Weekend Visit

My mom arrived on Sunday afternoon and left a few hours ago- fast but excellent visit. The kids were so happy to see her- getting to read books with her, getting to be held by her, evening walks with her...you get the gist. All of them got some quality time with G-Ma. The weekend went by fast, and with the rain we did not get to go outdoors as much as I had planned- but we did get a few important things checked off. My mom and I knocked around a lot of local shops alone one day as the rest of the house napped. We got to catch up on all that way going on (we do talk several times a day by phone, but nothing beats sitting on the porch during a storm in rockers chatting). This morning mom and the kids and I went to the recreation center and walked and then met Tommy for lunch at teh best BBQ place for lunch. Please come back soon- you are missed already!!!

Way Too Much Fun For A Friday Night...

On Friday some of our good friends came to share some good food and laughs. The only thing that has been more of a blessing that we all really enjoy each other is that our kids are all friends! With fried chicken, biscuits, watermelon, pizza dip and ice cream sundays and a lot of big personalities- it was a recipe for a great night.

The small gang on the porch; clockwise starting with Tyler- Alex, Carson, Lily, and Ellie holding Ella...while Ella takes a nibble of Lily's finger. And yes, that is Tyler's new smile he is trying out for pictures.

The big gang; starting from the left- Katie and Jeff, Tommy and me, Justin and Mairi. Tyler took this picture- we were desperate for a group shot.

Hammock time with Tyler and the girls (he was in heaven by the way).

8 Month Comparisons

I took a picture today of Ella that I could not stop staring at- something was so familiar. I went back through all of my old pictures until I found the image I was thinking of...Tyler at 8 months!

Night Walkers

Every night after dinner, our family takes a walk together. Nothing too fast or far, usually less than one mile. Tonight I brought along the camera to get some shots of the kids. I mainly was trying to play with the light and find out if I could take good pictures with a cloud cover. While she is still able to ride in the Bjorn, Ella now prefers the hiking backpack- and below is her expression whenever you try to get her to smile while riding.

Ella Is 8 Months Old!!!

No teeth to speak of, not a lot of hair to comb...but an over abundant dose of personality. Time is flying- happy 8 months Ella!

Kindergarten Bound

Today was a big day- Tyler graduated from preschool! Our church held the ceremony along with an end of the year performance. I told my self I was not going to cry, that lasted 30 seconds. My big boy is starting kindergarten in just a few month. It is unbelievable. So today was Ty's day. After church we made a lunch of his choosing- hot hogs followed by pudding pops. And while Carson and Ella took a nap, Tyler and I went rafting down the Tuckasegee river for 5 miles. He told me every 10 minutes that he loved me, so I take it he had a wonderful time. Tonight we ordered pizza and then took our nightly walk. Next to his birthday- today was pretty up there.

Tyler posed for pictures before the ceremony in his regalia.

Tyler posed again when lining up to sing for the congregation. He is the one doing the "Bill Clinton" thumbs up.

And Tyler's teacher,Ms. Gail, presenting Tyler with his diploma. We told him afterwards how proud we were of him to which he replied, "I am pretty proud too."

Disclaimer, the video is posted more for family (those that feel obligated to watch the entire thing). It lasts approximately 7 minutes. Pretty cute, precious, funny, adorable...but I don't want you to feel pressured. But if you do view it... count the "Bill Clinton's".

Trip Through Tennessee

Last weekend we made our journey through Tennessee. Since the rock slide was cleaned up- it made the trip a lot faster on I-40. We first stopped in Oak Ridge to visit my grandmother (my mom and sister's family were in Charleston on vacation) and then headed to Nashville. We stayed with Tommy's parents for the weekend. While there, we all were able to take the kids to see Tommy's grandfather who now lives in an assisted living facility in Nashville. On the way back home we made on more stop to see my sister and mom before heading back over the mountain. Enjoy the pictures of the trip!