Papa's Visit in August!

Papa came to visit us mid-August! We had such a great time while he was up. I greatly appreciated him coming up and helping with some projects around the house! We also had a great day trip over to Marianna with Papa. But, let me back up a bit...

Friday night Papa took us out to dinner at Bud-n-Alley's in Seaside. Dinner was excellent! We love that place. After Dinner, we walked across the street and let William run around in the grass. Papa patiently followed him around just beaming with pride. After William's little cheeks turned red, we headed on back to the house. William loved playing in his new chair from Papa and Mimi. He kept pointing out the circleson the arms and telling us it was green. He also kept talking to the little dragonfly and giving "night-night" kisses to it. William wanted to read with Papa so we got some cute pictures and videos. We all finally called it a night.

Saturday we loaded up in the car and drove over to Marianna for the day. Papa wanted to share some of his family history with us. First, we went to Dykes Cemetery to see where his Grandparents were buried. For some reason, William loved running all over the place. Oh well, it was pure innocence...and as Philip said, "everyone out here is probably enjoying the little visitor". Next, he drove us down to show us where the old family land was and told us stories upon stories. We decided to have lunch next. We found a place that was a true local spot. We sat by the window and watched folks "tubing" down the river. William loved the view and the food. He gobbled up his grilled cheese and fries. He wanted so bad to get in the water. We did walk down to the water to check it out. Philip and I plan to go back and float down the river sometime soon with friends. It looks like A LOT of fun!!!

Next on the tour was driving by his Aunt's old place. We could only drive by b/c it is still someones residence. We heard more stories of memories past...which I love! I love listening to someone tell stories. We made our way back down to the United Methodist Church. This was a very special stop. Some of the stained glass windows in the church were donated/dedicated by family members. We saw the windows dedicated to Papa's great-grandfather, great-grandmother, and great Aunt. Also, there was a plaque in dedication to his great-uncle for his service and dedication to the church. Papa was so proud to share these memories with us. William loved the sanctuary. He enjoyed walking up and down the aisles and climbing on the pews. I did get some really sweet pictures of him by the windows. We then walked across the street to the Woman's Club. This house was donated to the town by his great-aunt. William loved playing on the big porch. I felt set back in time on that porch.

We ended our tour of Marianna at the monument right in the center of downtown. This monument is the spot Philip proposed to me!! The monument itself was dedicated to civil war soldiers. It is very special to Papa b/c his great-grandfather was one of the soldiers. We thoroughly enjoyed our day in Marianna with Papa and reliving some of his favorite family history. Once we got home, we just hung out for the evening. Philip and Papa had oysters. We just hung out with William and enjoyed some painting time.

Sunday we took Papa to church with us. William loved showing Papa the new building at church too...The Destin Life Center. He loves running in the gym and down the halls. (Well, his running is more like walking with some pep in his step..but he does walk when I tell him to) We went to Home Depot afterwards to pick up some stuff on my to-do list. Papa and Philip got everything for my new shelves!! Yeah!!! I cooked some vegetables for dinner while they began working on the shelves. Philip even made some oyster fritters trying to convince me I could eat oysters!! I still couldn't eat it...just too much for me. Over the next few days Papa worked hard replacing my garbage disposal, installing 5 new shelves, pressure-washing our house and moving an old rotten wooden box from the back yard.

Papa also had the chance to join in our small group Bible Study Monday night. We were the host family. I prepared dinner and dessert for everyone while Papa worked to get the new disposal in for me. That day was also my first day keeping Baby Scott. WHAT A BUSY DAY!! It was great having Papa participate in small group and share his insight with the group.

Tuesday Papa worked and worked on the outside of the house. He was so soaked, but the house was so spotless! I loved how clean he got the place! He took us to dinner at one of my favorite places that night. We had a lovely dinner at Basmati's on 30-A. William loved playing with the chopsticks and talking to the waitress. We ended the night just hanging out upstairs on the clean porch enjoying the breeze. We were sad for Papa to leave Wednesday, but so thankful for all he did to help us! It was such a wonderful visit and we can't wait to see him and Mimi again! Mimi didn't get to come up for this visit b/c she was traveling with her daughter. We missed her, but look forward to seeing her soon!