Preschool Graduation

I can't believe my little man has finished preschool and is heading off to Kindergarten in the Fall.  This week Montreat Morning School had the sweetest graduation for the rising Kindergarteners.  They were all so proud of themselves.  Sorry, I took a billion pictures and posted half of them.  Who can resist 5 year olds in caps and gowns?

Grady and his friend Emilee, getting ready for the big show.

How cute is that?  He looks so grown up.

The church elders prayed over the children.

Grady, looking so pensive.  What was he really thinking?  

Now that's more like it.  He's using his diploma as a spotting scope.

In the program there were sentences about each child.  For instance, "Charlie likes math and is kind to others".  Grady's said, "Grady is observant and loves nature".    What else could an Environmental Educator mom wish for?  Love it.

Myles was very proud of his brother and let him take the spotlight.  It's kind of been the "Grady Show" all week with his birthday and graduation.  

Grady is Myles' hero.

Grady and Lilyanne.  Can you tell Grady was sick of taking pictures at this point?

Oh, Grady, what will you grow up to be?  During the ceremony all the graduates had to answer that question.  Most said, "animal doctor" or "doctor".  One little girl yelled out, "princess".  Grady's answer....."COAST GUARD".  Who knew?  We will just have to wait and see.  Whatever he chooses to do, he will be the best there is.  There is no stopping this guy.

Happy 5th Birthday, Grady

I can't believe my baby is 5 years old.  Where did the time go?  Grady we love you more than you will ever know.  Your laughter is infectious and your curiosity never ceases to amaze me.  I hope you never lose your love for life or your enthusiasm.  You brighten every one of my days.  I am so proud to call you my son.

Opening presents!!

Gramma and Grandpa sent him a new bike.  Unfortunately, it was raining that day but I let him ride it all over the house.  He loves it.

Mimi and Papaw gave him a huge Chinook Helicopter.

Even Myles got a few gifts.  

Josh has been working late all week so my best friend, Kirsten, came over to celebrate.  She was nice enough to bring ice cream for a little party.

Lilyanne and Grady

Anika and Myles chowing down.

Fishermen

Josh and the boys have been really into fishing lately.  This Saturday was no exception.  I had to work at Chimney Rock for their Girl Scout Day so Josh took the boys down to the Swannanoa River.  They caught several keepers which they ate for lunch.  If you're going to keep it, you better eat it.

Nice catch.  

Can you tell I wasn't around?  There is no way I would let G kiss a fish.  I'm all about nature but this is taking it a little far.  Gross

Getting ready for lunch.....rainbow trout.

After a busy day of fishing, we walked around Black Mountain.

Smokey Mountain High

Okay, I know the song is "Rocky Mountain High" but we hit the Smokey's this weekend.  The Scalas took Gatlinburg, TN by storm, seeing all the sights.  We left Friday and after checking into our hotel we took advantage of the hotel pool and neighboring mini golf course.  

On Saturday, we woke up bright and early and ventured to Dollywood.  The boys loved every minute of the theme park.  They were able to ride more rides this year as they were a little taller.  We did make the mistake of putting Myles on the log ride.  When the ride stopped his tears started flowing.  Scared him to death.....epic parenting fail.  

On Sunday, we went to the aquarium.  I think this was their favorite stop as they are "science guys" (according to Grady).  

We are back home safe and sound.  I have a feeling bed time is going to be a cinch tonight.  

Our hotel had a great outdoor pool.  Check out G's moves off the water slide.  He couldn't get enough of it.

Dad and Myles enjoying the fountains.

Mom and Dad resting after 18 holes of mini golf.  Nice photo, Grady.  He's becoming quite the photographer.

Davy Crockett Mini Golf

He just looks like trouble.

I love when I have two snugly, sleepy boys.  It doesnt' happen too often.

We arrived at Dollywood.

Getting ready to ride the Ferris Wheel.

Dollywood

Back at the hotel.  We enjoyed the hot tub and indoor pool after walking around Dollywood.

Dad checks out the tanks at the aquarium.

Grady's favorite exhibit was the coconut crab.

Pufferfish tank

Myles loved the penguins.

Going through the shark tunnel.  

3rd Annual Crawfish Festival

It's finally that time of year again.  Time for the Crawfish Festival in Columbia, SC.  The boys look forward to this trip every year and I love it because I get to see one of my best friends, Lisa.  It's crazy how much Columbia has changed since my college days.  The campus has grown and is more beautiful than I remember.  I had a blast showing the boys around.  More importantly than my reminiscing was the festival itself.  Complete with food, drinks, games and music, the Crawfish Festival never disappoints.

The first thing we had to do when we got the festival was buy a steaming box of crawfish.

Grady and Josh devoured 3 lbs of crawfish.

Lisa, Lily, Myles and I chose to eat jambalaya, shrimp po' boys and french fries.

  The sign on the stage said "Columbia SC Famously Hot".  True to those words, it was hot, hot, hot.  

Lily and Lisa took a break from the heat.

Fair rides.....so much fun.

Grady loved the crawfish races.

What the best thing to do after a day in the hot sun?  Play in the sprinkler and eat watermelon, of course.

Nice shot, Lily.  

Thank you so much for everything, Lisa, Lily and Chris.  Come up to the mountains sometime soon.