Wanderlust : Atlanta, GA 2013

For those of you that don't know, I am the oldest of five children.  I know that isn't a huge family, but in today's world it is usually a shocker to someone that any parents would do THAT five times.  (I know!)  I just remind them that since they got such an amazing child the first time, they figured they would try to have another equally as amazing.  So they tried, and they tried, and they tried, and they tried, and they...finally gave up because there was just no point in trying to match what they had gotten the first time.  Sad, but true.

Alas, in all of these efforts I did get some pretty cool siblings.  The middle one, my only sister, is every bit the middle child.  She came into this world demanding attention and hasn't stopped yet.  She is the drama queen, the artist, the writer.  She is a free spirit and free thinker.  Equal parts beautiful, smart, and talented.  (Are you jealous yet?  I am.)  

Weatherly graduated from college in Atlanta earlier this year and stayed to work in that wonderful city.  We decided to visit her in February (pre-graduation) and took the opportunity to explore a little of what Atlanta has to offer. We had previously visited the Georgia Aquarium in 2009 when I was pregnant with Canon and knew that he would absolutely flip over that place so we decided to take a repeat trip.  We were not disappointed.

 

Also, I think this is where I should point out that Canon ADORES his Aunt Weatherly.  She is loud and boisterous and lively.  Before he could speak, he actually called her "aaaaaaaahhhhhh!" because she made that sound all of the time and he associated playful yelling and screaming with her.  It should, then, come as no shock to hear that when we are with her, we barely get any Canon time in.  It is all aunt, all the time.  As it should be.

 

 

 

After seeing practically every square inch of the aquarium, we headed across the street to the Centennial Olympic Park, which is the legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games, held in Atlanta (um, obviously).  Anyway, the park houses some really cool events, like live music throughout the week, perfect picnic spots, and an amazing playground.  I'll give you three guesses as to where we ended up.  1, 2,...

Surprise!  I spent the time taking pictures (someone has to) while Canon and Weatherly had a ball. Shocker.

 

Climbing his first tree

While at the park, Canon noticed a group of boys that were about 6 years older than him running around playing together.  He thinks he is so big so he ran over to join in the fun leaving Weatherly to rest with the adults feeling heartbroken and discarded.  Before I could call him back, one of the kids looked at him, smiled and said "you want to play with us?".  Then this 9 year old saint looked at me and said (I kid you not) "don't worry, we will be careful since he is littler than us".  Someone give that child's parents a medal.  I swear the space station saw Canon's teeth from space.  He was overjoyed because he was running with the big dogs. Literally. Sort of. (har har)

After giving him some time to play (and after furiously searching my Around Me app for somewhere to eat), we left the park, headed to PF Chang's, and proceeded to stuff our faces with the most delicious noodles and lettuce wraps known to man. Probably not, but we were really hungry so it tasted like heaven.  

Of course, the obligatory IKEA run happened the next day.  Again, shocker.  All in all, a good time was had by all.  Next time we head to that city, we will hit up the children's museum and I will give you the low-down. (Um, I am not sure that I can pull that slang off so just pretend that sounded cool, ok? Thanks.)

So are there any places in Hotlanta that are a must-see or any restaurants that you recommend?  I'm dying to hear.