Well, here I am, a night's sleep away from being 30 weeks pregnant! I have spent the last two weeks visiting family in Mississippi. I visited my Mom's sister during the first week, as well as all her family. I haven't been to Jones Co. since my Great-Grandma died, I was LONG overdue for a visit (Great-Grandma died about 20 years ago!). My Aunt and Uncle have since gained seven grandkids! She also taught me to make my Great-Grandma's fried chicken recipe, which I am going to try to attempt this week. Also visiting was my Great-Uncle Don and his wife, my Great Aunt Gerri. I haven't seen them since the funeral, either. It was a really great visit.
The second week we went to Greenwood, to stay at my Mom's brother's house. Or should I say country estate! What a place. They have about 1400 acres or something insane like that. We did a spa day at The Alluvian and also had a cooking lesson at the Viking Cooking School. I was finally able to meet my cousin's wives, who are not only more beautiful in person, but nicer than you could ever imagine! Kendy and my cousin John have two little girls, and Mamie and my cousin Paul have 2 little boys. All four children are amazing and totally adorable. I also got to see my cousin Mark (who is in his last year of med school! Thank you for coming to see us during your crazy last year!!), and my other Uncle's middle son, my cousin Peter. Peter lives in SC, and I have seen him more recently, but every visit with him is a treat. Last Friday he cooked us all dinner, and I would never think grits and shrimp actually would taste good together, but WOW. The man can cook. Also at my Uncle's house were two of my Mom's cousins, who are brother and sister. Their Mom was my Grandpa's older sister. My (Greenwood) Aunt also took my parents and I to two pottery places and I got a couple nice things (I have a thing for getting pottery from wherever I am visiting in the US). My Aunt is so funny, I really wish I could see her more often. And what a hostess! I wish I was that good at having people over. Everyone was really comfortable and we all had a lot of fun.
It was such a great time - I really miss all those big family reunions we used to have when my grandparents were alive. Everyone also seemed SO happy for my little guy to be coming into the world, it was very special to me hearing those comments. I don't have any family in my area other than my parents, so hearing that stuff in person was just so nice. I love you all!!
