Reunification

Our reentry back into the US began with a family sweat-fest in the American deep south. Landing in small-town southern USA made for some serious culture shock after two years in London, but time with family did some good to distract me from an otherwise unbearable homesickness for London. Our ten-day southern USA tour began with a family reunion through Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama. We spent the balance of our confederate tour at Stone Mountain, Georgia with Scott's mom and then time seeing the sights of downtown Hotlanta with Scott's dad.




Reunion at the lake


This setting was perfect therapy for this nature-loving, city-dwelling boy


Paddle boating was a hit (even at 6:00am, thank you jet-lag)


Perfectly worn lakeside adirondacks


Pathway to the rope swing


Tree person standing guard at our cabin








Canoeing aunts


Fun at the souvenir shops, with first cousins once removed


Ruby Falls






Lakeside critters


Kayaking cousin


I think they would have camped out on the lake if we let them


Kayaking




Canoeing cousins


Dad and Trev


Paddle boating cousin once removed


Madeleine jumps off the rope swing in style!


So surprised we found mobile reception here!


Canoeing uncle and first cousin once removed


What're you laughing about?


So happy in nature!




Dallin made fast friends with his first cousin once removed!


Although not everyone was able to make it, it was still a very large group (and challenging to photograph!)


Good thing the keys weren't in the ignition!


Glow stick dancing by the fire


Sweet home Alabama! (yes they are Georgian plates, but this was in 'bama)


Visiting Rainsville, where Scott's Raines family originates


Ancestor gravesites in Rainsville




The oldest known member of the Rains family dates from the 18th century


Overlooking Chattanooga, Tennessee from Pointe Park of Civil War fame


Visiting Rock City






Hanging out with Scott's aunt helped me understand Scott's fear of heights a little better








Reunion talent show, hooping Madeleine


This impromptu dancing lip-synching act really stole the show!



After a great time at the Rains reunion we spent a few days exploring Stone Mountain, Georgia with Scott's mom. Stone Mountain is the southern Mt. Rushmore commemorating the Confederacy. It is a good place to learn a bit more about the southern side of the civil war, and it's also a fun recreational area.




The Memorial Carving depicts three Confederate heroes of the Civil War: Confederate President Jefferson Davis, General Robert E. Lee and Lt. General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson


Skyride to the top of Stone Mountain


With Scott's mom atop Stone Mountain






Each evening the park hosts a spectacular laser light and fireworks show over Stone Mountain




There are a variety of activities to choose from at the base of the mountain. The kids especially loved the ropes and climbing course


There was even a mini-course for the littlest ones, and Trevon tore it up!




Getting ready for his very first ever zip line!


He loved it!


He couldn't resist having a go at the rock climbing wall


His climb only lasted about 15 seconds


But he sure was proud of himself!


Dallin, Madeleine and Scott hit up the challenging second story ropes course.








One of the highlights of our time in the south was visiting with Scott's step-sister W. She doesn't have use of her legs or arms, never has from the day she was born, but she moves you in a way that nothing physical can compare to.


We don't get to see her often, but when we do I am struck by her bright spirit. When I look at this photograph the influence of W's shining soul is apparent. She makes you smile. My children are notorious for fake smiles in photographs no matter how much bribing or prodding I offer. I said nothing when I shot this photo. The smiles here are a result of the happy influence of W.


W and Scott's mom


Scott and W


After a lovely few days with Scott's mom Scott's dad swung down from nearby South Carolina for a quick visit. We enjoyed our visit with him and getting to see a bit of the heart of Atlanta.


At the World of Coke museum and tour, Coca-Cola is headquartered in Atlanta


We got to see a bottling plant in action and learned a lot about how soft drinks are made


The best part of our Coke tour was the taste test room, which ended here at the flagship product fountains


Dallin was in heaven. He's a big Coke fan. He doesn't get to drink it much ever, so this was a treat!


We also toured the CNN studios. We got to see a live broadcast and learned a lot about how the news is produced and delivered. We even saw one of the news anchors in front of us in the Chick-fil-a queue!