still alive... promise

Hello my bloggy loves!! I'm baaaacckkkk! 

I know, you've been waiting with bated breath for a new post, and I have been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad blogger. I took a little hiatus, what with the massive trip to Alabama, then getting back home and trying to get everything back in order and back into our routines. 

The break was good for me though, as I had time to think of lots of new and exciting ideas for this little ole blog. Sometimes the best way to revitalize and renew your passion for something is to take a step away, don't you think?

And I took a BIG step away, one giant step all the way from North Carolina to Alabama! My parents are getting ready to make a huge move across the country to Montana, so we wanted to have a good visit while we were still within driving distance of each other (12 hours is monstrous, but at least it's doable. It's a 6 day drive from NC to MT.. ick.) So, my lovely parentals drove all the way up here, making a pit stop in South Carolina to pick up my grandmother, and then picked up me and my little booger bear (that'd be the baby... not the husband. Although I can see how you'd be confused!).

Well, let me tell you. 12 hours riding the middle seat in between the grandmother and the carseat is no picnic. I was thrilled to get to Alabama. Although, traveling with D was not nearly as horrid as I thought it would be. Granted, I had a lot of help, but we got through the entire drive with no meltdowns, poop explosions, or mommy tears. My advice to anyone traveling with an infant is to plan ahead! Stop to feed your baby before he is hungry. Anticipate his needs, and you'll have a much more peaceful trip. 

Our visit was lots of fun. My parents have a beautiful home with several acres and horses, so it's kind of a country playland. I got to ride Apache, their horse whom I swear is my spirit animal. We have a connection, people. To all you who scoff, I scoff right back. That horse gets me.

I am an excellent rider, but I wear a helmet. In the event I ever get thrown, I'd like to retain brain function, thanks. Also, no one looks skinny while sitting on a horse. Just no one.

We went shopping, went to the beautiful Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and spent endless evenings on the porch playing guitar and singing. Check out my Facebook page for a super entertaining video of my Dad and I's rendition of "Cups" from Pitch Perfect.

Beautiful day at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. If you live in the area, I highly recommend it... it's free!!

I wish this was my occupation.

Torturing the poor thing at Old Navy. Kid looks good in a fedora, though.

Approximately 5 minutes after arriving home from the 12 hour drive from Hell. Notice D is awake, possibly cause he was so comfy cozy in his carseat and slept the whole way. :)

Love that chunky baby!

All in all, it was a really fun trip, but boy was I glad to be home. I drove my brother's car back so I could keep it for him while he's in Montana for the summer, which means I got to drive the entire 12 hours back! I dropped my Grandmother off in South Carolina and floored it the last 4 hours to get home to my Hubby. Where I then promptly fell into a coma on the couch.