Hotlanta!

Wow did we pack alot into 5 days and 800 miles! As Bill and I were driving home last night I mentioned that the whole trip was relaxed. I think we made the best use of time and picked activities that gave us the most bang for our buck. So here goes a photo diary of our trip:

Opening gifts at Mema's house in South Carolina with Uncle Brian

Uncle Brian giving Ben the claw and a JBH "smeefin"

Happiness is in Mema's lap with a book by the fire (ok No fire this year as it was almost 70 on Christmas day)
On to Atlanta to Dave and Busters for dinner and games with Grandmommy Pam and Uncle Jamie (aka Mini-Bill). Ben decided to roll the skee-balls down other people's lanes. The most famous thing in Bill's hometown of Smyrna is the Original KFC with the Big Chicken landmark.

Fun on the MARTA subway to the Georgia Aquarium. Other subway riders were none to thrilled at Ben's train noises and motions for the entire trip.

Heather felt the need to stop and drool at her man candy outside CNN

I LOVE this picture in front of the Barrier Reef Tanks

Family Reunion time at the McGreaham's home in Roswell. Big family picture to come from Aunt Lynn as soon as she gets home.

Time for holiday lights at a local Atlanta display that also had a petting zoo and pony rides. Ben was scared of both, but wanted to talk about them and tell them good bye repeatedly.

I tried to get Ben to hold the bear for this photo but he refused, so Mommy held it instead

Really Awesome lights!!!!!

Sunday and a trip to Lenox Mall where the "Pink Pig" had moved from it's home in downtown Atlanta to Macy's in the Buckhead area suburb. This is an Evans (Bill's family) tradition dating back to the 1950's to ride each holiday season. I did ask Pam for a picture of Bill for a future side-by-side. More shopping and a nice dinner followed before Pam and James had to leave.

Last day and we are headed to 2 stores before splitting town:

IKEA for mommy (and daddy too)

and Fry's Electronics for Bill

Final dinner with Mema and Brian at Cracker Barrel in Easley, SC on our way home. You know you are from a small town when before you get your food 3 sets of people you grew up come by to visit.

All in all it was a great trip to see family and celebrate the holidays. Ben was mostly well behaved, loved the hotel pool, sleeping in his sleeping bag, playing with cousin Gray's baby toys, got lots of new toys, games, puzzles, and even a little computer (to Bill's happiness that Ben loved).

Onto April 2009 where our Destin road trip is already being planned!