Quick Trip to Columbus, Georgia

Prologue: Enda has been struggling a bit with various ailments, which could be age-related or could be something else. This has required several vet visits, several treatments, and now recommendations for specialists.  WHICH included an orthopedic specialist over in Columbus, Georgia on President's Day, resulting in a roadtrip for the family!

I had never been to Columbus, and James had only visited one time. Such a cute mid-sized city, with a great downtown area, fun restaurants, and lovely University campus on the river. Although we arrived in crummy weather, some rain boots and rain coats allowed us to explore and have fun.

The kiddos loved the park down on the river, but they did not enjoy my attempts at capturing cute photos of them on the playground. :)

Our sweet Enda girl...sadly we didn't get any answers during our trip, but she's going to Auburn University (War Eagle!) next Monday for another round of tests.

Fun architecture at the University and the Convention Center!  Sadly no trains came by for Wesley.

Benefits of a new town to explore - new food options! We opted for Sushi and everyone loved it.  We ate so much that we capped off the night with yogurt.

The next morning (after a quick dip in the indoor pool, the best part about a overnight hotel stay!) we visited the Coca Cola Space Science Center on the University campus.  The kids really enjoyed all the hands on activities (and we enjoyed reading the information!)  Makes me want to go watch Apollo 13 again.  

We took a simulated ride in the Space Shuttle, and got to learn a lot about life at the International Space Station.

Outside they had a representation of some early villages from the area, and we pressed on throughout the drizzle to learn more about Columbus.

We ate lunch at a delicious brewery (and I'm still dreaming about the pecan crusted fried chicken sandwich!!)

Before we headed to our (completely inconclusive) vet appointment, we finished out the fun part of the roadtrip with another round of yogurt. 

It's really hard to beat a quick getaway trip with the ones you love.  Especially at this age when everything is fun and everything a new adventure.

Sweet Little Valentines

I love our little loves! Especially when they sit so sweetly for me while I take pictures for our cards.... :)

(All the laughter credit goes to Daddy, who was paying YouTube toot videos behind me!)

We celebrated Valentine's Day this year with homemade cookies from Aunt Shawntel, boxes of chocolate, jars of slime, new undies for the kiddos - including Wesley, who was not too thrilled with them.  James got me a lovely bracelet to match some earrings.  (And my Mama sent me some awesome llama socks!)

The day before Valentine's Day I got to celebrate GALENTINE'S day with some of my favorites ladies in town.  Lindsay hosted a fantastic dinner (with a beautiful tablescape), then we participate in an read-along at the theater (since every lady in there new every single line to this fabulous movie and could say it word for word). We had a blast!

I got to attend Maryn's Valentine's Day party and watch all of their class pass out Valentines.  (James attended JB's, but didn't snap any pics.)  Those 3/4 year olds are so precious.

That evening James took me on a date to try out a new restaurant in town. Our good friends are part owners, so we got in before the actual opening to try out the food.  DELICIOUS!  And a rooftop bar that we plan to spend lots of time on this Spring, Summer and Fall.

LOVE my Valentines!