Road Trip!

Neylan has certainly endured many "firsts" in the past 2 months since he became a physical part of our family. Last weekend he started out on his first road trip and time away from home. This trip wasn't planned, but was necessary. Adam's aunt passed away last Thursday, so on Friday we headed home to be with family. Although the circumstances were less than exciting, funerals always mean one thing- family reunions! And since much of the family has not met Neylan yet, this was a great opportunity to get to see a lot of people. 

We broke up our drive on the way there and only did about 7 hrs Friday night and 6 hours Saturday. Neylan did really well with this set up and fell right to sleep in the hotel on Friday night. The ride home on Tuesday was a different story!

We have always been amazed with his flexibilty. And for some reason, we will often catch him riding in his carseat in this position! Ouch!! 

Neylan adjusted quickly to being in a new place with new faces around. He had a fabulous weekend (unfortunately it seemed he did better there than he does at home)

Our little Vol in the making. He's ready to say "Touchdown TN"

(and look!! he's standing in the grass!)

Grayson helped Papa blow off the sidewalk and deck to get ready for any visitors that might come by

Neylan and Papa have been quick to bond. They both share a love for food. If anyone walks in a room with food and Neylan spots you- you'll be his new best friend- as long as you share!

Neylan got to meet his Uncle Ben (Becca's brother) for the first time. He had never used an ipad before, so Neylan gave him the novice lesson and then Grayson came by and showed him how a pro uses it.

Neylan, the animal lover, was quick to make friends with Nana and Granddad's cat.

Mimi and her little boys

Neylan was so full of smiles the whole time we were there. (This smile is because someone was talking to him, NOT because he is an Alabama fan!)

Although Neylan was the new kid in town, Grayson got his fair share of attention. He played football with Mimi

He read books with Aunt Bekah 

He rode the horse that Uncle Ben rode when he was little

And he played cornhole with Granddad (on the appropriate team's boards)

It was a very short trip (only 2 full days there) and a lot of driving (over 2 days), but we had a good time. It's always great to see family when you live so far away from everyone. And this year was a little different in that this is the first year we have not gone home. We typically take a few weeks to go home during the summer, but with Neylan coming home we weren't able to do that this year. So, we weren't scheduled to go back until Christmas, one whole year since our last trip. So, this was an unexpected visit with family. We are so glad we went and are excited to see everyone again in a few weeks (another spontaneous trip planned- more on that later)