A few days in Johnson City

The week before school started back up for Brad, we made a trip to Johnson City for one last summer fun spree. 

We spent time playing and being brave on the playground:

Walking the plank with no fear!

Being silly with Gran

Some of us play differently than others...

We found out that our museum membership to the Museum of Life and Science here in Durham has reciprocity at the children's Hands-On Museum in Johnson City, which was such a fun surprise! A fabulous two hours were spent playing and exploring:

Reporting the news with Gran

A solid half-hour at this bubble center.

Claire had the best time "helping" Gran and Grandpa on the tractor and at the fruit trees. Apples and Pears for days.

Her very first self-picked apple. She was so proud! And very excited to eat it.

She would spend every waking moment on the tractor if she could.

We spent time enjoying the backyard views and acreage:

Playing with Aunt Sue and Elle

Mom and Son

I'm pretty sure she's saying "cheese" here.

Claire and Elle. Having a blast.

She discovered the joys of the weeping willow...

...and the neighbors' donkeys.

And then she found a "fishing pole" just like the one in her Berenstain Bears book!

There were lots of snuggles and hugs and kisses:

Goodnight, Aunt Sue!

Bye-bye, Papaw!

And we also got to spend several hours hearing stories from Mamaw's and Papaw's younger days! Claire and Papaw performed a very special rendition of "Moon River" for everyone. One of us got a video of it, but I'm not sure where it is currently.

Mamaw telling Brad about her hometown.

We had a really fun time visiting family and getting out of town for a few days. It's nice living close(r) to the Boswell side of our family so that little trips like this are possible. And, east Tennessee is absolutely gorgeous. Who wouldn't want to visit?