Olivia Leigh Photography

As a college student, I have begun to feel as though no place is truly home. I suppose our Georgia house feels the most like home, as walking into my bedroom after two weeks of traveling was still an extreme relief and comfort. But really, there are different things about each place I “live” that feel like home. Texas was my home for 19 years. The people and places that were familiar for so long will always be a part of me. Southern is the place that I live 2/3 of the year. Although the dorm is not that homey, it feels like home in a way due to the amount of time I spend there. Georgia is still new. The people are beginning to grow familiar, the places not so unusual, but since most of our time here I’ve been away at school, it is not completely like home. Yes, Georgia feels the most like home. Our back porch, my bed, and the kitchen all bring great joy and comfort to my heart. But the older I get, the more I realize that I will probably never feel truly at home anywhere until Heaven.

Now on to my most recent adventure! From Florida, where I was visiting my friend Sarah and her family (see posts below), I flew straight to Texas. We spent the first part of our vacation with our “family,” the Sexsons. I love waking up to the sight of three eager girls peeking into my bedroom, knowing that the snuggles and giggles that are soon to follow are priceless. Nothing beats lounging around the house in pjs with my girls, their Momma, my Mom, and Dave. When we finally got up and around on Wednesday, we headed to Saltgrass Steakhouse for baked potatoes and salad.

Mom and the girls woke David up with the help of this kind sock puppet

To Saltgrass we go

A normal picture and a silly photo with each of my girls

Two of my favorite guys

Even meal times are entertaining…

After devouring our baked potatoes and salad, which were fantastic, we could not resist ordering dessert. Saltgrass has some of the best desserts I’ve ever had. No joke. Here’s Kim’s reaction to one of the desserts the girls and I split.

The cause for her astonishment:

Mickynzie, Brenna, Shaylee, and I (plus anyone else that wanted some bites) split this sundae AND an incredible piece of cheesecake.

My affections were torn. Saltgrass has some of the best cheesecake I’ve ever had. Seriously. But I am, as anyone who reads this blog at all can tell, an ice cream addict. SO, I shared the sundae and the cheesecake with the three girls. Too much enjoyment for one day…

Once we were thoroughly stuffed, we headed to a Putt Putt place we used to go to when we were kids. It was a hot day, and everyone was dying to ride the Bumper Boats, so that’s precisely where we started. (There are tons of pictures. Got a little carried away… Kim just took too many fun ones!)

Since we wanted pictures, Kim sat out and played photographer. We had two tickets left over, however, so I volunteered to go out for a spin with her once everyone was done. Her famous last words: “I don’t want to get wet!” The following photograph was taken while I was still on her good side…

Our final adventure for the day involved braving the heat for a game of Putt Putt. We split into two groups and played a fun round of golf. Dave, John, Brenna, and Shay took the “Adventure Course,” while Mom, Kim, Kenzie, and I embarked on the “Harbour Course.” Fun, but oh so very hot!

Brenna was the overall winner. We won’t mention who came in last… Several stops were made on the way home, and many of us indulged in naps during the ride home. Shaylee was out within minutes. Brenna held on for a little while longer, but eventually dozed off. I couldn’t sleep good because I was holding Brenna’s head up, but snoozed a little while parked in the Target parking lot.

I guess being the overall champ wears a kid out…

When we got home, the two girls that had napped were pumped and ready to go. Ms. Karen introduced them to a new song, and they were eager to dance to it with her. Here are two blurry, action-packed shots of the four “Great Googa Mooga” dancers!

Shaylee slept a little too long and was a crazy dancer

The next morning, we relaxed at the house. While the we older girls chilled inside, Dave and the two energizer bunnies played outside. Doesn’t Dave look fantastic on a pink scooter?

I am so grateful that Mom and Kim have both prioritized staying in touch. These girls are what I miss most about Texas, and spending time with them was such a treat. Tune in soon for Part 2 of our visit to Texas…