We're back from our epic road trip.

Hey guys and gals, I realize that I haven't blogged in a while, so settle in and prepare for the first of a few blogs to catch everyone up to speed on our trip to Abilene. I won't bother posting pictures of us and the baby just yet, Katie still has the market cornered on that! Instead I want to take a few blogs and show you our trip to Abilene State Park. April, Bryan, Nash and I all made the trip.

But first, some details. Our trip was approximately 2000 miles (round trip). We drove the whole 14+ hours there in one shot, but on the way back we stopped overnight in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Our hotel was right next door to a Mexican restaurant, so I figured we could just walk over there and grab a few drinks before bed. Neither of us was real hungry, but some margaritas sure sounded good! Unfortunately, Arkadelphia is in a dry county, so bear that in mind should you ever decide to stop for the night there! We wound up splitting a dinner at 'Ta Molly's'. It was pretty good, but drinks would have been even better! We had an absolute blast seeing everyone again (and for the first time!) and felt like the trip was over waaaaaaay too soon, but hey, what are you gonna do. Life keeps moving no matter what. Guess this just means it is your turn to come visit us Ms. Maddy! We really did enjoy getting to catch up with everyone.

Our usual hiking buddy Shiloh got to stay at the kennel on this trip. We figured that between Nash, us, my mom, Katie and Bryan's friends, and of course Ms. Maddy (who is a beautiful sweetheart!) that Shiloh would be just a little much. Fortunately Mr. Nash joined us for our little adventure and filled in for (but could not replace!) our little beagle buddy.

For those of you that haven't ever personally met Mr. Nash yet, let me fill you in. He is a giant baby; 100+ pounds and still growing, and has yet to figure out just how big he is. The head on this guy is just a giant rock, you can see here with Bryan's hand next to it.



The trail head where we started our little trip.



Cool looking tree.



We don't get these in TN too often, but they were all over the place here. What really amazed me is that some of them had been nibbled on by the deer. I guess I never really considered that something might actually munch on these spiky things.



We did venture off the trail in some places, and actually found this on a small game trail about 50 yards off the main trail. Other than it being a femur (right?) I'm not too sure what it is. I should have taken a picture of my hand or something next to it to give some perspective, but it was about 2 feet long.



There was a little debate about this particular leaf. April thought it looked like Mickey Mouse. I'll let you decide what the other option was!



There were these little bridges all over the place.



This is Mr. Nash asking politely to please be let into the water to play. His request was denied.



There were all kinds of cool flowers around.



Another view of the 'Buffalo Waller' that Nash was begging to get into. Personally I thought it would be a killer duck hunting pond if it was on private lands...



I'll post part 2 and 3 of our adventure later. April, you probably will want to skip out on part 2! Everyone else will just have to tune in to see why!

OK OK OK! I can't help it. I have to post a few of the cutest member of the family!

Of couse, Katie and Madeline Grace Williams are pretty darn cute too! Nash loses points for too much drool!


I was making a goofy face here... I think I wasn't really ready for the picture and I was the one taking it! Luckily April was in the photo to pretty things up! This was taken on our little excursion to the park. Be sure to tune in again for an update real soon! (Like tomorrow probably!).



PS: Katie, it's your job to remind me to post a blog about what Shiloh, April and I made for dinner tonight. Also, remind me to post some pictures from the other adventure April, Bryan, Nash and I made, ok?