How is that Harper is already four years old? I just don't understand it. I remember when she didn't exist at all. Now she's in preschool, writing her name, carrying on intelligent conversations with me, and turning four years old. I suppose this is the way of things. It happens. Parents have to come to terms with the fact that their kids grow up. We know that's what we want, but it's still tough to come to terms with the fact that you're really not as needed or important in certain ways as you used to be.

She used to be tiny. In fact she used to not walk and run and ride a bike and every other thing she can do now. She needed us to transport her from any place to another. Now she only needs us to drive her. Soon enough that will change too.

Now she's this big girl - riding her bike and talking to me like me. It's funny. It's like having a conversation with a young, female version of me. She cracks me up.

Well dear, this is a tribute to you and how great you are. It's been a pleasure being your Dad, even when it was hard. I hope I get to keep doing this for a very, very, very long time.

Happy Birthday (and PLEASE be careful on that bike)!

What's better than a 10-hour car ride with a 3-year-old and a 19-month old to visit your in-laws? Well nothing, obviously. [...] Oh, sorry. I'm back. Got hit by lightning there. No more lies, I promise. No, but really, it wasn't as bad as you might think. I actually had a good time. I ate entirely too much and was sadly reminded how much I love and miss Chattanooga, but, on the whole, we're calling it a win.

We left after Harper got out of school on a Thursday and drove to Atlanta to have dinner with a buddy. By about 9PM we made it to Chattanooga to spend the first night with my aunt and uncle. Penelope played the piano for the entirety of the next morning.

We ate well, as to be expected when you hang out with Aunt Brenda, and then we traveled to Nashville to meet Vickie the mother-in-law for some lunch.

With Harper's brithday fast approaching, we had to do some family shopping at the local Toys-R-Us ("where Eric can be a kid"). I found lots of stuff for me, but Jennilyn said we couldn't buy it. I pouted a little, but straightened up when she told me I couldn't have ice cream later if I was bad at the store.

Penelope found this little number while Harper rode around the entire store on the bike she eventually wound up with.

We spent two days in/near Jennilyn's hometown and had an awesome bonfire and weenie roast at her family farm as an early birthday party for Harper. My two kids played harder in those two days than I've seen them play in weeks at home. They had a great time playing with cousins they rarely get to see. 

Harper really enjoyed her awesome dinner. She was fascinated that Daddy managed to cook her food on a stick over a fire. Oh yeah, Daddy is a cavemen. Watch out!

Ultimately though, tiredness overtook poor Penelope, who fell asleep, yes, fell asleep, leaning over a cooler.

She had a juicebox in her hand. As she would drift off and lose her grip of the box, she would jump a bit and grab it tightly. Poor little thing was all tuckered out.

It was awesome getting to see family again that we usually only get to see about once a year. The girls had a good time, and Jennilyn was excited to walk her old stomping grounds and force me to eat at her favorite restaurants. (Are you noticing that food continues to be a major theme of the trip?)

We had a great, safe trip. That said, my head was really happy to lay down on my pillow, and my body was thrilled to sink into my bed. Gotta start ramping up for next year's trip.

Trip Totals:
Distance: 1,221 miles 
Travel Time: 20 hours 51 minutes

The wife hosted a baby shower last weekend for a good friend, and there was an obvious pumpkin theme (it being October and all). One of the shower events was a pumpkin carving contest. Two ladies, who I will not name here, produced this event winner that is now proudly displayed on my front door step. 

There was some debate as to what exactly was going on with the pumpkin, but hopefully you can plainly see that the pumpkin is giving birth to a little baby pumpkin while simultaneously, literally, blowing its guts out. 

Charming, no? 

Nothing like reminding a lady who's about to have a baby what impact it's going to have on her body. Pumpkin pie anyone? No? That's too bad...