Happy Birthday Daddy!

My Sweetie turned 41 today!

These are the cupcakes that Campbell decorated for Daddy (and the rest of us!)

Campbell sure does love that Grandmother of hers!


WHEN do we get to eat the cupcake?

Hey There Campers!

Well, it is that time of year again. Time for the time-honored tradition of Camp Viola!

These three are a FORCE to be reckoned with! Wendy, Coleman and Lori handle this LIKE IT'S THEIR JOB! Well, I guess, for the week, it is. Anyway, they have two years under their belts, and the kids are better for it!

The crew!

HOLA!

Happy 68th Birthday Jim!

We went to pick up Munchkin from her Grandparent's house today (they were sweet enough to babysit for us last night). We stayed because it was Jim's birthday! We went to, guess which type of restaurant? Of course, we made him wear this crazy hat!

They're Playing....Bas-ket-ball...

My Darling Husband plays on the Church League team for our Church, First Presbyterian. They have the best time running around like boys. Tonight, they played in the first round of the playoffs. They thought there was no chance - but, THEY WON! We are so proud!

Daddy's Girl

In case you didn't know!

Because, You Just Can't Make This Stuff Up!

Mama Bear and Baby Bear are making dinner in the kitchen,
Daddy Bear comes home...

Daddy Bear gives Mama Bear a kiss and asks how her day went.

Mama Bears says, "I'm Pooped".

Baby Bear gets up from playing in 'her' kitchen, frantically looks around on the floor and says...

"Where?"

It's A Date!

SO, my Sweet Hubby and I realized that we have not been going on many dates 'one-on-one'. For Christmas, he surprised me with 3 completely planned date (I mean, babysitter arranged, tickets purchased, restaurants chosen, times and dress codes decided, etc. etc.).

We started this first date with some yummy Korean fare and conversation...

OK, you may not know this about me...I LOVE to go bowling! It is so relaxed. Of course, I'm horrible at it, but, who cares! We had a great time, had a few beers, and I never broke a score of '100'!

5 Questions

One of the sweetest parts of my day, is when I hear Campbell call from her bed...
"Daddy, I have 5 questions for you."

Coleman started this months ago. After she has been tucked in, she has said her prayers, we've read her books, and I have given her a kiss - he asks her what questions she has for him. Let me tell you - you never know what you are going to get. Many times, it involves whatever she is looking at in that moment. It is so cool to hear how inquisitive that little brain can be. Below are her questions from last night.

(1) How does hair come out of your head?

(2) What is a scalp?

(3) How does the umbrella get open over your head?

(4) How do Popsicles get way down to your tummy?

(5) How do Ibbies stay warm?

It just warms my heart.

Whew! What a Great...

AND Tiring Day! We started off at...

Hollis Hand's Fall Festival.

This is our second year attending. And, just like last year - she wanted to head straight to the 'bouncies'. Every time she is on one, she reminds us that her next birthday party will be at a 'bouncy place.' Really?


Also, like last year, she thinks she wants to ride the train - and changes her mind. Here are a few friends that we ran into while we were there.


Next stop, Chili Cookoff.

As you may notice, the girls weren't AT ALL interested in Chili. The local merchants were passing out goodies to those in costume. Of course, the fountain had the usual lure. Next stop...


Legging It for Literacy Tot Trot

The girls showing off their medal!

If you look closely, these adults are showing off their tired, sleepy eyes!
For a day that started with no plans - we sure had a great one!

What's the Word?

THUNDERBIRD!
Coleman has seen the Blue Angels, but, couldn't pass up the opportunity to also see the USAF Thunderbirds as we passed back through Atlanta. I have to admit that I thought it would be alright, but could have gone either way. BUT, when I saw them (HEARD them, FELT them), they were pretty amazing! I was so glad that I got to enjoy the day with my sweet Hubby (enjoying something he wanted to do!).

Rehearsal Reunion

We enjoyed spending time with old friends this weekend to celebrate Kevin and Emily's wedding. Friday night started off with some great stories and amazing food at the rehearsal dinner. Here we are with Emily, Kevin, Bob and Becca.

Sesame Street Live!

These guys COULDN'T WAIT to see Elmo! We went with some friends to take THE KIDS to see Sesame Street Live in Atlanta. It was lots of fun, if not completely silly and goofy. (And I'm just talking about these 2!)

Daddy's Girl

We got to enjoy the pre-game tailgate show for the local football game tonight. Our little girl enjoyed talking on the radio with Daddy.

Happy 40th Coleman!

Campbell and I made a great dinner of all of Coleman's favorites. It was topped off with banana pudding that Campbell and I made together.
He got a really cool camcorder from us and some parents (thank you!). Maybe we will post some new videos in the near future!

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Birthday Vices

For all of the adult years of my husband's life, his family has taken some time between his sister's (Kim) and his birthday to celebrate the two occasions. Then, you add in Campbell and Phil (who are both in August too) - and you have a REALLY big reason to celebrate. We got together at Kim's for the afternoon. Of course, it was great being with family.

OOOOOOHHHHHHHHH....

"I'm a Lumberjack, and I'm OK!"

My hero! - He rid our little spot on the planet of 3 sweet gum trees (if you don't know, the tree shade is GREAT! - the *$&^*$ balls are a pain in the rear - or, bottom of the foot!)

That Table!

SO, there is this really cool table we have...
Step 1, 2004 - Our 5th Anniversary (wood is the traditional gift). Coleman and I are in the throws of a home remodel. We saved some of the wood to make a table
- for our 5th Anniversary.

Step 2, 2005 - Our daughter is born, we haven't made the table. As a wonderful gift, Coleman 'commissions' a table to celebrate her birth. We asked that it not be finished. (what were we thinking?)

Step 3, 2008 - For our 9th Anniversary, we decide to take a weekend break from our sweet girl (and my wonderful in-laws help in that endeavor). We WILL get this table finished. Check back later for updates!

Since we had the time and no 'wee one' around - we decided to refinish the adirondack chairs as well.

We could have just relaxed, but, what is the fun in that?

Meanwhile, Back at Camp...

Well, I've lost my hubby for the week to Lorri. Luckily, it is for a cause that is near and dear to our hearts. These two brave souls are co-chairing Camp Viola this week. She is there all day, and he arrives at 5pm and stays until 8 or 9 in the morning. ARGHH!

He has worked on this several years in different capacities - and loves it, even when things don't go perfectly. These kids make it all worth it!

We will catch back up with him when we can for breakfast and lunch - and then join for some fun on Tuesday at the Wild Animal Safari. See you then!

Another 4th at the Farm

Remember how families used to have family get together/reunions at least once a year. Well, as we all know - that is getting harder and harder to do. On my Mom's side of family, we stopped big 'everybody' get togethers when my Grandmother passed away - maybe before that (there were well over 100 of us!). We used to get together every year with my Dad's brothers/sisters/Mom/cousins until about 5-6 years ago. It is sad, but, people are busy and their families grow/change
- which makes it more difficult to arrange.

Grandmother, pictured here with her "make you smile, wear you out, one and only" granddaughter tries very hard to get the family together once or twice a year (along with help from Granddaddy).
This is no small feat. Consider that only about half show up,
and we had 27 there.

We have a great time at this annual family event and celebration of Independence Day.

Happy Father's Day!

We enjoyed a wonderful couple of days at the lake in Wedowee with Coleman's parents and sister/family. Getting in the lake was most appreciated on such a hot day!

I can't even tell you how many photos we took of these three monkeys. Can you believe that this is the ONLY photo that is (1) in focus and (2) has all three looking in the general direction of the camera!

These two took out a moment from the festivities for a quick hug.