Bridge to Monkabithia

I chose the name for this entry very deliberately, so ya'll know. We have spent the better part of the past two weeks on the road fetching and returning Miss Emma. Thank Heaves Monk has finally gotten over her car-hating phase. We decided it is because she has finally adjusted to being mobile. The theory is that when walking was new, anything that held her back was the enemy. Since she is old hat at bi-ped status now, she doesn't mind being pinned down. I am sure it is infintely more fun with Mini and Emma in the back seat with her too!

So.. Back to this week! By no small favor, Jay's mom has helped with the Georgia side of the trip both weeks! So thanks! I would also request that ya'll have her in your thoughts today, as she is having Gallbladder surgery as we speak. It isn't near as urgent as Jessica's was, but very important to get done none the less.

(And yes, Mini is eating steak in this photo. We went to Olive Garden and I had gotten Balsamic Glazed Steak Tips with Gnocchi in a Gorgonzola and Spinach Cream Sauce. I wasn't the only one that thought it was out of this world!)

This Monday, as we were en route to Chattaboogie to return Big Monk, we stopped at Nickajack and had a wonderful picnic. I flagged down a family to take a picture of us all together, because it is so rare that we have such an opportunity. Not only was the weather perfect, but the food was really tasty too. We had left over ribs made into pulled pork sammiches, potato salad, and collards. I am pretty sure we will remember that day forever. What you can't see in the picture is the BBQ residue smeared over all parties!

The above picture is simply to document the cutie development of Mini. We are in tripod stage with learning to sit, and are completely fascinated with solid food. I am not talking apple sauce, people! This morning she annihilated half a piece of toast by her self! Obviously she is as resourceful as Monk was when she hadn't any teeth. What a fiend.

Another leg to our travelling is driving to Franklin to see M & D. This is the highlight of our week mostly all the time. A symbiotic relationship to be sure, I cook and clean while the grandparents bask in Monka-rie. Good stuff..... even if Dad sometimes has to share his Cheez-Its.

It does get a bit messy being Monk you know. Here it seemed like a good idea to strip her down and hose her off after a particularly good session with some ravioli. However, we ended up making a bigger mess with the water!

And.. I'm spent! It has been a really long week!