Visit with the McAlvey's

Wednesday

Ray's sisters Marie and Shawn made the long 14 hour car ride with two kids to Anderson South Carolina. They arrived Monday, June 28th in the morning. Reason for their trip was to spend quality time with their dad (Bill) since he accepted a job in Houston Texas and would be leaving Monday, July 5th, and to visit with Ray and I before we make our permanent move to Camden.

The first couple of days I was in Camden with my nieces. But Wednesday made my way back to Anderson to see them and to meet my new neice, Addy Marie. I met Marie, Shawn, Bill and the kids at the Haywood Mall prior to going to the zoo. Finally, I met Addy, I got to hold her, she is so precious. After eating lunch it was time for the zoo to see the animals.

The drive from the mall to the zoo was crazy. I had asked Bill if we could stop to get gas along the way because I needed some, my gas light was on. Stupid me didn't get it along the interstate before I stopped at the mall which would of made more sense. We all get on the highway toward the zoo. I'm following Bill, I see a sign next right Greenville Zoo. Bill doesn't see it so we take the next exit, then the next turn and before you know people are blowing their horns at me because I'm cutting people off to get behind Bill. He directed me to a gas station...thinking it wouldn't be good to be driving around and then I run out of gas. Which to me was a relief because I was getting scared. Got filled up then back on the freeway to the zoo. Again, traffic was crazy, sure Bill wasn't sure where he was going, there was a car on the side of the road opening his door, cars on my left, couldn't get over, was thinking I was gonna get in my first accident. I didn't...Bill directed me to the zoo. We made it here all in one piece.

We all got out and were excited to see the animals especially Asher. We didn't have a stroller for Addy so Marie, Bill and I took turns carrying her. Like I said she is so precious, won't fuss unless she is hungry or a dirty diaper, shes great. Makes me think a bout having one within the next couple of years.

Here is pictures from our day trip to the zoo.





























Shawn's Dog Bella (isn't she so precious too!)









Then it was nap time for the kids and girl time for Shawn and I. We were gonna go shopping but went swimming instead. When we got back Bill had dinner ready: grilled pork-chops, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and cooked carrots. It was great! The rest of the night was vegging out and relaxing.

Thursday

We took Asher to Toadily Fun here in Anderson. I've never been had heard couples in our Sunday school class talking about it and taking their kids. Thought maybe Asher would like it. If you never been, its kinda like a Chuckie-e-cheese but set on a smaller scale. Its more for kids ages 4 and under. They have between 4-6 big blow up bouncy toys. This was Asher's favorite. He would play basketball in one of them and then go down the slide. They also have arcade games but they don't work that well. We would put our token in some of them and the games just wouldn't work. But I guess that's why is cheap to get in. It didn't bother Asher...he was happy to just bounce and go down the slides.





















After our day of excitement and fun it was time to get food. I was craving Chick-fil-A, so that's were we went. I got the original sandwich...its amazing and tasted wonderful and got the waffle fries instead of my fruit I usually order. It was a very tasty lunch.

Got home..to see Barb from her long vacation in Michigan. Ordered Domino's pizza for dinner and again relaxed watching TV.

Friday

Marie, Bill and the kids went to the goat farm one last time to stock up on goodies. Such as: cheese, fudge, and etc. They also stopped to get fireworks to take back home with them for their annual show back home at Janice's on Duck Lake.

Shawn and I went shopping. We hit a few stores, our first was Big Lots, Burkes Outlet, TJ Maxx. I bought Asher his birthday present thought it would be great to celebrate it now since I was able to see him open his presents. Also, thought it would be the best time to celebrate dad's birthday too. When Ray got home we went back out to find him something special. Figured he would need new golf balls for Texas and his favorite drink to go with it, (Crown Royal). Ray got the birthday cake, so we were ready to celebrate!

Went back to his house for our last get together. Bill took us out on the boat and afterward we had a great dinner, filled with: steaks, potatoes, mushrooms, salad, and cake. The cake was amazing! Asher enjoyed his presents and Bill was stunned what we got him. He said we all spent too much but we wanted this birthday to be special.























Birthday Pics








I had such a great time with you Marie, Shawn, Asher and Addy. I hope to see y'all soon. Miss you and love you lots.

Also, thanks Bill for everything. We love you and miss you lots