Life with the Lynchs: Big girl week with Nana and Pop

When my mom called and asked if we thought Ella Catherine might want to come to Georgia for a week by herself, my first reaction was "I'm not so sure". You see anytime we talk about going somewhere her first question is are you and daddy going too. I guess she has become wise to us dropping her off with the grandparents for a weekend and Matt and I heading off to an event. :) So, I was a little skeptical when I asked her but as anticipated she asked the question "Are you and daddy going too." To which I responded, no it will just be you. You will be having a Big girl week with Nana and Pop. Her response "Carter?" again my response was no pumpkin it will just be you. Daddy and I will drive you to meet Nana and Pop and then you will get in their car and go to their house. Then at the end of the week they will drive you back to our house and spend the weekend with us to celebrate Mommy's birthday. She didn't hesitate with an answer, she said she wanted to go. Mom and I spoke several times about the plans and it was all set with the understanding that if at any point she became distraught and wanted to come home that Matt or I would meet them to get her and take her home. Luckily this was NOT needed.
On Sunday after 8 am church we set out for Chattanooga, TN. We met my mom and dad at Champy's for lunch. The owner, Seth, is the brother of one of our best friends. If you are ever in Chattanooga,TN, I would highly recommend stopping in for a meal. It is DELICIOUS! It was a beautiful day and so we sat outside on the covered porch with the fans creating a fabulous breeze. The atmosphere was as good as the food, the kids loved being able to move around. As promised after lunch, we transfered all her gear to Nana and Pop's car and they headed off to Georgia. How did Carter do? (well stay tuned for the next blog).
Why I ever thought she might get upset/homesick and want to come home I will never know. My parents had the weekend planned so well and her aunts, uncle, cousin and great grandmother, in addition to Nana and Pop showered her with so much individual attention that she ate it up! That isn't saying that she didn't miss us beacuse she did and we spoke every night so she could tell us about her day and we could tell her how much we loved her, but she had a fabulous time.
Pop took her out to the cabin and they drove the tractor, visited the neighbors horses and cows and took the golf cart on a spin through the hunting trails. They met Aunt Lori for breakfast and then went out to Idyll Acres Rescue Ranch. Ella Catherine enjoyed spending some time with Aunt Lori. They were able to pet horses, minature horses, donkeys, minature donkeys and goats. Aunt Lori did a wonderful job of encouraging her to feed the animals and pet the animals. Her favorite was a donkey named Candy, that had her hooves painted pink. She went with Nana, Pop, Becky and "Cousette" Cori to eat at the S&S cafeteria. This was my FAVORITE place to eat when I was a little girl. I remember very fondly going with my garndparents, Becky and Granddaddy. It was always so fun to walk down that line and pick out what I wanted to eat. (They always let me pick whatever I wanted. :)) Ella Catherine enjoyed it as well. Cori even took her back through the line to be able to pick out a dessert. When she saw all the desserts she said "that is a lot of sugar" gotta love the child of a dietitian! And what did she pick? Orange jello! :) The week also entailed some painting lessons from Nana and lots and lots of arts and crafts time...they made a BEAUTIFUL necklace for me for my birthday, they made T-shirts another fun bday gift, and lots and lots of coloring. She enjoyed playing cards with Becky and paper dolls with Cori. All in all a very successful trip. When Friday came, she was excited to get in the car and come see us. She and Carter hugged and kissed for about 30 minutes after she got home, then it was back to normal. :)