Apparently, we just go off the grid now without warning. It’s our new normal.  You can expect us to roll out a fresh blog each Sunday morning, or maybe not. It’s taken us years to realize that it’s our blog and we can do it however we like.  And, let’s be honest.  Nobody is waiting with baited breath each weekend to see what we might have to add to the world. Anyway, we’re back, and we might be here next week, or we might not.  

So, where have we been? For roughly 3 weeks, we have been doing a fall trip to see family and friends.  We did something similar last year, but it didn’t involve a car, a U-Haul, or 2 dogs. We drove back to Ohio for a whirlwind few days to bring some furniture back and see a few people.  We didn’t have time to visit the masses this go round, but we surely made the most of it. The highlights were friends, family, starting a fresh new paint color in my parents’ house (and then leaving it for them to finish), and a couple of great dinners out. Special shoutout to our sister, Lisa, and her husband, David, for a spectacular night out. Can’t wait to do that again. Then we hopped out of bed early for a 6 am departure to Asheville, NC, to see our oldest and her husband. 

We had a gorgeous drive through the mountains. The air was crisp, and the leaves were all changing colors.  I was driving the mobile office for Andy as he worked on his laptop and did conference calls, so I’m not sure he enjoyed it as much as I did.  It was the price we paid to take this trip.  I think it was worth it, but that’s easy for me to say since I wasn’t the one trying to fit it all in around a work schedule. 

We had a fun week in Asheville, helping prepare for baby Benson, attending an ultrasound appointment, visiting the Biltmore, and driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. Also, can we talk about the amazing restaurants in the Asheville area?  Every time we go there, we have the most delicious food, and this time was no exception.

After a week, we did a little rinse and repeat with an early morning drive to Nashville.  They did not disappoint either.  We went to dinner and the Opry the first night, which was so fun.  We have been there before, but this time we were able to see Sacha’s debut, which is an artist that our son-in-law works with, and that just hits a little different.  We saw other great artists like Restless Road and Dustin Lynch, and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

G was able to drive up on Thursday night and spend the rest of the weekend with us, which was a blast. While Sydney worked, and Andy and Jake did a Jack Daniel’s tour, we went to Franklin for some lunch and shopping. Again, the south brought the weather this trip.  We had beautiful fall days, which made everything more enjoyable.

Saturday was filled to the brim with a half-marathon (for Sydney and Jake), a big brunch, a Vanderbilt football game, shopping, a fantastic dinner out, and some shenanigans at a rooftop bar.  

On Monday morning, we started the long drive back to Colorado.  I know some of you are wondering about Reese and why she didn’t make the list for this fall extravaganza, but she is getting Thanksgiving week.  We will drive to Oklahoma again this year and spend five days with them.  

I’m glad to be home for a bit, but also sad the trip is over.  It’s never easy leaving your kids in what feels like far-off lands, even after all these years.

Remember, we will see you next week, or we might not.  It just depends on how we feel, how much fun we are having through the week, and, quite frankly, if we have anything we want to add to the world. I give it a 50/50 shot.