters. I find that it's much easier to find a wool sweater at Salvation Army in Grove City, PA, than it is near DC, but I think that's because I have to sort through a ton of acrylic and cotton sweaters.

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

I think the thrift stores depend on the areas.

Ours are great (especially the Goodwill nearest us which is in university town) but my friend in Atlanta says theirs are terrible.

Stephanie says in New England there are excellent small charity thrift shops.

So... you have some R&R just in time for the Holidays! :)

Heather Anne said...

Looks like a very lovely time away Heather - I thought of you yesterday on my way to an appointment - the sign on I70 read Indianapolis 110 miles! We are not that far from one another - we should make a date! My oh my that's a lot of tea consumption! Perfect way to spend a holiday!