Scenes From Hannah's First Vacation

Our trip started out in the mountains of North Carolina, at my maternal grandparents' home, Montreat.

Traditionally, as you drive up and first catch site of the Montreat gate, you must sing the following song, and finish it before you pass through:

Montreat, how I love 'ya. How I love 'ya, my dear old Montreat. I'd give the world to be back with the folks at M-O-N-T-R-E-A-T. Mammy's waiting for me, praying for me, down by Lake Susan. The folks at home will just have to wait, for I'm headed for that Montreat gate.

Hannah can't get all the words this year, maybe next time.

My grandparents with Hannah and me, up on the hill at the top of their garden

Hannah with Grandaddy Hannah with Grandmama
Hannah's first time wading in the creek!
"WHAT???? You don't know the Five Points of Calvinism?????"

We got this bib for Hannah at the Montreat Conference Center bookshop, because I thought Josh would think it was funny.

Four Generations

Hannah with my brother Thomas

We stayed with my aunt Polly in Columbia, SC for a night, and had a great visit, but sadly didn't get any pictures! :(

Next we went to Charleston, SC to see my dad's parents. Above we are pictured with them - my grandmother had broken her arm, but still had fun admiring Hannah!

Hannah with my dad's sister, my aunt Anne

Next, Hilton Head! Hannah got swimming lessons from my mom in the pool at our resort.

Hey from the beach! We saw lots of dolphins, crabs, and jellyfish!

Beachcombing will tire a baby out!

Hannah loves to taste sand and saltwater!

Hannah and Mama in the pool

We took some "artistic" shots of Hannah in a pretty dress at the beach

The two shots above are views from our balcony. Hannah especially liked the fountain.

Hannah looking out over the deck

We played with this rocking boat while waiting for a table at a seafood restaurant. Hannah was so well-behaved even though I wouldn't let her have a crabcake!

My parents and Hannah post on a neat old tree

Hannah chilling indoors to escape the mid-day heat!

After a week at Hilton Head, we drove back up to my parents' house in Virginia. My mom's little sister Fran drove up from Durham, NC to meet Hannah

My aunt Catherine played with Hannah too

Goofing off on Grandad and Gigi's bed

Hannah with her great-uncle Stan (my aunt Catherine's husband)

Cacky, Fran, Mom, me, and Hannah

Hannah helped Grandad garden

Practicing the balance beam with Gigi on the deck

Tomorrow and Tuesday we'll see more friends, and then on Wednesday we'll make the long drive back home to Indiana! For more news and stories from the trip, see my blog.