Laser Show Fun

The prequel to our big camping weekend in Stone Mountain. Tonight we had a ball with the sweet Smith family. Love you guys!

Pony Dreams

Last night, Kinsey had her best horse riding pals over for a sleepover while Max had a sleepover with his Nan and Granddaddy. Us girls had a busy, fun time filled with movies, swimming, blueberry picking and of course a trip to the barn. Love those sweet girls!

41.65

In honor of his FINALLY retiring after 41 years of service and in celebration of his 65th birthday, Granddaddy's coworkers put on an AMAZING surprise party for him (and 60 of his closest friends and family) this afternoon at Fort Yargo Park. It was a gorgeous day to be with him and recognize his accomplishments. The kids enjoyed playing with buddies and splashing in the lake while we enjoyed the fellowship and especially hearing the many testaments of how this wonderful man has impacted those all around him. Granddaddy, we love you and are so proud of you!

Four Seasons Farm

Show # 7 for the season. Kinsey and Joe with a 1st, 2nd and 3rd today!

MAG

Tonight, we got back from Charleston and headed to downtown Monroe for the Monroe Art Guild's Summer Show. Kinsey has taken several art lessons the past two summers and with the help of her teacher, Ms. Susan and her Nan, she was able to enter three pieces into this show. We were all sooo excited and proud as the judges results were revealed. Out of 30 youth entries, 7 received Merit Awards, and Kinsey's Horse piece was one of them. Way to go!!!

Salt or Chlorine--we don't care!

The kids have the most fun in the water when we're at in Charleston. Pool or beach, it doesn't seem to matter. We had a great time playing in the pool every afternoon and on our last full day, we spent the morning relaxing on Sullivan's. This is the life!!!

Playdate with Papadad

Since Nanny was a little under the weather, the rest of us tried to get away for a bit today. We started our morning at the Children's Museum. The kids favs were playing dress up on the pirate ship and in the castle and of course the craft room.



In the afternoon, we headed a bit north to Whirlin' Waters water park for some sliding and tubing fun. We spent most of our time at the giant bucket climbing structure although Kinsey loved the tube slides and Max like the speed mat racers.

Arrrrgh! from SC

So we've spent a lot of time eating seafood and playing in the pool on our trip. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous! Today we got out to the kids' favorite spot in town, Blackbeard's Cove (or just Pirate's Cove as they call it.) We rode go-karts, played putt-putt, climbed all over the "Poop Deck" and mostly spent our doubloons playing video games and trying to win big treasures with our tickets. Max loved his pirate costume while Kinsey opted for a giant Pixie Stick, a slinky and a stuffed pirate teddy bear.

Charleston Boats

Friday, the kids and I (with Jack following later that day) headed eastward for what would probably be our last beach trip of the summer. *Sigh* We were so excited to have the lovely Lamb family join us for the beautiful, but short, weekend. Papadad took us on a great harbor tour complete with a run-in with a big pod of dolphins. Sunday, Jack took his babies to see the Yorktown aircraft carrier before he had to head back to work.

Happy ROCKIN' Birthday!

After we got home from Michigan, Jack and I hit the ATL for a night out to celebrate his birthday late last month. We started the night with a stop to meet our sweet new cousin, Penson. What a handsome doll he was. Then we had dinner and went to The Fabulous Fox for a wonderful show, Broadway Musical Rock of Ages. It was a fun time singing along to all the 80's monster hits and watching the big-haired rockers jam on stage. And a bonus was that one of our fav American Idols from the past, Constantine Maroulis, was the lead of the show. Fun time!

Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park

Saturday morning before our flight out, the Hudsons took us to this beautiful botanical garden. There were beautiful sculptures, including this world's largest horse and a children's garden that focused on the five senses. It was a gorgeous ending to a wonderful trip!