Cornucopia

It's garden time again!!  We rented the same plot at the Black Mountain Community Garden.  We began putting seeds in the ground in May and we are just now reaping the benefits.  We all enjoy our time in the garden.  My mom would be proud.

Dad and Myles watering our plot.

The boys are always ready to help out.

Check out our squash and zucchini.

The Swannanoa River runs right next to the garden.  It's a perfect place to find crawfish.

This Spring we joined a CSA.  As a member of the CSA we got fresh, organic veggies every other week.  We never knew what we were getting which was fun.  I had to figure out how to cook a lot of items that I have never tried before.  We received kale every week....hence the Kale Chips.

My next creation was a kohlrabi and bok choy dish.  

Lake James

This past weekend we were invited to our friend's house boat on Lake James.  It was a beautiful day and the boys enjoyed every minute.  Myles even told me that, "this was his most exciting day".

We had cup cakes for our friends birthday.

Look at that goatee.

Grady and Eli loved the tube.

Dad and Myles got in on a little tube action as well.

Eli, Grady and Myles soaking up the sun.

Just to prove I was out there.  Myles took this pic.

Loving the cool water of Lake James.

Home Again, Home Again

We just got back from a great visit with my folks.  Aunt Duffy made the journey with me which helped out a great deal with the drive.  However, she will probably never get in a vehicle with a 3 and 5 year old again.  They were full of energy and strapped in car seats, never a good combo.  Thanks, Duffy!!  

Mimi came with us for our Smithsonian rounds.  The boys favorite exhibit was the "Titanoboa", a giant prehistoric snake.

We made it to the museums tarantula feeding.

Mimi bought the boys a slip-n-slide.  It was a HUGE hit.

Duffy and Myles did a little flower arranging. 

Do you see the garden fairy?

My mom's garden was amazing as usual.  This is a pic of Grady giving my mom's friends a tour of her garden.  That kid can talk to a brick wall.  He is in his element when talking and teaching.

Myles, on the other hand, prefers to be alone or in the company of a few people.

Papaw took the boys on dozens of ATV rides.  They would always end up in the creek looking for creepy crawlies.

Papaw also took the boys to a car show.  They loved it and are looking forward attending more shows.

We also took time to relax around the house.  Myles found all of my old stuffed animals.

Myles loves to dress up so when he found Mimi's hat collection he was in heaven.  I had to participate as well.

This is my favorite pic of the vacation.  My mom made my dad a cake for Father's Day.  Do you see where I get my cooking skills (or lack of) from?  It was great to spend Father's Day with my Dad.  Josh spent the day kid free, fishing.  

Grandparents

We had another fun visit with Gramma and Grandpa this weekend.  The boys were so happy to see them and hang out.  Josh and I even got to get out on the town.  Thank you for visiting it's always a pleasure.

The grandparents and grandkids

Love the faces

We took a trip to the Biltmore.

This is such a typical Myles face.  He sure can give a stink eye.

Ice Cream at the Biltmore

Grady's "Rockin" Party

We had Grady's birthday party last Sunday at one of his favorite places, Chimney Rock Park.  He wanted all of his reptile and furry friends to be at the party as well.  Emily was nice enough to leave me a set of keys to get all of the animals out.  We ate cake, looked at reptiles and hiked to the waterfall.  It was a perfect birthday for my nature loving kid.

Grady requested a "trout cake".  Ummmm, this is what I came up with.  I got the fish part right but it's not a trout.  More like a rainbow colored goldfish.

I love this series of pictures.  Myles had a very devious look in his eyes when I lit the candles.

Josh noticed said look.  Myles still thought it was super funny.  Can't you tell how well behaved he is???

Josh had to take matters into his own hands, literally.  He really wanted to blow out those candles or make his big bro scream.

What a view for a party.

Grady's best buddies, Lilyanne, Eli and Gaelen.

The kiddos had to climb every root, hill and rock pile during the hike.

We made it to the waterfall.  The hike was 1.5 miles and the kids did a great job.

How cute is this?  Myles and Anika were having a very in depth conversation.