Previous road trip recaps: Lake Anna, VA and Asheville, NC.
We were still full from the local grub we enjoyed in Asheville when we arrived in Huntsville about five hours later. But there were many more (homemade) Southern delicacies to devour, thanks to our sister-in-law, Megan.
Now I had never heard of this northern Alabama city until last year when Nick’s brother’s family told us they were moving there following BJ’s graduation from the University of Michigan. And just a few months later — right before we shared our baby news — Nick’s parents announced that they, too, were relocating. (Glad we visited them in southern California while we had the chance!) Then a few months after that, our friends Anna and Ryan secured jobs and bought a house in — you guessed it — Huntsville. Needless to say, Nick and I couldn’t wait to explore.
First on the agenda: a tour of BJ’s and Megan’s lovely new home. I would consider moving 12 hours south just for this beauty!
Next up: quality time with our 3 1/2-year-old nephew, Jackson, and our almost 10-year-old nephew, Sean.
See that tongue below? That’s the Wiley tongue. Nick’s dad does it; Nick does it; Sean does it; and I won’t be surprised if our Peanut does it, too. Apparently sticking it out like this helps when performing tasks like measuring tablespoons of sugar, drilling holes to hang picture frames, and hitting baseballs.
We also played with two endlessly energetic Jack Russel Terriers: Bailey and Shelby.
Did you know that Alabama is quite hot and humid in July? Obviously, a trip to the community pool was in order.
Also in order? A trip to the gloriously air-conditioned NASA Space Center, home of Space Camp! We learned about the history of the space program, pioneered by Dr. Wernher von Braun. We observed the immense Saturn V rocket. We watched an IMAX movie on the Hubble Telescope.
The boys loved it.
They love their Uncle Nick, too.
And so do I. It’s so much fun to watch Nick interact with our nephews. It gives me a glimpse into the wonderful father I know he will be in just a few short weeks. He even surprised me several times with his willingness to discipline our youngest nephew. Though I believe if we have a little girl, she will have daddy wrapped around her pudgy little princess fingers.
Did I mention that I also celebrated my birthday in Alabama? We went out for barbecue, of course. We enjoyed pulled pork, ribs, baked beans, potato salad, and sweet tea at Dreamland Bar-B-Que where the decor is still reminiscent of a 1950s café.
The smoked meats were good, but the banana pudding was outstanding.
So was the company.
We had such a wonderful three days in Huntsville. And next time we return, we may just have two more houses to visit!
Next Stop: JMU
The tongue! How funny. It will be interesting to see if Peanut takes part in the tradition 🙂
Hi Emily! Great recap of your trip to Huntsville. It was great having you and we’ll look forward to your next visit with Peanut! You nailed the “Wiley Tongue!” Jackson does it too. It seems to be a male trait though, so we’ll just have to see for Peanut! Love to you and Nick! I can’t wait to hear about your first ice cream recipe! 🙂 Hugs, Megs
So glad to hear that you guys had Dreamland banana pudding! I think it’s the best I’ve ever had in the South (and I’ve tried many:)).
Happy belated birthday!!
I would have loved the Space Center too. Looks like tons of fun!