An Extended Stay . . . Part One

We raced from Texas, and reached Kentucky the day before my dad's surgery was scheduled.
 Praise God.

Jack.  I love how he greets me with nuzzles as I drive down my parent's driveway.  It's good to be back.

I couldn't believe we'd traveled nearly 15,000 miles . . . safely.  I couldn't believe all we'd seen and done.  I couldn't believe we'd only had two rainy days.  We'd experienced everything we'd hoped . . . and more.  Then, here we were, safely back in Kentucky -- just in time to be with family for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and a few birthdays -- and right on time for my dad's double knee replacement surgery.
Praise God.

Our extended stay allowed us the opportunity to do some things we haven't been able to do in months.  Things like visit with family in Kentucky and Tennessee, ride horses every day, enroll a kid in diving lessons, use a dishwasher, have dinner with friends . . . at a real table, go see Uncle "B" coach a volleyball game, build a treehouse, attend the same church regularly, use a grocery store more than once, go on dates while the grandparents babysit, let the kids have sleepovers with old friends and cousins, and help our families.

We'd been in KY about 20 minutes before the girls went out to round up some horses to go riding.  LAR rode every single day.

We rode horses well into the evening the day of our arrival.  The next morning we were up early to get to the hospital for dad's surgery.  Dad was very brave, and throughout his six week recovery he was extremely disciplined with the physical therapy, compliant with his medications, wearing his braces, applying the ice packs regularly, and doing his at-home exercises.  He's doing great and enjoying better than expected range of motion.  

Dad, just a week out of surgery! 

We were able to spend lots of time in Nashville, Tennessee visiting with friends and family.

Cousin J and CER playing behind Aunt A's house.

Cousins playing in the RV in Tennessee.

Dinner with an old college friend and her family at her home.  Thanks "M" family.

Roasting marshmallows with the "M" boys.

 

CER at her first diving lesson with the coach at the local university.

CER loved her diving lessons, and we couldn't believe how quickly she progressed.  Coach "A" was super!

CER riding the four wheeler at Julesie and Rollo's house in Nashville.

What a blessing it was to be able to be with our family for Thanksgiving.  This was our Thanksgiving photo (courtesy of the amazing photographer, cousin "H") at Mr. Fix-It's aunt and uncle's home in Franklin, Tennessee.  Great food, great company -- we have so much for which to be thankful!  Thanks again Aunt "M" and Uncle "L"!

The girls became quite proficient at caring for Pop Pop's knees.  They learned exactly how and when to change the ice packs, and how to get him all braced up in the immobilizer braces.  They definitely honed their care-taking skills!  It was really sweet to see them take pleasure in helping care for their Pop Pop -- they were also a big help in sharing the load of his post-op care!

After they had dosed his medication, and put the ice packs and leg braces on, the kids enjoyed popcorn and movies with Pop Pop.

It was something new for us to still be living in the RV, but to have settled into a routined lifestyle.  We have become so accustomed to being on the move, that it took some time to adjust.  Our days became predictable and patterned.  Something we haven't known since June.  We'd begin with breakfast in my parent's house.  Then we'd all go back to the RV to do our family bible study and worship and begin school.  Mr. Fix-It would work . . . on whatever . . . work stuff, RV maintenance, or building a tree house for the kids.  The kids would take a lunch break and race back up to the house to see what Grammy had graciously prepared for them to eat.  Sometime after lunch, the kids would usually finish up remaining schoolwork, go riding, or help Mr. Fix-It build the tree house.  CER usually had her diving lessons just before lunch, and always enjoyed this mid-day break.  We'd finish up a little more school, then drive Pop Pop to his physical therapy.  

An afternoon ride in front of Pop Pop's windows -- partly so he could see the kids ride from his bed, and partly to make him jealous enough to heal quickly.

We took it upon ourselves to decorate Grammy and Pop Pop's house for Christmas . . . since we don't have one of our own.

Because of my dad's hospital stay, we celebrated a delayed Thanksgiving with my side of our family.  My mom made a yummy lunch.  One of my dearest friends from childhood, "E", drove two hours (with my aunt and grandmother) to come visit us for Thanksgiving.  Truly, a gigantic gift to me! 

Tree house under construction.  There isn't anything this man can't do.

CBR and "L".

"T", LAR, CER, and "A", playing in Grammy's kitchen.

This stay has been a real thrill for us.  We've been nourished by the company of family and old friends.  Many thanks to the "M" family, the other "M" family, the "C" family and the other "C" family, the "P" family, and the "K" family for hosting us for dinner.  Thanks to the "R" family for letting us come over and play -- it was wonderful to catch up with all of you!  Thanks to the "H" family for letting us come over and play while dad was at therapy, for hooking us up with the tickets to the Little Women play, and for plugging us in at church.  Also, to the friends who made time to meet me for coffee, lunch, dinner, or a walk/run -- what a blessing you all are to me.  Also, to our friends from Charleston, who showered us with Christmas cards, presents, and even organized craft projects -- we can't wait to come home to you!  We had the best of everything during our stay!





This post has gotten lengthy, but I want to record so much more about our time in Kentucky and Tennessee. 

More to come . . .