2nd Anniversary!

The last 2 years have flown by! We looked at our wedding pictures, and it seems like not long ago. Last year we went to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, where we met up with Mama and Daddy. It was so much fun, and the leaves were changing. What a great 1st anniversary. This year we looked at cruises, maybe a Las Vegas trip, maybe just a weekend in Orlando. We just couldn't make up our minds. Our indecisiveness turned out to be a blessing. When we got the word that Uncle Richard was so sick, and I came for a visit in August, our minds were made up: 2nd anniversary would be a trip to Mississippi. This was the longest amount of time I have spent there since leaving in 1997. Our goal for this trip was FATTEN UNCLE RICHARD UP before his next chemo. Robert made wonderful bread, smoked gouda alfredo, pizza, and spaghetti. We opened the last bottle of our wedding wine that Scott (Robert's brother) made and toasted our anniversary, family, health, and trip. Uncle Richard looked wonderful!! He is working so hard to eat well and do everything the doctors are telling him. He has the best attitude!
We went to Tunica, Mississippi for our anniversary. We stayed at a beautiful casino, had a jacuzzi suite, and had a great time. The view of the Mississippi River from our 29th floor room was breathtaking! I was able to pick up some great Mississippi State stuff too. We got back in time to see Eddie and Justin, and watch most of GLEE! We went to the Canton Flea market while we were visiting. I saw some very creative things that have put me back in the artistic mood! I was able to get some cotton and hope to grow my own cotton plant here. They were picking and ginning cotton. I LOVE FALL!! We were able to visit the gin where Daddy works and watch the process. It is amazing to see how it all works.
We showed Uncle Richard Google Earth, which he loved! We "flew" all over the world, and made plans for future trips for him, which was not something he could have imagined possible 2 months ago. He will be getting his 4th chemo on Wednesday, and a scan soon after that to check the status of the internal tumors. We are hopeful that they are reacting the same way the skin tumors are!! The last night we were there Aunt Wilma planned a cookout for us. We aren't going to be able to make it for Thanksgiving, so this was our early Thanksgiving. It was so much fun!! Aunt Wilma made burgers, with lots of sides, sweet potato pie, brownies, YUMMM!! Uncle Richard's friend Country Jack visited and brought his guitar. He has the BEST stories, and wonderful songs!! It was such a special time!! I am so grateful for the time we spent our family and the hard work that went into the cookout!! GREAT TIMES!! It was hard to leave, but I feel so much better knowing Uncle Richard is doing so well!!
We stopped by Fairhope to see Marcus on our way back. I think we found the perfect town. I now know why Marcus has been trying to get me to visit for 8 years. I WILL live there!! It has the most adorable downtown area, is right on the bay, has flowers everywhere, houses with wrap-around porches and has to be perfection!!
We made it home at midnight, and I am still tired, so I may have to tweak this post as I get rested. Shannon