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?

Anniversary...

I can't believe it has been 9 years! It seems to have flown by. Can't wait for the next 9!

Love you Sweetie!

I Love Pete the Cat!

In awe of 'Mr. Eric'! He is signing with a rhyme. Apparently our girl likes her eggs scrambled?
This is her 3rd year in a row to see him at the library summer reading program. His music keeps me sane when other kids' music fails!

Her current favorites? "I Want Chocolate Pie" and "The Three Little Pigs". Check them out for yourself! Click here for his website.


Along with Emma Frances, she gives the new book her seal of approval.

Wild Animal Safari

We tagged along for the group trip to the Wild Animal Safari. The bus was a little crazy for her, so we went with the walking tour. It was nice to have some Daddy time.


The whole Motley Crew!

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!

TOO LOUD!

We enjoyed the evening in Franklin with friends watching fireworks and having a picnic. While the fireworks were quite lovely, and being on the river was beautiful - in the end, the decision was...


I love fireworks - but, they are TOO LOUD!

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.

An American Birthday Party

OK, you must bear with me. I have way too many photos on this post!
However, I just couldn't lay off these precious little kids!

Our neighborhood had it's second annual entry in the local
Sweet Land of Liberty Children's Parade.
When you see all these cuties, you will know what a shame it is that we don't get all these great kids together more often. We have an annual Easter Egg hunt, annual neighborhood yard sale, and we enter the kids in the parade.

Ellie, Campbell's new BFF. She always lights up if she sees Ellie in the neighborhood or at Church.

How cute is this little man in his airplane! LOVE the hat!

Even those little, little men can be a part.

The deal with the parade is that the 'floats' are supposed to be made by the kids with help from parents. Also, nothing can be motorized. Obviously, the parade isn't too long.
Mallie and her Mommy decorated this cool ride the morning of the parade.

Sweet Ashley was such a big girl and helped carry the banner this year.

Anna and Ellie decorated this scooter like crazy! They even made the newspaper.

Cole had another cool scooter.

Can you imagine riding a big wheel 8 blocks? I guess that is why you must be 19 and under to participate!

THIS is the way to ride. Kick back and relax.

Could he have a sweeter smile? I don't get too many opportunities to photograph an un-forced smile!

This little Diva is enjoying a late breakfast before the festivities.

By the time we lapped the town square,
she finally got the pageant wave down pat!

Fire Safety

This Wednesday was a special treat - the Bakers hosted Jack's 4th birthday party.

A fireman came to talk with the kids about fire safety. I was surprised at the attention span of so many children 4 and under.

He is all about fire trucks. I wish I had a photo of him when we brought in this cake. It was priceless. "Is that MY firetruck cake?"

The girls took the opportunity (and time away from swimming) to try out the newest birthday present. How cool is this?

Try It - You Might Like It!

I have no photos - we didn't take any. However, yesterday, while at the birthday party...

Casey and Coleman started discussing this Korean BBQ place just down the road from here. As there is a new KIA plant there, we expect that the changing landscape will include many yummy new choices. On a whim, we piled in the car last night with the Korneks and Lingenfelters - and ventured our way through some yummy and interesting culinary treats.

I was most concerned that the kids wouldn't be able to find anything they would like. They loved it! They had some type of broth-based soup, steamed eggs/onions, some ate the BBQ beef, etc. The adults tried most anything we could get our hands on.

I write this just to encourage everyone to try something new. Everyone didn't love it (the vegetarians in the group had a tough time finding meat-free options) - or every single thing. BUT, we did try something new.

What have you recently tried that was new?

A River Runs Through It...

OK - I know that is the cheesiest title ever - but, really...
it was River's birthday!
If you can't bring the cheese on a birthday...

This sweet boy turned 2, and I'm not sure what he thought about those candles.
Mary Maddox was willing to help out however she could!

He got the hang of it, enjoying those yummy cupcakes.

Mary Maddox enjoying some watermelon.

Did I mention the hats? The kids made (with some help) these great party hats.
This one is modeled by Rowan,

Abby Grace,

Jack,

and I believe you have met Campbell before?

After all that running, guessing the length of a blue whale, and swimming - the trusty sand box ensured that a nap would be in the near future!

Thanks for a great party, Melina and Greg!
And, Happy Birthday River!

Poolside Punch...

For an extra special episode of late-afternoon play date today...
we enjoyed poolside punch at the Lingenfelter's.

It was wonderful to just relax and catch up with the girls!
Oh, and the kids had fun too!

Leah's Birthday!

Happy Birthday to You,
Happy Birthday to You,
Happy Birthday Dear Leah...
Happy Birthday to You!

It was great seeing you guys at the beach. My little one can't stop talking about you two!

Squirmy Girl with Mommy

OK, the theme for photography during the trip...
I do not want to pose Mommy!
This was evident from both of the great little kids.
To be honest, who really likes to stop playing in the waves, dunes, pool to pose for a photo?

Not I, said the beautiful little girl!

A Room With A View...

Again, we had our favorite 2 rooms.
Here Campbell is enjoying the view.
She is practicing, on her toes, for some future dance recital.
What a priss!