Early Summer Trip to the East Coast - Part II

Nancy and Brian had a prior work commitment to attend on Saturday, which worked out great for us to drive down to Aunt Carol and Uncle Jeff's house (opposite side of Charlotte)! The boys had a blast! Brock played with Andrew & Evan's (my cousins, Aunt Carol & Uncle Jeff's sons) legos.... possibly slightly destroying a red pirate ship...sorry Evan! And Kade had a ball with the VCR door flap!

We also celebrated Kade's birthday a little early too. Uh oh... this was like a practice round - now he's going to KNOW what to do with that smash cake next week!!

Looks a bit unsure...

Sly little grin like he knows this is a special treat!

Oh yeah! Give me more!!

 Thank you Aunt Carol and Uncle Jeff for a wonderful visit and tasty dinner! Thank you to Ara for letting Kade borrow your bed - he had a fabulous 2.5 hour nap there! ;)

Then it was back to Uncle Brian and Aunt Nancy's house.... and Riley and Chase! I adore that my boys are animal lovers! It's okay Brock, we'll still love you if you're a cat person. ;)

And boy, the foosball table was a hit! Who knew you could play by yourself for an hour plus?? ;)

 More fun to play with Uncle Brian though!

Picture taken by Brock and the ONLY picture of Aunt Nancy, so sorry Aunt Nancy - this is what I have to work with ;) 

One evening, we attempted to enjoy some outdoor time. Kade was NOT a fan of the scratchy grass! 

Hi Mom, yes, I refuse to have BOTH legs touch this green crap!

Ahhh.... so much better!

 Brock and Riley reveled in the backyard chasing each other.

Alas, the weekend was over and it was time to board the plane for Nashville!

Tom and Blaine waiting for our flight - Brock was in awe of big cousin Blaine's height! 

We were greeted at BNA by almost the entire family! So nice to have all these helpers!  

 We came at the best time - there was a lull in the humidity and it was gorgeous while we were there! Brock and Kade explored every inch of Grammy & Grandpa's house - showing just how un-baby-proofed their house was! Good thing there were several adults and two teenagers always on hand to grab a crawling Kade!

 Grandpa treated us all to a day at Nashville Shores. Thank you! This place was a hit with everyone! I definitely have two little water babies! Swimming lessons start back home in less than two weeks - hope the weather gets a bit warmer for that (currently 64 for a high today!).

Blaine and Reagan were so excited to show Brock and Kade all the cool spots!

Brock is in most of the pictures in the background - just too busy to stop and pose!

 LOVED splashing!

 I thought it was cute when I put Brock to bed that evening, he wanted to ask me about "Daddy's sister" and if we could come back and play at the water park again - But ONLY (and he was very adamant about this) if we went with Blaine and Reagan. :)

Aunt Brandi telling Brock he can't swim so far out there! My little sensitive guy is a little too brave in the water!

After some awesome naps for the two littlest cousins (and one bigger cousin), it was time for snack! I'm so glad that Barbara and Tom were able to enjoy some time with their Seattle grandchildren. It's the little things like this that I'm sure they savored - watching little 11 month old Kade pick up strawberries with his chunky little fingers. :)

The family decided on Cracker Barrel for dinner - "Eason, party of 8 and a highchair!"

These horses were fascinating - Kade tried catching them as they galloped away. So sweet - Grandpa and Grammy ended up gifting one for us to take home!

Blaine had just come from TWO baseball games, that unfortunately we missed due to naps. The crowd was hungry - but so cute all lined up! :)

 Late night after dinner, and after packing for the trip home the following day; it was time for Brock to say his goodnights. He climbed right up on Grandpa's lap and laid like this for quite some time. So sweet.

Quick trip in Nashville before our flight home through Chicago, but it was a really nice visit to see everyone. I know Brent appreciates that I added a stop to my trip to see his family. Thank you so much for welcoming us in to your home and allowing the three of us to commandeer your bedroom!

I'm sure it was wonderful for everyone we visited, but I know it was even more special for Brock (Kade too, in a way). Just seeing his face light up while playing with his Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and being reminded you are "Daddy's/Momma's Momma" and "Daddy's/Momma's Daddy" was totally worth all the traveling to Raleigh, Charlotte, and Nashville.

....Just too bad I just couldn't get tickets to the Grand Ole Opry that night to see Carrie Underwood..... next time! ;)