Leo was so fun, that Eden wore herself out even before we hit a major interstate.
Ashley recently purchased shades for the back of the car to help keep the sun off of Eden's skin. Each of them is equiped with temperature sensors that turn from red to white when the car is "too hot" for her. They were continually white during our entire trip South. The car was on, the A/C was blasting, and Eden's parents were quite comfortable, yet the sensors were still white. Interesting.
Our first scheduled stop (we made 3 unscheduled on our way) was Huntsville, AL, home of Colin Brooks. Colin is the oldest of the Brooks children and my first cousin (son of Uncle Bob and Aunt Denise). We stopped at his house first so Eden could eat lunch and we could see all the work done on the house (he just purchased it).
After Eden was full, we made a short drive to the New Orleans Po-Boy Factory for some really good food. There, we met up with Carolyn, Colin's "wonderful" girlfriend. Now, I don't put wonderful in quotes because I'm being passive-aggressively rude. Instead, all we heard about Carolyn in Andalusia was how wonderful she was and how much everyone adored her. Eden concurs (and so do we).
Also at lunch was my lifelong friend, Jesse Whitfield and his better half, Megan.
When I was 15, I met Jesse at Mardi Gras in Mobile (so, perhaps it was appropriate we ate at this restaurant). Thomas Green and I were walking through Beinville Square and saw Jesse with a group of his friends. "Hey. He has a car!" Thomas exclaimed. Indeed, Jesse was 16 years old and the proud owner of a grey Jeep Cherokee. We clamored to befriend Jesse in hopes we'd have weekend access to a ride.
Turns out, that selfish decision was one of our best. Jesse has been such a great friend from day one. I'm very glad he was able to meet Eden. Of course, he was a natural with her.
After Huntsville, it was off to Nashvile, where we again stayed with Thomas, Jennie, Emma, and Syler Green. We arrived a little late so there was just enough time for a quick stroll around the neighborhood then bathtime and bedtime for the kids. Thomas and I stayed up reminiscing about old times ... and yes, several stories were told. The next morning we were treated with a hearty breakfast, then off to shop for some new clothes for Eden's Momma.
Two hours later, we finally left Nashville. Eden was quite good, only waking to eat, then back to sleep for the drive. The final stop before reaching home was ... anyone who knows Ashley can answer this one ... Target! Granted, Target just ended up being at the exit when Eden woke up. So, we HAD to pick up a few things, and Eden was hungry and a bit restless given our long day (at this point it was around 8:30 p.m.).
She did, however, have the energy to surprise her parents with her rather strong leg muscles. Pretty impressive for a 4-month old, huh?!?
By the time we fed Eden, bought our things at Target, fed Eden again, and got back to the car, the sun was setting. The sun sets in Indiana at 9:30. The remaining light made the parking lot the perfect setting for our newest family portrait. Ain't the photographer cute?!?
So, we survived Eden's first real travels and are ready to take the next step in our lives - the move South.
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