A Visit to Virginia

We had another great trip to Mimi and Papaw's house. This time the boys and I flew up there. I have to say, it was much easier than the 7 hour car ride. The boys did a great job on the plane, despite the fact that G sung "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" for half the flight. At least he was happy! I think the people around him wanted to change seats after the 100th rendition.....

Mimi's garden was beautiful, as usual.

The boys spent hours looking for bugs and creepy crawlies.

Per G's request, we hit the museums again. The Natural History Museum was a big hit with both boys. Even Myles enjoyed the animal and dinosaur exhibits. He was looking at a tiger in this pic and growling.

G loved the Insect Zoo. He even got to hold real bugs.

For being a big mama's boy, Myles sure gets adventurous when we are out in public. He loves to wander which makes for an interesting excursion.

Papaw and Grady made a birthday cake. Grady was a great helper.

The finished product. G requested that it have strawberries on it.

Myles helped eat the cake! (Notice the pillow fort on the sofa.) The boys pretty much wrecked Mimi and Papaw's house.

Grady and Mimi, hanging out watching some TV.

We got a lot of relaxing time in. I actually finished a book in two days as my mom kept the boys occupied. It was great!

G and Uncle Will.

What's wrong with this pic....? Will pushing a stroller!! Looks pretty funny, huh?

Papaw let the boys help him mow the grass. What a treat.

Mini Reunion

Today we had a BBQ at my folks house. Two of my best friends from high school, Brooke and Blythe, came over with their kids and their mothers. We have been friends for 20 years now, how crazy! It is so great to watch our kids play together. They all got along really well and had fun getting to know each other. Too bad we all live so far away from each other. We miss you guys already.

I really wanted to get a picture of all the kids but that was nearly impossible. So, here are Lyla, Emery, Grady and Kendall. Oh, and the back of Myles head. (we were missing Bennett)

Kendall and Grady, holding hands. Kendall is a great big sister. I was very impressed.

The kids watching something...not sure what but it looks exciting.

Bennett, Brooke and Kendall.

Blythe's twins were adorable! I can't believe it was the first time I have ever met them. It feels like I have known them forever.

Typical boys! Bennett and Grady trying to catch tadpoles in Mimi's pond.

After they caught the tadpoles, they were putting them in the bird bath....logical place for tadpoles!

Even little Myles had fun trying to keep up with the big kids.

The girls were so sweet. Kendall was teaching them how to write their names.

Lure of the Dragons

This weekend was the 3rd Annual Lure of the Dragons, Dragon Boat Race held at beautiful Lake Lure. It's a wonderful event dedicated to raising money for local children's charities. This is the third year Josh and I have paddled for the Chimney Rock Park team. It also marks the first year that we have placed....we won second overall. Way to go, Chimney Rock!!! It is such a fun event and we can't wait until next year.

For you all who are unfamiliar with Dragon Boat racing, it's the fastest growing team sport in the US. Each boat holds ten paddlers, a drummer and a person who steers the boat. The boats are similar to canoes but longer and more narrow. Each race lasts about 1-2 minutes.

Here's a shot of the front of the boat.

Our team...Go Chimney Rock!! We raced against other companies, agencies, and clubs from the area. Each boat raised money for children's charities.

The festival was complete with Chinese dragons, martial arts, kids activities and other vendors. Grady is getting to be a pro in the bounce houses. I wish I had a picture of him acting like a wildman. Even Myles jumped around in the house.

Dragon parade

Myles was not sure what to make of all the dragons.

At the end of the day, Myles and Grady found a big mud puddle...go figure. At least it was the end of the day. They had a circle of fans around them as they splashed in the mud. Two women came up to me and said what a great mom I was for letting them play in the dirt. I didn't tell them that secretly, I wanted to turn a hose on them right then and there!

Grady's First Field Trip

Today was Grady's first field trip with Montreat Morning School. We had an absolutely wonderful day. The weather could not have been better, sunny and breezy. The kids were invited to a local farm where they spent the morning enjoying the outdoors. They were able to canoe, ride horses, play in the stream (burrrr!), and jump on the various tractors. The kids were in heaven.

Grady's first mission was to ride the tractors. He spotted them as soon as we pulled up.

The boys and their teacher, Miss Spicala

I thought this was such a cute picture.

Grady's first horseback ride. He loved it and made everyone laugh as he talked the entire time. I overheard a bit of his conversation..."Do you have cows? I like cows. "Do you know cows have udders? I use to call them others when I was a baby. Do you have dogs? I have two dogs, one is a border collie? " This rambling went on for the duration of his ride. I guess he was comfortable on the horse. What they didn't realize is that this incessant talking goes on ALL DAY!

What does every little boy have to pick up and swing around when they are outside....sticks, of course.

Despite the freezing cold temperature, Grady played in the stream forever.

Myles enjoyed the cool water too but only for a short time.

G loved the canoe ride. He was trying to catch fish with his hand or so he said.

Ready to ride in the canoe.

Hanging with Hockenberry

We had so much fun hanging out with Lisa and Lily. It's awesome that Lisa and I have been close friends for so long. Now, we can watch our kids play together. Totally amazing! Thanks, Lisa. Let's do it again soon.

What better than a cold sprinkler when it is in the 90's?

Myles enjoyed the mud puddles as most little boys do.

Myles wasn't so sure about the water at first.

But it didn't take long before he was running around laughing.

Lily didn't like the cold water at all.

If G could have had his way, he would be in the sprinkler until a pool formed in the yard.

Myles and Lily

Sweet little Lily. She was such a pleasure to be around. All smiles (with the exception of the sprinkler incident) and so easy going. She just goes with the flow. She didn't even mind two crazy boys running around her house. Actually, I think she enjoyed watching them....from a distance.

Columbia Crawfish Festival

This weekend was the annual Crawfish Festival in Columbia, SC. We decided to check it out and spend some time with my college roommate and dear friend, Lisa. It was all you would expect from a Crawfish Festival, beer, Cajun music, and of course, crawfish. I am not a huge fan of crawfish or any other crustacean, but Lisa and Josh filled their belly's with them. Despite the 90 degree temperature (gotta love Columbia!), we had a blast!

The huge crawfish was a big hit with Grady.

Lisa, Lily and Mr. Crawfish

Here are the supposedly delicious crawfish. I just couldn't bring myself to eat them....all those legs and little eyes.

Josh loves 'em.

Grady even ate his fair share. Myles decided to share my veggie burger instead. If you're wondering why Myles wasn't in any pictures is because he was exhausted. He didn't go to sleep until 1am as we were not at home. Myles pretty much refused to get out of the stroller. I never let him out in public with a pacifier but this was an exception. He also demanded that he bring his blanket along too.

Grady checking out a crawfish. He was fascinated!

I swear Grady is part chimpanzee. He climbed this wall so fast, I hardly had time to snap a picture. We were all impressed.