We weren't exactly sure how this trip was going to go. Neither of the girls had ever been in the car for more than the 2 hours it takes to get to Scottsville, and neither had ever slept in a hotel room. So we didn't have high expectations. We should have given the girls more credit because they were rockstars...absolute rockstars.
It takes just over 5 hours to get to Asheville from Louisville. We set out around 10 a.m. on Saturday morning and our car ride could not have gone any better. With a 6 month old and a potty trained 2 year old we expected several stops, but only had to stop twice! We stopped about an hour and a half out of Louisville in Richmond, KY for a potty break for Ella and to get gas, then again about 2 hours from Asheville for lunch. We stopped at a McDonalds with a playland so Ella could run around and stretch her legs out. That must have worn her out because she took a nap in the car after that. I will add this - Mamaw gave us the best Christmas present ever last year when she purchased portable DVD players that strap on the headrests. Talk about a lifesaver for Ella!
The wedding was on Sunday at 4 p.m. That morning we all got ready and went to a nearby hotel where a church service had been organized for those in town for the wedding. It was a great service with a great sermon and we enjoyed hearing our good friend Danny sing! He sang at our wedding and it was wonderful to get to hear him again! He says that we launched his wedding singer career as he has sang at several weddings since ours, often singing the same song. :)
The wedding was at 6 p.m. and it was absolutely gorgeous. This weekend was supposed to have the fullest color this fall and since it was an outdoor wedding it was just beautiful. We got to hear Danny since again, in fact he sang my favorite song - In Christ Alone. The wedding was beautiful. The bride, groom and wedding party looked stunning and the ceremony was very sweet and Christ-centered. Ella must have been very impressed with Karissa, as soon as she started walking down the aisle Ella yelled, "Yay!!!! She's married!! Look, she's married!!" Those sitting within a few rows of us who heard her outburst cracked up.
After the wedding Ella had a blast playing with the TONS of children who were there. Our good friends Brent and Jenn Duncan were there and Ella and their daughter Story instantly became friends and had a blast running around together. Ella played a little too hard, and with no nap she was absolutely worn out so we left a little earlier than we intended. Our original plan was to drive back Sunday night after the wedding so the girls would sleep, but they did so well on the trip down and we had such a good time with friends that we decided soon after checking in on Saturday to book an extra night. I'm so glad we did because we were all exhausted after the ceremony and the drive back could have been very difficult.
This morning the girls slept late after having such a busy day (thank you, thank you, thank you) so we ate breakfast at the hotel and then went to a few shops in Asheville before driving back. The drive back was as pleasant as the drive down. We only stopped twice...we thought we were going to get by with one stop but between Georgetown and Frankfort we had to stop at a rest area for Ella to go potty. We had a fantastic trip and it made us so excited for the trips we will go on in the future!! We love our little family and it was nice to spend time together outside of the normal circumstances with people we have really missed. Here are a few pictures:
Who needs a toy when you have an iphone?
Ronnie and Ella playing at McDonalds on the way to Asheville.
Steve with Ella and Kendall
I have no idea how she sleeps like this...
Pretty Ella before the wedding
During the ceremony
Danny singing during the ceremony
Ella and Story!
Passed OUT after the wedding...with a Kids Cliff bar.
Chunky monkey in a big 'ol bed!
Brushing teeth!
Happy Kendall!
Happy sisters!
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