More Atlanta Exploring

What a great day of adventure today doing things we have never done, overcoming fears and tasting some delicious southern food. We started the day riding the Marta train (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) from near our hotel to downtown Atlanta. Our kids have both been on a train most recently the monorail in Disney but somehow they forget this magical experience. When we arrived in Atlanta we were deep in the ground and had some major escalators to ride up to get out and Harrison was a little panicked about the distance.

Once we arrived we walked to our destination The Atlanta Aquarium and ate lunch at a nearby restaurant Johnny Rockets. Jason and I knew the kids would love the entertainment and sitting at the bar since we do not have one of these at home. After lunch on to the aquarium, I was very anxious about this stop since I have feared any type of underwater excursions and giant tunnels full of water filled with huge fish basically my entire life. But to my surprise I survived this and think have ALMOST conquered my fear, we will know for sure when and if I ever visit the Atlantis tunnel again on Paradise Island, Bahamas? The tunnel here at this aquarium had a moving walkway and I really think that helped when the giant whale shark swam over my head. I was not too crazy about the gigantic acrylic viewing window but it was pretty cool to watch from afar.

The next stop on our trip was to the Centennial Olympic Park and we discovered The Fountain of Rings which is the world's largest interactive fountain utilizing the Olympic symbol of five interconnecting Rings and what an amazing dancing fountain. The kids did not want to leave they were screaming with joy the entire time we were there.

The last stop on our trip today was to Mary Mac's Tea Room which is one of the South's best known restaurants and let me tell you it was out of this world and no kidding everything was homemade and it was so hard to decide what to eat but we all scored A+ on our selections! I had no room for the peach cobbler but you bet I got some to bring home, what could be more southern and Georgian than Peach Cobbler, calling my name right now.

www.marymacs.com

Video of the fun fountain

Governor's Mansion

Today we visited the Governor's mansion located in Buckhead, (2 houses down from fake rock house). A 24,000 sq ft home full of some of the most beautiful chandeliers I have ever seen and I think the kids were actually impressed too!! President Jimmy Carter was only the second governor to live here since it was built in 1968.

Door to the Governor's MansionOlympic torch 1996 Atlanta Summer games
Library full of books by Georgian authors, no childrens books in here

FAKE ROCK!!

The kids and I have been having a game for some time while living in NC finding fake rocks and they are usually situated next to a modular or a double wide home but today we found the fake rock of all fake rocks and to top it off we found 2 in the same yard. We found it in Buckhead which is an uptown district within the city of Atlanta, promoted as the "Beverly Hills of the South".

This fake rock was found in the side yard of the home below perching on top of something the homeowner is ashamed to display

Located on Pace Ferry's Rd

This rock located in front yard, see in photo below to the left in middle of drive

This home is located across the street from the fake rock house

According to Forbes Magazine, Buckhead is home to the 9th wealthiest zip code in the nation.

Here is my question, if you can afford a home worth many millions could you also afford some fabulous landscaping to disguise your fake rock or maybe a lovely real rock to place in front of whatever eyesore the fake rock just draws attention to. At least in NC we know the fake rock is a major investment and is considered landscaping to them. This goes to show you that you can take the hillbilly out of the country but you can't take the country out of the hillbilly.

Day 2 in Atlanta

Day number 2 in Atlanta was filled with lots of fun, excitement and education. The kids and I started the day off at the pool which we had all to ourselves with no lifeguards, no breaks for "adult swim" and some running and jumping in (not allowed at lifeguarded pools). Since we had the pool all to ourselves we decided to have lunch at the pool as well. Then it was off to the World of Coca-Cola downtown Atlanta. Visiting Coca-Cola was more for me than the kids but I thought there would be something they would enjoy; who knew it would be the tasting room full of 60 different drinks from around the world. We finished the day off visiting friends that live here in GA and while we caught up our kids all played and had the best time making new friends.

Starting the day at the pool

Lunch at the pool

We made it to The World of Coca-Cola

Ready for the 4D Theatre (not really)

The kids with the Coca-Cola Happiness factory lips

Olympic torch display

Signs, Signs everywhere theres signs

Tasting room, I myself did sample all 60 different beverages from around the world and the kids had fun in here too sampling at least one from each continent.

Free commemorative bottle of Coca-Cola

Atlanta behind

Hello Atlanta

After making it home from Ohio and resting over the weekend we were back in the car for another trip. This time we traveled with Jason on a work trip to Atlanta Ga. We made it to our hotel and the kids could not be more excited to stay in a hotel with an outdoor pool. Funny that all the traveling we do they never consider it a vacation until we are staying in a hotel.

Goodbye Ohio

Last day in Ohio and everyone had such a great time. Thanks Julie/Nana we all are grateful for taking us in and taking care of us, such wonderful memories were made.

Cousins at play

We all had a terrific time today despite the rain they were jumping and diving into Aunt Anna and Uncle Larry's pool. They had a pure blast, Thanks so much for the fun and the great snacks.

The boys and I went on a little adventure after leaving and visited our old homestead in Mayfield Hts and then on to the Preschool in Hudson both boys attended and finally drove past Carson's first house. They had a good time reliving some things they had forgotten. The girls played in Nana's dress up dresses and the boys with the help of Gramp's finally built the jungle gym. I am so happy they have had this time I know it will be great memories for a lifetime!

Cousins taking a break after swimming in the rain
Sweet friends

Accomplished buddies

Almost a mermaid

Perfect Princess