Ally’s Big 2-9!

It’s Ally’s birthday! WOOOOOOO!

To celebrate turning the big 2-9, we decided to do a family camping trip up to Lake Unicoi in North Georgia. Located about 30 minutes outside of Helen, it was the perfect location to set-up camp, literally.

Mia and Ally headed up early to try to pick out a prime camp spot. With the park being sold out for the weekend, they knew they had to get their early to beat out their fellow campers to the prime sites. After scouting out the different areas, Mia picked one of the best spots out there, right next to a park and some walking trails.

Before unpacking the car, the girls decided to check out the park and explore the area around their campsite. UNFORTUNATELY, right off the bat they got to experience one of the joys of nature – wildlife and insects. Mia was walking under a tree and received her first ever bee sting. She was devastated, as you can imagine, and could not stop crying. We were worried for a second she was going to give up on camping all together. Patrick was still on his way up to the campgrounds, and the sun was setting and Al was trying to console the hysterical Miabella.

FORTUNATELY, we were blessed enough to be at a campsite next to another mother-daughter camping duo (although the daughter was high school age rather than 4) that took sympathy on  pregnant mom Ally and the crying 4 year old. The mom came down with an emergency kit and gave Mia some topical bug bite relief and ice which immediately helped calm Mia down. Next they proceeded to help unload and hike up our entire car, and then helped Ally set up the tent, as it was getting dark and Patrick was still stuck in traffic. It was such an unexpected act of kindness that really meant the world to us. Looking back, I don’t know how I could have gotten through that evening without losing it myself had they not been there. Patrick got in shortly after, and we feasted on delicious campfire grilled hotdogs and sandwiches.

The next day, was SO hot so we decided to throw on our swimsuits and head over to the lake beach. Mia had a blast swimming in the warm water and playing in the sand. It was such a beautiful day and we had so much fun! With every intention of going fishing, we brought the raft and decided we were having to much fun to leave the beach! Exhausted after a long day in the sun, Ally decided to take a nap when we got back to the campsite. While she was sleeping, sneaky Patrick and Mia decorated the whole campsite to celebrate! So special and so cute!

Sunday we headed back home where a FEAST of lamb and chicken, expertly prepared by Grandpa Jim and Granny, awaited us. Topped off with a delicious birthday cake, Ally could not have asked for a better birthday! Last year of the 20’s, here we go!!!!!

Birthday fun!