Utah, PRR, and Camp

 Maggie and I went on an adventure to Utah with memories that will last a lifetime. 

Maggie found out one of her favorite collegiate gymnasts, Rebekah Ripley, was offering floor choreography, and she needed a new routine for Level 7. I connected with Rebekah, and we planned out trip to Salt Lake City, Utah for the training. Maggie and I agreed that this would be an early birthday gift, so the grandparents contributed to the trip as their gifts. It was a whirlwind trip with only 24 hours in Utah, but we were able to fit in a lot of fun!

Maggie had an outfit change during our layover in Denver due to an apple juice spill on the plane. The Denver airport was really nice.

After a quick nap for me at the hotel in Salt Lake City, we explored a local outdoor mall that was recommended on our flight. Maggie was living her best life with some shopping at Lululemon and Kendra Scott. We ate at the food court before meeting Rebekah for our first choreography session.

Maggie and I were both eager to see what Rebekah had designed with the music we went to her a few weeks prior to our visit. We absolutely loved the routine! It was full of personality and unique moves that matched Maggie's personality. I knew that the trip was completely worth every mile and every dollar after watching Maggie work with Rebekah!

The next morning we were up bright and early for our second training session with Rebekah. The hour focused on cleaning up the routine and facial expressions. I was shocked that Maggie remembered every move! We are looking forward to sending Rebekah videos with all the tumble passes and leaps incorporated into the choreography.

Another highlight of the trip was connecting with one of Maggie's gym Instagram friends. She had been following Greta as she is a brand ambassador for Chalk Warrior, a favorite leo brand of Maggie. We met Greta and her mom for breakfast, and they were the absolute sweetest! We enjoyed hearing about Greta's gym, her commitment to the Mormon faith, and discussing Utah.

I will cherish memories from this trip with Maggie. She was definitely in her element, and I loved watching her smile. The flight home included a layover in Dallas, Texas and took about 12 hours from start to finish. We crawled into bed at home and slept late!

Our next summer event was my favorite: The 4th of July! In Thorne Family fashion, we started our holiday at the Peachtree Road Race. This was Jay's 19th consecutive race and Maggie's 2nd run. The boys and I cheered them on from our spot near the four mile marker. Rosie joined us this year and was the star of the show. SO many runners stopped to pet her and compliment our sweet girl.

Tuttle's traditional photo marks 11 years of waving the flag. We missed one year due to a global pandemic.

We spent the rest of the afternoon at the pool with our favorite neighbors. I brought white chocolate dipped strawberries that were quickly eaten up!

While our summer has already been packed with activities, the big kids had their grand finale with overnight camps this week. Maggie and I drove to Crossville, Tennessee for Flip Fest while the boys took Tuttle to Lake Allatoona for Camp High Harbour. (A big thanks to Grandmommy and Grandaddy for Tuttle's week at camp!)

Jacob is experiencing life as an only child this week. He has football camp to fill his mornings and is soaking up all the extra attention in the afternoon.

Mini Camp & Lake Adventures

 After unpacking our beach suitcases and doing ALL the laundry, we had a week at home packed with football workouts, VBS, gymnastics practice, piano lessons, and trying to fit actual work in between all the driving.

Soon it was Jacob's turn to venture to Camp Glisson for the first time. It was only three days and two nights for Mini Camp, so it really only gave our camper a sneak peek into all the activities and traditions. I was worried that the rainy forecast would put a damper on camp, but Jacob was still able to have fun!

Tuttle and I left for our annual family lake trip to Richard B. Russell State Park courtesy of Gram and Grumps while Jay stayed behind for work/transporting Maggie to practice/picking up Jacob from camp. They were able to join us Tuesday afternoon for the rest of the vacation.

It was a cool and wet week at the lake, but we made the best of it. Grumps recently purchased a new boat for the family, and we took it out whenever the rain took a break.

 

Jay and I were able to work while the kids fished, swam, hiked, played chess, and tubed. We even snuck away one morning due to poor internet access at the cabin to the sweetest coffee shop in downtown Elberton. We fit in a quick lunch date there, too!

Gram and Grumps had to reenact this love scene from Titanic. I honestly think they pulled it off better than Jack and Rose.

I love how adventurous the kids become at the lake when they are required to be outside and away from phone and video games. Gram and Grumps put a lot of work into this trip every year, and we appreciate their commitment to securing the cabins and bringing all the families together.

On Island Time

Our annual St. Simons Island beach trip with Gram was such a fun way to kick off June with the family. The kids were especially excited to visit Buc-ee's on the drive. We stopped for gas, used the extra clean bathrooms, and left with all the merchandise. Gram will not be returning to the crazy crowds at Buc-ee's. :)

One of the most special parts of our vacation this year was that the Corbitts were also at SSI. We went right over to their house for dinner and swimming after we arrived and dropped off our luggage at the condo.

Following our yearly breakfast at Mallory Street Cafe and grocery store trip, the boys and I went on a new adventure that Gram scheduled. Along with Silas and Emily, we boarded a shrimp boat for a tour and were able to examine the animals that the nets captured. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and engaging, and the boys did not shy away from holding anything.

Our second full day was spent on the beach. We had never really committed to full day, and it was a complete success. We rented chairs with an umbrella as well as a kayak for Tuttle and beach cruisers for Maggie and Tuttle. Between sand castle building, swimming in the ocean, eating ice cream from the passing cart, and a short visit with the Giordanos, it was the perfect day.

The next day included our favorite Jekyll Island spot at Summer Waves. Gram and I set up by the wave pool with shade and books while the kids tackled all the water slides. At one point it turned into a competition to see who could ride all the slides first and return to our chairs. The dynamic duo team, Maggie and Jacob, were first to finish! A lot of ice cream and snacks were consumed to balance out the running and swimming.

Our final full day on SSI started with my favorite summer breakfast date with Tuttle. I absolutely love that he looks forward to our outing as much as I do. 

Tuttle knows I love taking this tree photo every year. How has TEN YEARS passed between the first one and now?

The kids shopped for their beach tshirts and souvenirs, and later we went to see The Little Mermaid as a beach finale. While we planned to end the evening with dinner at Southern Soul with the Corbitts, it closed before we could order food. We tried a new place with our crew (best oysters!) and met back up with the Corbitts at their house for a final swim and dessert.

This trip would not be possible without Gram, and we are so appreciative for her commitment to this annual vacation. I know the kids have such core memories with Gram and our traditions at St. Simons Island.

See you next year, SSI!