Lake Jocassee

Lake Jocassee, what a beautiful, peaceful, serene lake....until the Scala boys showed up.  Goodness, I would say it was an "enjoyable" trip but that wasn't really the word for it.  The kids had a blast but all 5 of us and a dog sleeping in one tent is not exactly relaxing.  We tried to make the best of it.

The lake was amazing.  We brought the boat down and cruised around.  It is almost completely undeveloped with waterfalls cascading down when you would least expect them.  When we were on the lake, I felt like we were in another country.  It was perfect.....if you could ignore the toot sounds coming from the boys and E's incessant attempts to climb over the bow of the boat.  Kids, gotta love 'em.

 

 

A view of the lake at dusk

 

Now doesn't this look cozy?

 

Seriously, it was breathtaking

 

My wild children

 

At least they are cute

 

Captain Myles

 

Notice the waterfall in the background

 

Of course, faithful Gumbo keeping watch

 

Good morning, it's 6 am.  Here's the problem with the 6 am wake up call, my boys are LOUD.  At 6 they were up running around, laughing and making fart sounds.  Needless to say, all the other campers were still sleeping.  I swear I threatened time out, took away toys and I think I even cancelled Christmas.  Nothing worked.  We packed up and took off.  We were leaving that day anyway but not that early.

 

Dinner time

 

E refused to sit on a seat and constantly attempted to jump ship

 

Dad and E

 

The boys and I went for an evening stroll

 

A surprise waterfall

 

E loves her coffee

 

See???

 

The water was freezing but that didn't stop Grady.

 

It was E's first camping trip.  She did great despite the fact that she woke us all up at 6.  She is usually a late sleeper but not in a tent with 4 other people.

 

So on the drive home, Josh and I were saying that we need to figure out something else for camping.  We love camping but cramming into a tent is not fun.  I was looking at Facebook and saw this!!  Josh's aunt is selling her trailer.  We called her and she offered us a great deal.  Bye, bye tent.  We are camping in style now.  The kids can make all the fart sound at 6 in the morning and not disturb the other campers!!

Spring Photos

This is a random assortment of photos that really didn't fit in any posts.  My dream is to make a book out of this blog....someday.  It will be a photo album/journal.  These pics would make fine additions to the yet to be printed book.  Happy Spring.

 

 

Can you tell my boys love Harry Potter?  I started reading the books to them at bedtime.  We are on book 6 and going strong.  The are obsessed.  I believe Myles' wand is a chopstick and Harry Potter's broom isn't neon green.

 

My favorite pic of the year.  Mom and Dad at home in Virginia

 

Lilyanne, Anika, Grady, Myles and E

 

The Queen wanted a ride.  They willingly obliged

 

Grady had his first sleepover a few weeks ago.  His friend Eli had a spend the night birthday party.  I was so sure we would get a call to come get him but he did it.  We heard he was the last one to fall asleep at 11pm.  He just couldn't stop talking....go figure.  My baby is growing up.

 

How sweet are they.  They love to cuddle.

 

Walking around town

 

Myles and Emmett.  What a mess.  Do you like what they wrote?  "toot" and "poop"  At least they were practicing their writing...... Can Kindergarden handle these two??

 

She is too cute for words.

 

Not a great photo but this is Grady's little play at school. 

 

Myles is obsessed with "As Seen on TV".  If he sees a commercial for a toy, he wants it.  Gramma and Mimi usually help him out.  Here is his with his Stompeez slippers, Tummy Stuffer and Cuddle up it. 

 

Little E has a following at the After school program.  While I'm teaching, she rides in a back pack but when I'm finished, the girls take over.

 

At the Biltmore.  Aren't they cute?

 

Grady pulling the kids in Melissa's horse cart.  I'm telling you, this kid never gets tired.  He could run around pulling this thing for hours.

 

A worm snake that I caught during my program.  Talk about a teachable moment.

 

You should see the terror on the grocery store workers faces when we roll down the isles.  Grady insists on pushing the cart which results in shoppers being mowed down and items being knocked off the shelves.  Not to mention that we are not quiet.

Grady's 7th Birthday

 Grady's 7th Birthday was a little more low key than last year.  He had several ideas about what he wanted to do and he finally opted for a party at Montreat Park.  He is so easy to please and finds happiness in any situation.  No big bash, just a few friends playing in the creek.  Grady continues to be a ball of energy and excitement.  Never tiring and always smiling.  His positivity is contagious.  He is one of those people that brightens a room when he enters.  How do I share the same genes with this kid?  Grady you make me proud, always.

 

 

I can't believe he is 7 years old.

 

 

Water guns and a creek.  Pure happiness

 

Grady better start handing out cake.  The natives look restless.

 

 

I hate party favors.  I think they are one of the stupidest birthday traditions.  Usually, a bunch of useless crap.  I attempted to find things that kids would actually use.  Sand buckets and water guns.  Very useful in my book.

 

Blowing out the candles

 

He really wanted to squirt out the candles.  I don't think creek water would add to the flavor of the cake. 

 

Myles and Emmett

 

Miss Priss loved some watermelon

 

Can you tell?