If you know my dad, you know the title of this post refers to two separate weekend happenings, as Dad’s version of camping is an updated cabin with a great view from the porch (right, Dad ;)). But since I wanted to share both of these share-worthy moments, I coupled them together!

On Wednesday afternoon the girls and I took off for Nana and Papa John’s house and arrived late (late being just shy of 9:00, so…perspective) that evening. The next morning was filled with exploring the woods and flower collecting. Spring is here!

Last week I shared on Facebook and Instagram that we got a report back that the chemo wasn’t doing much for my Dad. So while that wasn’t the news we wanted to hear, we are grateful that he is able to start Keytruda treatments and he had his first one Thursday morning. We are hopeful it is the incredible miracle drug we’ve heard it is from so many!

While mom and dad were out that morning, the girls set up a Georgia location of Sisters’ Restaurant, complete with menu and extreme pricing ($7.07 for a cup of tea?!) to host Nana and Papa John upon their return.

Not long after lunch, Dad and I got gussied up for a long awaited date night! Fun fact: about 25 years ago (say what?!) Dad took me to the FOX Theater in Atlanta to see The Sound of Music. We both adored it and I remember he even bought me the CD and a t-shirt from the souvenir stand. It’s always been a special memory of ours so when Dad saw the production was coming to Athens, he snagged us tickets. I’ve been looking forward to this date for so long!

We left early afternoon so we’d have time to stop by Jittery Joe’s for coffee and a little time to walk down memory lane at my alma mater, THE University of Georgia. We went by the Kappa Delta house, drove by Sanford Stadium, gawked at the new buildings being built where the Pike frat house used to be and told stories of tailgating, parents’ weekends, and even recounted a few of my fuzzier memories, like how I was on a first name basis with the hotdog and French fry man at Boar’s Head. #college

At 5:30 we pulled right up to our dinner spot, South Kitchen + Bar, which is located in an old bank downtown. I had never been before so when Dad told me to pick a dinner spot I crossed my fingers I was picking a good one. Luck was on my side! The vibe is super cool- upscale without being snooty, old stained glass, and a lively vibe that didn’t get too loud for good conversation.

What a fun hour and a half that dinner was! We chatted old memories, favorite bands (Dad got to see Elvis, y’all!), and laughed and laughed, especially at what we dubbed the world’s tiniest martinis!

We talked so long we cut it a little close for the show, especially because we underestimated the parking situation. I got a quick running tour through Athens after finally finding a spot, but we only ended up being a few minutes late. Thank goodness for that because it was a performance I wouldn’t want to miss a second of. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it. Was. Phenomenal.

The sets, the casting, the musical talent, including the children was just incredible. If the production comes near you, I’d highly recommend seeing it! We soaked up every minute, clapping fiercely and letting the music hit us like it does. It was such a special evening that I’ll remember always.

We didn’t get back home until close to midnight and though I slept like a rock, I still fell asleep on the couch before 8:00 the next night, once the girls and I were back home.

I’m grateful I got a solid night of sleep because Saturday morning we were up and off to Lake Norman State Park for our first family camping experience.

We’ve been wanting to camp as a family for so long, and so we were psyched that Hailey’s Girl Scout troop organized an Earth Day camping experience to finally push us into making it happen. Since we were there with the scouts, the girls (they were so sweet to include Kaitlyn) were able to do crafts, hike, canoe, and even complete a service project that helped clean up and spread new rock dust around the picnic tables.

Kaitlyn’s shirt is from All Out Soul (free sample)

We had a picnic lunch by the water, spent the early evening tromping around the woods, and that night we had a campfire, complete with s’mores, of course!

The girls were on cloud nine and David and I really enjoyed chatting with the other parents. We lucked out with perfect weather and all in all, it was a pretty great first family camping experience. We left excited to plan our next family camping experience because when we are out in the woods, time seems to stop. 24 hours away felt like a week (in a good way) and it reminded me how good that is for our souls.

I have quite the list to tackle today, but I’m approaching it with a full heart and some new keepsake memories, so let the day bring what it does! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, too! <3

What’s a moment that has made you smile recently?

OR what is a great memory from your childhood that you have with one of your parents?