CHATTANOOGA

Two weeks ago I loaded Ian and Emma into the car AGAIN and drove 11 hours to Lookout Mountain, Georgia (just south of Chattanooga, TN). There were three reasons that this happened. First, we were attending the wedding of James Phillips (Tim's cousin). Second, Ian and Emma were meeting their great-grandparents (Nain and Grandpa Stewart) for the first time (Emma's middle name is Stewart)... AND , I was going to spend time with my sister Emily who just recently moved to Georgia. The 11 hours in the car flew by and we were soon settling into our amazing villa on Lookout Mountain. We had a wonderful time with Emily, went on several nature hikes, peered out into the vast Chattanooga valley, took deep breaths of clean mountain air, and even went to the aquarium. I wish I took more pictures of the aquarium (actually, I am pretty sure I didn't take any). It was so amazing and I am still in awe of the sea horses and eels. The butterfly garden was amazing! Ian got to touch a sting ray and a sturgeon. We can't wait to go back!

Ian and Emma's first meeting with Nain and Grandpa Stewart was just so precious. Ian took to Grandpa Stewart instantly and would not leave his side. It may have been because Grandpa Stewart was watching tv and put a cartoon on, but hey, we'll take it! Emma cuddled into Nain's arms and let her walk her into the gardens. We had a wonderful walk around their property on Lookout Mountain marveling at the views and basking in the quietness. Nain cooked us wonderful meals and they both put up with Ian and Emma when they were on the verge of breakdown. I am so glad that Ian and Emma finally got to meet Nain and Grandpa Stewart. They have meant so much to Tim over the years and to me as well since joining the extended family.

The wedding weekend was a great chance to catch up with family and to get a little break from DC. We are looking forward to making a trip back there in the spring.