AL portion of trip

Auburn wasn't at my parents long before she was running around the yard and getting dirty. Since my parents bought some land behind the house they took down the backyard fence. This made it extra difficult to contain her and catch her. She thought it was hilarious when we got close to her and she would run off again. Thank goodness for the word treat. If not, she would still be outside running around the house. 

The best part about going home (besides seeing family, of course) is Momma's homemade strawberry cake, peanut butter balls, and sausage balls. You never go hungry at Momma's house!

Wednesday we got ready and drove to Columbus. Our first stop, McAlister's for lunch! Yummm sweet tea! After that I took mom to Babies-R-Us. She hadn't had baby time with me yet so I figured a store full of baby stuff would put a smile on her face. I think after three hours she was good. From essentials to just darn cute, we looked at it all. There was no way we were leaving without getting a few things. :) In the time we spent at the store, Doug got my oil changed, tires rotated, and went to about 5 stores. So he was more productive. We had more fun. :) 

After all that shopping I was in need of refueling. Luckily there was an Atlanta Bread right next door. We forgot about all the yummy baked goods they have there. I went for a cookie and ended up leaving with a cheese danish, two muffin tops, and a hot chocolate. Yummy goodness! And no, I didn't eat it all at one time. But man do I wish we had an Atlanta Bread close by!

Auburn's second home is my parents house. She loves playing with my dad and running around their big yard. She was exhausted every single night from all her play time. He even took her on walks. She doesn't get many of those this time of the year at home.

Play time with Grandpa!

Then pay time with Grandma!

Then nap! 

Spoiled much?

She loves curling up with her mommy :)

Wednesday night we had dinner with my mom's side of the family at San Marcos. It was great getting to see everyone and spend time with them. I knew it was going to be crazy at the shower so having that time to sit and talk with them was very nice! 

Thursday we headed to Auburn to see the new trees and do some shopping. I hit all my favorites: Kirklands, Tiger Rags, and J&M. I may have gotten a little (or a lot) teary eyed when I saw the Lutzy bracelet. :( Makes me sad. But the trees helped cheer me up! Unfortunately it was freezing and windy so we didn't stay outside too long. And instead of lemonade at Toomer's Drugs, mom and Doug opted for coffee. I went into Auburn Art and now have a new store to add to the list to visit. They have the neatest stuff. Expensive! But they have things no other store does. I got the best onesie for Mason's birthday. I plan on putting him in it, taking a picture, and taking it right off of him. That way he hopefully won't get it messy and I can frame it.

The start of his collection...

Even Auburn got a little something. 

That night we had pizza at the Williams' house. I have spent a very large portion of my childhood in their house so it was almost like a second homecoming. It had been a very long time since we all were able to get together. I can't wait for Mason to meet them and feel the love they have given me. After pizza Doug and I walked down to my aunt and uncle's house (Maria and Tony) for puppy time. My aunt got a new puppy a little over a year ago. I got to meet little Cooper last Christmas when I went home and we became instant friends (after a little piece of turkey). This year, my aunt's daughter got a puppy. So I had to go by to meet the new family member and see my old friend. I forgot how playful puppies are (and how sharp their teeth are)! Poor Cooper was getting terrorized the entire time. But I think he loved it! It was hard to get them to sit still or stop aggravating each other but it was so cute to watch. And I got lots and lots and lots of kisses! It made me want my next puppy even more.

Friday was a straight up couchin' it, no shower, lazy day. The only one that did anything was Auburn when Dad took her for a walk. That night she passed out! I guess the trip and all the play time finally wore her out. First  she was in Doug's lap then in my arms. I got my first taste of rocking my baby to sleep. It was amazing! Auburn never sits still while I am holding her. That hour was quite precious and will be most cherished!

Our last day in Alabama was the day of the shower. We got to the church early but we already had gifts and people waiting on us. I think for two hours I did nothing but hug necks and open gifts. I was exhausted by the time we left. It was a good exhaustion though. I absolutely loved seeing all my family and friends. Some drove many hours just to be there and some I have not seen in many, many years. I could have stayed for hours longer to catch up with everyone but Doug would have had to carry me out. I am ever so grateful for everyone that came. You all mean so much to us and we just can't thank you enough for celebrating Mason with us. I have a lot of uncertainty in my life right now but one thing I know for sure is that Mason will be loved oh so very much! We can't wait to introduce him to yall!

We almost headed home after the shower but the weather back home was not supporting that decision. There was ice and snow from the Carolina's all the way to our house. We got about 5 inches of snow at home. So we relaxed and did the entire trip on Sunday. Of course the little bit of rain the lingered made the trip a bit more difficult for Auburn and us in turn. We made it home in good time and went straight to bed since I had to work the next day. 

It was a long trip with a lot of driving but I am so thankful we have great family and friends who wanted to share this time with us. We will be heading back down before we know it with another passenger in the car with us. I think next time we are renting a van or a camper!