Visiting Grandpa in NC and family in GA

We woke up early at Uncle Scott's house and started driving to North Carolina to visit my grandpa and his wife, Gail.


We visited with them for dinner and stayed nearby so we could get on the road the next day. We started driving Monday morning extending our short trip to Athens, GA a little bit to do a little outlet shopping, but we got in before dinner. All of the family except the youngest two (Kelsey and Caleb) were home--quite a feat with 5 kids in college and my Aunt and Uncle's busy schedule. (L to R, this is me, my cousin Emily, Aunt Diane, and my cousin Joni)


It was wonderful to see my cousins again after about 5 years. Last time we were there, Joni was away, so I don't even know when I last saw here (though Ashley with her elephant's memory could probably tell you). We spent a great first evening there playing cards, talking, and enjoying one another's company. After sleeping in the next morning, Aunt Diane treated us to a delicious breakfast after which we all headed out to try our hand at skeet shooting.




It was our first time at a "redneck range" as well as the first time we'd shot skeet, and we had a blast. It was great to try Brembo out around gunfire (which she acted completely normal around) and test her ear muffs (which she didn't try to take off, so I guess they were working).



After skeet shooting we headed back home, had delicious enchiladas for lunch (yes, I really, really liked them), and left again. We first visited a little "animal range", which was sort of a cross between a petting farm and a local zoo. There were animals such as deer, ducks, goats chickens (mostly roosters, actually) and rabbits roaming free while coyotes, bears, hawks and mountain lions were caged. Interesting place.




After the zoo we drove over to Stone Mountain, a park initially started by the same man who created Mt. Rushmore at which you can see three Confederate heroes, Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis each riding his horse, carved into the face of the mountain. We got our spots on the lawn and waited for the Lasershow Spectaular to start. 'Chung got to try some more night photography, this time combining long exposure with flash.




The laser show was a tribute to Georgia, the US and especially to Georgia's music. I was amazed at the number of songs (mostly country) that have been recorded in or about Georgia. Good show.


Later that night 'Chung talked Joni and her little Sosa into modeling so he could practice another new hobby: taking headshots.