Family Fun!

This past week has been full of emotions. It all started on Friday February 12th, Erin, Jonathan and Jackson came to Flintstone for a visit. We normally try to go away but this year was different. Two years ago Erin and I decided we would plan a mini vacation every spring just for us. It would be a time that she and I could just be together and Michael and Jonathan could hang out (they really love being around each other). In 2008 we went to Gulf Shores, it was wonderful. We stayed at the Phoenix with all the blue hairs that travel to Florida for the winter. We shopped, swam in the indoor pool, ate out, walked on the beach and played the Wii. Last year (2009) we meet in Meridian Mississippi at Clarkco State Park. Even though the accommodations were less than perfect, we really enjoyed that place. Michael and Jonathan rode bikes, and Erin, Jackson and I just hung out together, took walks and played on the play ground. (It is so nice to be able to just sit and talk in person). This leads us to this year. Since my dad is about to under go some treatments for liver failure, Erin decided to come to Flintstone and be a tourist. Coming home served two purposes. One, they got to visit with Dad (before he could possible be sick from the treatments) and two, they got to be tourist in Chattanooga. We also got to have house guest for 5 nights! Michael and I loved it. During the 5 days we went to the Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum, and the Imax! I can honestly say I had a WONDERFUL time. My emotions were up and down all week, just when we were having a great time watching Jackson play, I would think about how much I'm missing in his life by living so far away from him. I guess I take it for granted that I have watched Shelby and Regan grow up. Tuesday morning was terrible to say the least, it never gets any easier to say goodbye to them. Even though Erin and I have learned not to drag out our goodbyes, I crawled back in bed and cried myself back to sleep that morning.