Thanksgiving in Alabama, Chapter Two

Chapter Two:

Reaching our destination,

Michael fits Aunt Carries rocker,

noisy toys,and a baby bed.

Uncle Paul, Carousel, and

Dreamland!

Well after the sun sets

on the second day of driving

and crying songs,

well into the dark of night

we pulled into our destination in

Alabama...

We rolled out of the truck
and lumbered
up the porch steps at
Mam-maw & Pap-paw Ryan's..
Backs frozen in a crook,
hips locked,
knees barking..
we went in to handshakes,
neck hugs and greetings called out..
But,
the thing that counteracted
each and every ache and pain
brought on by hours of
immobility...

was the exuberant Glee
heaped upon us
by young
Michael!


A musical virtuoso in the making

Up at the house,
Aunt Carries little rocker

was pulled out and

was a

perfect fit!

A trip to "Wally-world"

always a must!

You will need some milk and other staples

while in town..

and

Don't forget a

Caterpillar truck thing..!

"Can you get it open, Papa?"

"See this button..right here? "

It makes it go

"Caterpillar Power..

Caterpillar Power,

honk, honk,honk,honk,

backup beep, backup beep, beep, beep,beep

varoom, varoom, varoom.."

over & over & over

again..

Little boys sure do like

that

button!!!

A couple of years ago Aunt Fredas

youngest grandchild out grew sleeping in

a baby bed..

So she so sweetly handed down

the bed she kept

for the grand babies to sleep in when

they visited..

After a couple of years of waiting,

we finally got to put it up

in Alabama

for our grand baby!!!

It really tickled Michael when

his Ba-ba and Papa

put up another bed..just for him!

Thank you so much Aunt Freda!!!

The next morning ,

our men,

sit on the futon, eating

Little Debbie dunkin' sticks

accompanied by

assorted coffees and a

sippy of milk!

Making plans for the day...

First, on the list

after everyone has had time to bathe..

Off we will all go

to the local beauty shop...

There, Michael will get to meet

Mary ,

she will cut Papas hair

and then give Gamma the works!

(It sure was good to get my eye brows waxed!!!

even if she did have to go to the

barn after the

bushhog!)
While, Gamma was getting her hair done

off to "Williams" for brunch..

went the other 4..

along the way,so I am told,

Michael kept trying to tell them...

"Gamma! (you left) Gamma!"

After miracles were worked in the

beauty shop...

Gamma was retrieved

"Look , Michael, here she is!"

and off we headed to Birmingham,

Plans included seeing Pat, Gammas long time friend,

Uncle Paul..Papa & Gammas long,long time friend,

going to the Galleria & eating at Dreamland!

Alas, the best laid plans of mice and men,

Pat was unable to meet us,

so we went on down

the road and saw Paul..

He has not changed at all...

a few years older,

but still Paul...

after we left I kicked myself..

for having left the camera in the truck..

so here is a younger Paul..

(28 years and 11months younger)

just add a few wrinkles,

and a few pounds..

(just like all of us)

Next stop, the Galleria,

Where Mama & Ba-ba want to go to

the "Alabama" store..

we also went to the Auburn

store.

Then a ride on the carousel!

Oh, Boy!

Next


What to order?

Is there really a question?

Ribs, ribs and a few more ribs...

some mac & cheese!!!,

beans and slaw.

Michael, is doing such a good job,

not only,

eating real food..

but, feeding himself.

Boy, does that tike LOVE

Mac & Cheese!

What 'cha got there ,Papa?

You think I could try a bite?

Mmmmmmm,

That's Good!

"More"

Mmmm

Mmmm

Hey, Michael

do you want

"Banana Pudding?"

Mmmmmm

"Hey, Baba and Mama I really like this Alabama!"

Here as we leave the 'ham

and drive back to north

Alabama...

I will end chapter 2 of

Thanksgiving in Alabama..

In a day or two..

chapter 3

Visiting

Mam-maw Kadle & Aunt Elizabeth,

visiting

Aunt Mary and Uncle Doyle

Cathy Jean and Eric

Meating

"Aunt"Gennifer

and a gathering of cousins..

Chapter 4

Thanksgiving

and all those Ryan

Aunts & Uncles

and cousins , too!

and

guess who gets to

ride the

tractor?