Meet John

The first weekend in November found us on our way to Opp, Alabama and the Frank Jackson State Park.  This was our third time at this beautiful park and we were looking forward to meeting Joe and Judy there for a fun weekend.  This weekend was going to be even more special because their 7 year old grandson, John, was going to be there too.
After we arrived and set up our campsite on the the lake, Judy pulled out the sandwich fixings and we enjoyed lunch outside together.  Not long after that I went with her to pick up John.  John didn't even remember me and at first at problems remembering my name.  We met at a shoe store.  Judy, John, and I went in to do some serious shopping.  John located some camouflage Crocs very quickly that he "needed" very badly.  The search was on to find the right size.  We found it but the end of the box indicated that it was a woman's shoe.  Fortunately John was more interested in how well he could run in them to notice the box.  We knew that he would not want them if he thought it was a girl's shoe so I distracted him while Judy paid and got the clerk to throw away the box.  He was sure pleased with his purchase and wore them all weekend.

I even managed to find a pair of shoes that I'm really pleased with.  Upon Judy's recommendation I tried these on.  They are Crocs and they are so comfortable -- not only at the shoe store as some are, but everywhere.  One time Bubba decided to reorganize our closet.  He called me at work to announce that I had 43 pairs of shoes.  What he doesn't understand is that most shoes feel pretty good at the shoe store, but the first time you wear them you find out they're terribly uncomfortable and you never wear them again.  I don't understand why men don't have the same problem with their shoes. I also don't understand why men's sizes are so reliable and women's aren't.  (That could be a whole blog in itself.)
We met Joe and Bubba at The Old Barn Restaurant in Goshen, Alabama.  We ate here once before and enjoyed it so much we wanted to go again.  We started out with Fried Dill Pickles -- the best ever.  Bubba and Joe got quail, Judy ordered Fried Catfish Fillet, John got a Cheeeburger and I had Hamburger Steak.  It was so good!  If I were a better blogger I would have taken a picture of our food when it first arrived, but hunger over ruled my blogger instinct so I just got a picture of the table after we finished.

The next morning was cool and I enjoyed a cup of coffee down near the lake while Judy, Joe, and John surveyed conditions on the lake.

Bubba prepares to unload his kayak from the back of the truck.

Joe poses with his kayak.

The brothers make preparation to launch their kayaks for a lake excursion.

There they go.  Poor John  was stuck with Judy and me, but we were going into town so he was bound to benefit in some way.  By now John had really warmed up to Bubba and me.  We got hugs last night and he is sharing every joke he knows with us.  When he runs out of jokes he knows, he makes up some more.  (Some of those are pretty funny.)  He is a precious little boy.  He has great manners.  Every now and then he would take my hand.  His hand feels so different from Amelia's.  Her's is small and her fingers are long and thin.  John already has a man's hand.  It feels firmer, wider, and stronger.  He is eager to help in any way he can.

Soon after we returned from town, the kayakers returned ready for something to eat.

We were prepared.  We had picked up some boiled peanuts while we were out.

Peanuts Before

Peanuts After

One of the best things about camping is the food.  After we snacked on peanuts, Bubba set up the grill and began cooking hot dogs and hamburgers.

Lunch was great.  After lunch Joe, Judy, and John made the long walk around the park and over the lake to Memorial Island.  Our assignment according to John was to wave at them when they got to the other side. (We lucked out on that one.)

Later that afternoon, we walked around and enjoyed the "Scarecrows in the Park".  Then, you guessed it, it was time for supper.

Bubba grilled chicken and we had baked potatoes, fruit salad, and pasta salad with it.

Darkness came and we had a campfire where we roasted marshmallows and made s'mores.  We talked and enjoyed being together.

I've got to say that the best part of this trip was spending time with John.  He is very special to his "Meme" and "Pops" and now he is very special to Uncle Bubba and Aunt Becky as well.  We're looking forward to a trip where we can coordinate everyone's schedule and get to take both Amelia and John camping with us.  I know that they would have a wonderful time.

I've moved Frank Jackson State Park to the #1 park on my list.  Not only is the view perfect, it has full hook ups so you don't have to worry about how much water you are using.  Last year you had to stand in a particular spot to get internet with your computer, but they have improved on that so we had internet at our campsite.  What more could anyone want?